What's coming up in theatres!

The Fear of NOSFERATU Comes to Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from writer/director Robert Eggers and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes another retelling of the story of NOSFERATU.

Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp) is a young woman living with her husband Thomas (Nicholas Hoult) in Germany. As an estate agent, Thomas is hoping that his position as Schloss Grunewald will give him an opportunity to bring a wonderful life for his wife. Called in to see his employer Herr Knock (Simon McBurney), Thomas is told that he would be traveling to visit the recluse Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgard) who wishes to purchase property in Wisborg.

Thomas asks friends Friedrich Harding (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and wife Anna (Emma Corrin) to look after Ellen as he travels to Transylvania. Arriving after weeks, he is greeted with hostility by the Romani townsfolk and witnesses a ritual that is shocking. Having to make the rest of the journey to Orlok’s castle, he is greeted by Orlok and the appearance is disturbing to Thomas. Yet, he does what he must to finish the paperwork so he can return home to Ellen.

Lord Orlok has other plans and it includes also wanting to return to see the lovely young Ellen. Thomas realizes that he must escape before the nightmares and their effects consume him. Near death, his makes his way home without realizes that Ellen is also suffering melancholy to be confronted by scientist Albin Eberhart Von Franze (Willem Dafoe). Olek has no choice but to sail for Wisborg in a rat-infested ship, using the scurrying creatures to cause havoc in his new hometown met by Knock.

Wisborg is struck by the plague and Thomas attempts to regain his strength as Ellen realizes that her own dreams and nightmares are caused by one thing. Now, Thomas, Dr. Wilhelm Sievers (Ralph Ineson), Von Granze and Ellen must come together with a plan that can put a stop to the madness and destruction happening in their town.

Hoult as Thomas is a man that clearly wants a standard of life for himself and wife Ellen. Accepting an assignment that could bring him financial reward, it could never have imagined what was truly to come. Hoult has truly spent the last few years covering almost every genre of film and standing out. In this film he is challenged with horror and a bit of bravery all in the name of love. Depp as Ellen is clearly a woman who suffers from a strange malady. Finding refuge in her marriage, it is only a temporary reprieve. Depp gives her character the look of a woman struggling to discover what is true in her life and what is madness.

Skarsgard as Orlok is a strange character but that is nothing new for this actor. The mystery is in how Orlok truly looks which is masked by shadows. Pennywise and Orlok do have a lot in common and that’s where Skarsgard wins. Dafoe as Von Franze comes across as slightly rattled in his own mind with zippy Shakespearean one liners causing a bit of chaos trying to convince everyone that there is a vampire present.

Taylor-Johnson as Fredrich is a wealthy man who befriends Thomas and Ellen. He loves his wife and children and as the world becomes unhinged, Taylor-Johnson character has a difficult time grasping the reality of the situation. Corrin as Anna loves her friendship with Ellen and is distraught at her condition. There is nothing Corrin’s character Anna won’t do for Ellen and it may cost her.

McBurney as Knock is the servant of Orlok but that doesn’t mean his opportunity to cause a little mayhem on his own isn’t possible. Creepy and dedicated, every opportunity McBurney is on screen is a chance to shock. Ineson as Sievers is a former student of Von Franze and doctor to Ellen. Seeking help to discover the cause of a young woman’s malady, he knows that his mentor may be a little off, but brilliant none-the-less.

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.

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 the Extended Cut and Theatrical Version, Deleted Scenes, NOSFERATU: A Modern Masterpiece and Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Robert Eggers.

NOSFERATU is a film that is grey, dark and filled with vampiric folklore. The characters felt more like this should be a dark and eerie stage production. The costuming is one of my favorite things about period pieces and the film definitely comes through on that score brilliantly. The women truly looked like the era and gave it such a richness to the story.

The cinematography was beautifully done with the eeriness of greys, blacks and a fogginess that lends feels like another character in the film. The music added a nice touch of intensity to the scenes. However, the 1992 film BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA continues to be my standard and this film hasn’t changed that opinion. It is interesting to note that every generation or so a Dracula film comes along and sticks with the audience of that era. My grandmother had her Bela Lugosi, my mother had Frank Langella, I have Gary Oldman and now Bill Skarsgard.

In the end – succumb to the darkness!

It is A REAL PAIN

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital and coming to Bluray in February from writer/director Jesse Eisenberg and Searchlight Pictures is a story of family, history and everything in between when dealing with A REAL PAIN.

David (Jesse Eisenberg) decides to take cousin Benji (Kieran Culkin) on a family journey back to their grandmother’s homeland of Poland and their Jewish roots. Flying into Poland, they are met by the tour guide James (Will Sharpe) and travel companions Marcia (Jennifer Grey), Eloge (Kurt Egyiawan), Diane (Lisa Sadovy) and Mark (Daniel Oreskes). They aren’t even gone a day but David is missing his wife Priya (Ellora Torchia) and son.

It doesn’t take long before he also becomes nervous about Benji’s outbursts. Being the reserved, working-class husband and father, his cousin is the total opposite testing the boundaries of convention and never in one place very long. David believes that taking this trip will help them both deal with the grief of their grandmother. As the trip begins, it is clear that Benji manages to connect with the group with his charm and humor and David struggles to accept his cousins’ behavior. During one stop of the tour, the group begins to see Benji’s struggles as he confronts James’ authenticity of being the tour guide.

Finally, at dinner, David comes clear with his own emotions regarding his cousin. It all comes to a head when they visit Majdanek concentration camp. Emotions come out of everyone as they come face to face with what is still at a camp that the Germans didn’t have time to completely destroy. Each step they take, David and Benji begin to see what their grandmother survived in her younger years. Visiting her home is the final destination before the cousins go home.

Arriving home, the two have final moments to remember that they are flawed human beings but that doesn’t make them any less cousins who love one another.

Eisenberg as David seems to be afraid of everything from making sure he is solid in his job for family security to what everyone else thinks of how he handles life. When Benji comes along with his brazen attitude and charm, it makes David physically uncomfortable. The only way he can deal with it is to go along to get along. Eisenberg has the uncanny ability to play the role of the guy feeling left out, sort of the square peg in a round hole syndrome. But Eisenberg also gives David the ability to slowly let his emotions come out in a way that is scary yet loving at the same time.

Culkin as Benji gets an opportunity to let just a little bit of Roman Roy (HBO’s SUCCESSION series) out to play with wit but it is this actor’s ability to rattle off lines with razor sharp precision that is attention grabbing. It is apparent that Benji has unresolved family issues as well as personal and perhaps mental issues. As much as David is tightly wound, Benji is free flowing and doesn’t have a filter or sensor that guides him. If he thinks it, he speaks it and Culkin delivers it expertly.

Sharpe as James is the statics and facts kind of tour guide. He knows everything about where he is taking the group but when Benji puts in his two cents, however harshly, it causes him to pause. Egyiawan as Eloge is an unexpected surprise to the group, why he is there is heartbreaking but also joyful. What a wonderful addition to the tour group. Oreskes as Mark is on this tour because of wife Diane played by the very compassionate Sadovy. Grey as Marcia is trying to find herself by remember where her family came from. It is wonderful to see Grey take on this role and immerse herself in the experience of two totally different cousins.

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.

The Bonus Features include Beautiful Fate: Making A REAL PAIN – Take A Tour through the heart and history of Poland while going behind the scenes of A REAL PAIN. Explore the themes of family and connection with Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin. Experience all the humor and humanity that brought this story to life.

A REAL PAIN has been nominated for 4 Golden Globe Awards® including Best Picture, Best Actor Jesse Eisenberg, Best Supporting Actor Kieran Culkin and Best Screenplay. The film won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.

The film begins with the feeling a lot of us have about that one person in the family who seems like an understandable and unexpected butterfly. Loving them from afar seems to be the safest thing to do yet David decides to try and help his cousin Benji deal with the death of their grandmother by a trip. Almost immediately David realizes that his cousin is going to not only test his patience but his own beliefs in life and family.

Eisenberg and Culkin are amazing together as they bounce off one another, although it seems Culkin is doing the most bouncing. As the film progresses, it is an opportunity to watch these two cousins air out their issues, try to understand one another and grieve the one person they both saw as the miracle in their family. There are moments between these two actors that are so sublime that I fell in completely.

This is a film of love, acceptance, raw emotions, the every day life of family, history, humor, and what it takes to be part of it all. A REAL PAIN isn’t just one person, it is a little bit of us all.

In the end – there’s always something about family!

Return to the Island with MOANA 2

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Digital and coming to 4K, Bluray and DVD 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 reasons 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.

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

Bonus Features Include Full Length Sing-Along, Call of the Wayfinder, Hear from Nainoa Thompson, A New Voyage, Songs of the Sea, Kakamora Chronicles, Fun in the Booth and Deleted Scenes with Call to Motufetū, Late to the Party, Crew’s In for a Bruisin’, Help Wanted, Odd Birds,Reunited, and Simea’s Chant.

The Song Selection includes:“We’re Back”,“Beyond”,“Finding the Way”, “What Could Be Better Than This”,“Get Lost”,“Can I Get a Chee Hoo”,“Mana Vavau”, “Beyond” Reprise,“Finding the Way” Reprise.

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.

The film is an adventure of family, love, loyalty, friendship and discovering who you are.

In the end – find the way!

The Story of Why I’M STILL HERE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Walter Salles and Sony Picture Classics comes the three Academy Award nominated film of I’M STILL HERE.

It is 1970 Rio de Janeiro and the Paiva family are living close to the beach. Father Rubens (Selton Mello) has brought the family back after being in extended exile after the 1964 Brazilian coup. Wife Eunice (Fernanda Torres) is raising their five children as Rubens takes up his career in engineering. It is slowly becoming clear that the military is around but Rubens and Eunice are focusing on their large family.

When another ambassador is kidnapped, the country starts to show signs of instability. The couple decide that they should sending daughter Vera (Valentina Herszage) abroad with friends. Shortly after, a group of men come to the Paiva home asking that Ruben go in to answer a few questions. Eunice keeps calm but wants to know the reason, instead, the men keep the family inside the home until further notice. That upsets Eliana (Luiza Kosovski), Nalu (Barbara Luz), Marcelo (Guilherme Silveira) and Beatriz (Cora Mora).

Trying to keep their normal routine, even housekeeper Zeze (Pri Helena) noticed what is happening around the home. Unexpectedly, Eunice and Eliana are taken in to answer questions as well and this is where the family’s world turns upside down. Eunice wants to know where her husband is and as time goes by it becomes clear that those who took him refuse to give her any answers.

The family comes together waiting for what could come next with intensity. That’s when Eunice makes decisions to take on the governments denials about her husband and stand up for those who need it the most.

Torres as Eunice is a wife and mother who is happy with her life and love of Rubens. Making plans to build a house in a beautiful part of Rio and taking care of their children, there is no way she could have seen what would be coming. Torres gives us a woman who stands her ground and becomes an activist against all the odds as well as all the dangers. She portrays a woman who, because of what happened, stands those who do wrong to others.

Kosovski as Eliana is a young girl who is brought into a situation of extreme danger that no child should be. She plays the role extremely well as she goes from fun loving kid to dealing with adult madness. Kosovski shows her abilities as a young actress and she is amazing. Herszage as Vera is a young woman about to see the world from outside her own. She shares the joy with her family and Herszage is also shining in this film. Helena as Zeze is completely aware of what is happening and tries her best to keep the children focused on other things. Helena is a strong silent character that is equal in many ways to Eunice

Luz, Silveira and Mora portray the three other Paiva children that are being protected by their mother about what is happening in their family, as they should be. I would think (at least I would) protect the young from knowing that their world is not a safe place.

Other cast include Fernanda Montenegro as older Eunice, Maria Manoella as older Vera, Antonio Saboia as older Marcelo, Humberto Carrao as Felix, Maeve Jinkings as Dalva, Caio Horowicz as Ricardo, Camila Mardila as Dalar, Charles Fricks as Fernando, Luana Nastas as Helena, Isadora Ruppert as Laura, Daniel Dantas as Raul, Maite Padilha as Cristina, Carla Ribas as Martha, Dan Stulbach as Bocaiuva, Marjorie Estiano as older Eliana, Gabriela Cunha as older Nalu, Olivia Torres as older Maria,

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

I’M STILL HERE has been nominated for Best International Feature Film, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role and Best Motion Picture of the Year by the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes gave Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama to Fernanda Torres, A Satellite Award for Best Actress for Fernanda Torres, and the Miami Film Festival gives Director Walter Salles the Audience Award, National Board of Review and Palm Springs International Film Festival awards Walter Salles their prize. This is only a small list of wins and nominations for the film.

Every actor gives a beautiful performance in this film based on the book Ainda Estou Aqui (I’m Still Here) written by Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s 2015 memoir. Torres leads the ensemble with brilliance and although her emotions aren’t outward, they certainly are in her eyes and every step she takes. Based on the reality of the Paiva’s family, the film is striking in every way and, if one were to think about it, a frightening possibility at any time in any country.

Director Salles doesn’t hide anything about this story but instead dives into the deep end of the ocean with the power of family, one woman’s fight against a corrupt government, and the hope that is held by them all. Watching Torres as Eunice, we get a mama bear mixed with a woman dealing with her own fears and grief. I don’t believe anyone with a heart could walk away from this film not being touched in so many ways.

In the end – she will fight the injustice!

It is Time to Fly Once Again with WICKED

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD this Friday from director Jon M. Chu and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment 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 include Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, Stephen Schwartz, Kerry Ellis, Luke Bayer, Georgina Onuorah and Dianne Pilkington.

Bonus Features include Sing Along – Alternate Feature Length Version, Deleted and Extended Scenes, Making WICKED, Welcome to Shiz, A Wicked Legacy, The Wonderful Wizard, Feature Commentary with Direction Jon M. Chu, and Feature Commentary with Stars Cynthia Erivo and Arina Grande.

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 Award Cameriage 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.

The film is very colorful with a 2023 Willy Wonka and Harry Potter school type deal with spells, witches, wands and outlandish characters. Galinda is washed in Pepto Bismal so much than her brain is basically mush but enough left for her to be sweetly dastardly.

Elphaba - I give a nod for 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? The story is created from a screenplay by Winie Holzman and Dana Fox but the stage musical was by Stephen Schwartz and Holzman and is “loosely” based on the 1995 story by Gregory Maguire. Now I have to go read the book!

My granddaughter is happy to be home with mom and dad basking in the glow of a shared experience. I’m here for that absolutely and see that WICKED hits a target audience who are going to be just as thrilled that they will be able to watch at home again and again. The color, the songs, the dancing, the few giggles is exactly what fans expect. Get the kudos, get the awards and make the fans happy because I’m all for that absolutely.

Grab up every musical lover you know, grab up every WICKED fan who is excited, for the kids and the kid at heart, and come together once again (dressing in costume is optional) but always fun, make sure you get a comfy seat and prepare to look towards the western sky!

In the end – everyone deserves the chance to fly!

VIETNAM: The War That Changed America

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Apple TV+ from director by Rob Coldstream and A 72 Films narrated by Ethan Hawke is an in depth look at the conflict through archival footage and first-person

accounts of VIETNAM: The War That Changed America.

Starting with the Episode One – Boots On The Ground, it is July 1965 and C.W. Bowman is an 18-year-old young man who discovers he’s been drafted to Vietnam. The draft is happening and Malik Edwards and Philip Van Colt are headed to the Marine Corps. Also, 75,000 combat troops are sent to Vietnam as well. Gary Heeter is a young man fresh out of high school in Texas going into the Army and meets Bowman and the two become inseparable. When they arrive in Vietnam, they are greeted by camera crews. Now, it’s a fight with the Communists in North Vietnam and the U.S. ally, the South Vietnamese.

The Battle of Ia Drang begins in November of 1965 and Tony Nadal of the U.S. Air Calvary is commanding the troops and again, camera crews are there. A very young George Forest is there and admittedly scared. The camera catches that fear and the firefight that ensues and, unfortunately, catch death as well. Month go by and now there are 250,000 troops in Vietnam. During a sweep, a battalion discovers a tactic by the North Vietnamese also called Viet Cong – underground bunkers. Bowman and Heeter become tunnel guys, or “tunnel rats”, and they become known for it. This isn’t the only place there are tunnels as Bay Hon and Vo Thi Mo, both Viet Cong, explain that they believe that Americans started the war and did not understand the Vietnamese people. They have one goal – tunnel to Saigon.

In 1967, Operation Junction City has 30,000 U.S. soldiers are sent in to find Viet Cong headquarters. The “tunnel rats” Bowman and Heet are busy but in one moment, that all changes. The soldiers begin to realize that the Viet Cong are not going to stop nor are they typical adversaries. In December 1967, things become more intense One hundred towns and cities are about to experience the unimaginable.

Episode Two – Uprising, U.S. President Lyndon Johnson promises the war will be won. He does not yet know what is coming. In Saigon, Dang Yuan Teo is one of the Viet Cong who are scoping out the city for weak spots. On January 31, 1968 the Vietnamese New Year called Tet, there is supposed to be truce for the day but it is further from that. Paul Healy is with the U.S. Military Police and due to go home. He receives an alarming call that the American Embassy is under attack and cameras are everywhere filming it all. At the same time, dozens of attacks are happening in the streets of Saigon.

Young Vietnamese like Bay Hon and Vu Ming Nyhia are fighting the U.S. and South Vietnamese soldiers for very personal reasons. Although Saigon and surrounding areas are attacked, six hundred miles away in Hue, John Baywell (U.S. Army) is a radio DJ starting a station there. At two in the morning, this sleepy town does not remain sleepy much longer. Alex Wells (USMC) is sent to Hue on the chopper ride in, they are quickly shot at. Capturing it all is female journalist Thea Rosenbaum. She has landed in the middle of a fight that will last 14 days. By February 1968, 23,280 U.S. soldiers have died.

Beginning Episode Three – Not My War, Huan Nguyen, a South Vietnamese civilian speaks about a photo seen world wide and how it pertains to him. When he was nine years old, a horrific event takes place that speaks of the effects the war had on children into adulthood. The U.S. sends in 36 Battalions as a response to Tet and head straight to the Cambodian border and what is to come is one of the biggest battles as the U.S. calls 200,000 more soldiers. In the Mekong Delta, soldiers are sent to tackle the Viet Cong there as Melvin Pender (U.S. Army) is leading his group. Boats are loaded with weaponry and flame throwers to tackle the Viet Cong along the banks and helicopters and gunships aid them.

Le Ly talks about the effects being caught between North Vietnam and American soldiers had on villages that have no part of either side. Edwards recalls his own feelings about what soldiers, especially himself, had to deal with after battles. While Edwards deals with the fighting in Vietnam, the United States is dealing with its own internal struggles. In April 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated and the country is in an uproar. Making the situation even more confusing for soldiers is listening to the radio as Hanoi Hanna as she plays her own game of psychological warfare.

Another major attack by the Viet Cong happens in over 190 cities in May of 1968 and making it the deadliest month of the year. In the Mekong Delta, there is finally the discover of the Ho Chi Minh trail explaining how the Viet Cong manage to supply their soldiers. John Stiles (USAF) is sent out to look for bombing targets and through his experience becomes friends with Bob Noble. Getting the Mekong Delta is one thing – hearts and minds are another. The U.S. is dealing with riots as Johnson tries to calm the country. Edwards leaves the Marines and becomes part of the Black Panther movement and Pender is ordered to join the Olympic team but this is all far from over.

Other episodes include Mutiny, Homecoming and The End Game.

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

This is just a small piece of the six-episodes of this fascinating look at the Vietnam War. I have seen many documentaries on the subject but the insight with VIETNAM: The War That Changed America, the viewer is privy to the stories those who lived it have to tell – from both sides. To hear them speak of their experiences brings about several things, it reinforces what the VA has been trying to tell people for years. Soldiers returning home from that war, to this day, are still struggling, much as soldiers who have returned home from the war in Iraqi and Afghanistan are struggling.

What the first three episodes also gives us is a look at brotherhood, survival, having each other’s backs and reunited again back home to offer the emotional support they deserved all along. The way each of the men speaks about one another is exactly as my father told me when he and my Uncle Red spoke of the war when I was a young girl. Uncle Red did not come home, after my father rarely spoke of the experience again. For me, this was a tender subject matter but one I needed to understand more about and not from a college history book’s perspective. That is what this documentary provides, a first-hand account that needs to be heard.

The 50th Anniversary of the fall of Saigon is approaching and VIETNAM: The War That Changed America is a must see for all who want to know the unvarnished truth through the eyes of those who experienced it.

Next week – review of Episodes 4-6

I LOVE YOU FOREVER

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital for Valentines Day from writer/directors Cazzie David, Elisa Kalani and Entertainment 360 is a different kind of emotion with I LOVE YOU FOREVER.

Mackenzie (Sofia Black-D’Elia) is trying to understand her on and off again relationship with Alex (Adam Alpert). Roommate’s Lucas (Jon Rudnitsky) and Ally (Cazzie David) have pretty much heard it all but still love their friend. Unexpectedly, Mackenzie meets Finn (Ray Nicholson) and her love life is about to totally change.

Finn immediately shows Mackenzie that he knows how to treat a lady and she is surprised. Feeling as if she finally found someone who understands her, Mackenzie is all into the relationship and the honeymoon phase has her on a cloud. Meeting Lucas and Ally, Finn shows them his best side with charm. But some things come to her attention and she isn’t quite sure why.

Trying to study one evening, Finn doesn’t seem to get the hint that she needs space to complete her work. When Mackenzie tries to smooth over the situation, things become sideways and again, she isn’t sure what to make of his reaction. Finn apologizes and she brushes it off as stress for both of them. Lucas and Ally talk with her about the change they see in their friend but it’s going to take more than talk for Mackenzie to see where her relationship is going.

Black-D’Elia as Mackenzie is a smart young woman who just has lousy luck when it comes to the kind of love she believes, and rightfully so, she deserves. Mackenzie is stunned to think that someone would sweep her off her feet with charm, style and humor. Black-D’Elia gives us all the stress and insecurities of her character and it is totally believable which makes the film amazing in the story its telling. Wonderful performance!

Nicholson as Finn gives his character all the charm and fun of a boyfriend every girl is looking for. The problem is once you get past that, there is a dark side that is probably the reason why many women don’t dive into dating. That being said, Nicholson is outstanding in portraying this character because, once again, there is a believability that causes uncomfortable tingling that is also relatable for many.

David as Ally is that girlfriend that we all just love. She is snarky, has fantastic one-liners and gives Mackenzie the blunt friendship she deserved. David has me giggle-snorting but also realizing I have a friend exactly like her character and couldn’t imagine life without her (shout out to Val!). Rudnitsky as Lucas is the guy-friend surrounded by females but none of them are his. He is the male counterpart to Ally with equal snark and one-liners and there isn’t a minute where an ‘awwwww’ didn’t escape me. These two actors together are spectacular plain and simple.

Other cast include Oliver Cooper as Harrison, Raymond Cham Jr. as Jake, Mireia Jiminez-Phinilla as Sam. Myke Wright as Freddie, and Alex Crawford as Danny.

Founded in 2002, Entertainment 360 is a talent and literary management/production company based in Los Angeles. We Work with Storytellers across the entertainment industry to help produce and foster content that impacts culture, entertains, and inspired. For more please visit www.ent360.com.

Directors David and Kalani talk about their film, “When we set out to make this film, we wanted to create a relatable romantic comedy for our generation. Something that satirized the horrors of being single in today’s unsettling, and constantly evolving romantic landscape. It was immediately clear to us that the romcom our generation has been waiting for is the anti-romcom. The irony is that the textbook toxic relationship almost always begins "just like the movies." Buzzwords like “love bombing,” “gaslighting,” “narcissist,” have saturated the vernacular on the internet to the point that they’ve lost all meaning. I LOVE YOU FOREVER depicts the nuance of what these words truly mean, and pokes fun at the culture that has glorified and overused them.”

I LOVE YOU FOREVER is such a mixture of emotions from start to finish. The character of Mackenzie just wants to be loved and seen as everyone does. With those emotions running high, it is easy to see how this character would fall hard and fast for Finn! All relationships have a honeymoon phase and these two take full advantage of that. When the necessities of life come back into focus, meaning Mackenzie’s need to study for example, there are some red flags that get waved.

The film truly does take in, as the directors state, the buzz words like ‘gaslighting’ and ‘love bombing’ to the highest heights. Watching the character of Mackenzie go through the ringer can also be a manual of ‘hey, see the red flags?”. The character is so relatable to both men and women because we have all experienced it at one time or another. Take the time to see how one woman handles her choices!

In the end – romance is a challenge!

The Mystery of THE GORGE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Apple TV+ from director Scott Derrickson and Skydance comes an intense thriller that will have everyone guessing about THE GORGE.

Levi (Miles Teller) is good at one thing, that is being a sniper. Someone who already knows this is Bartholomew (Sigourney Weaver), who knows his history of being a gun for hire so to speak. She offers Levi a position that will take him away for a year and she can not tell him anything else which is intriguing. Waking up on a helicopter, Levi realizes that he’s about to jump out to an unknown place but is met by J.D. (Sope Dirisu). J.D. gives him the rundown of what is expected of him for the next 365 days.

In a large tower is everything Levi needs to keep an eye on a gorge that is covered in a mist. Across the divide is another tower where he sees Drasa (Anya Taylor-Joy). Day by day they both do the tasks assigned to them. One evening, Drasa sees Levi and decides to send a message which is against the rules on both sides. That one moment is the beginning of their gorge friendship.

That doesn’t mean they avoid the reality of why they have been assigned to their towers. What rises up is intense and determined as both Levi and Drasa do what they do best – shoot. When the unexpected happens, the two snipers discover who and why the gorge is being kept a secret from the world and the part that Bartholomew plays in it all!

Teller as Levi is so stunning in this role as a man who has his own demons but is about to find new ones. Taking on the year-long mission seems to give him time to be away from people and perhaps give him some peace. Instead, he discovers Drasa and what is in the gorge below his feet. Teller is intense and he brings it in full force and still allowing himself to explore emotions he had been avoiding. All the events of the film, Teller flows with the story and plays off Taylor-Joy’s character with finesse and focus. I truly enjoyed his work here.

Taylor-Joy as Drasa is equally as stunning as a woman who is equal to Levi as a sniper. She knows her skills and doesn’t look to anyone, not even Levi, to acknowledge them. Being alone in her tower, it is she who has no problems breaking the rules first and on her own terms. I love the attitude Taylor-Joy gives Drasa throughout the film. She has bursts of emotions but they do not take over when the gorge shows itself. If anything, Drasa gets into focused mode when it comes down to it. So well done!

Weaver as Bartholomew is a woman who is stern and knows exactly what she is doing. Enlisting Levi for the mission, she is watching what is happening. Weaver isn’t a major up front player in the film but man oh man, her characters presence is absolutely there. I’m pretty much a happy person any time I see Weaver on the screen, large or small. One of my favorite actresses and her role here just solidifies her cool choices and range of role choices.

THE GORGE is a fantastic mixture of romance, thrill, suspense, mystery, secrets and action. It is a slow intense burn and I was all for it from beginning to end. The chemistry between Teller and Taylor-Joy is real perfection as they held their characters equally. Both characters are uniquely qualified for their year-long mission and both knew how to handle situations that would probably make me run away as fast as my legs would take me. The film is a tad over two hours but worthy of every second it is on the screen.

Director Derrickson keeps the cast simple but the story large and intense which is to his credit. He allows the audience to watch the two snipers not only deal with what is in the gorge but make their own rules. Each scene brings more and more suspense as Teller and Taylor-Joy uncover the mystery together and take on Sigourney Weaver and I loved it all. Apple TV+ adds a very good film to their amazing line up of films and series so add THE GORGE to your must-see!

In the end – who knows the secret below!

MUFASA: The Lion King Comes Home

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital platforms from director Barry Jenkins and Walt Disney Home Entertainment 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 it’s 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.

Bonus Features include a Full-Length Sing-Along – Sing along with your favorite songs while watching the movie with on-screen lyrics, Finding Milele: The Making of Mufasa: The Lion King – Join visionary director Barry Jenkins and the cast of Mufasa: The Lion King on an epic journey to create a brand-new chapter in the story of The Lion King. Explore how the story was developed and the technology used to make Mufasa's world come to life.

Also included are the Songs of the Savanna – Director Barry Jenkins and songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda sit down to discuss the excitement and challenges of creating the music for Mufasa: The Lion King, Ostrich Eggs with Timon & Pumbaa – Timon and Pumbaa reveal fun facts and some of the hidden references in the movie, Outtakes – Watch the cast having fun in the recording booth, Deleted Scenes: Who's the Mole Rat?, What Do You Feel in There?, Have Faith in Her

and Taka's Dream, Music Video: "I Always Wanted a Brother" – Join Lin-Manuel Miranda and the cast of Mufasa: The Lion King as they perform "I Always Wanted A Brother" backstage at a film shoot and Protect the Pride – Learn how Disney and The Lion Recovery Fund are working to protect the pride and conserve lions in the wild.

Celebrate the Circle of Life with Mufasa: The Lion King available on digital retailers (Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home) now.

MUFASA: The Lion King is a must-have for any Disney home entertainment library sitting right next to THE LION KING on the shelf. 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 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!

THE STORY OF CHI

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to On Demand and Digital from director David Grovic, Lionsgate and narrated by Morgan Freeman comes the look at the mystical with THE POWER OF CHI.

The film brings us into the thought process and the teachings of Chi which originated from Tai Chi Chuan centuries ago. The power of the body is stunning in this piece as a large man and a smaller man go face to face with a result that is unexpected. Adam became fascinated with Kung Fu and meditation. He went deeper into the world of internal force and he helps athletes with Chi and strongman Brian Shaw is the first to experience Adams force.

The UFC, kickboxing, boxing athletes like Lyoto Machida, Thanasis Michaloudis and Fabricio Werdum are experiencing proof of the power of Chi and experience with fingers touch how off balance they can become. Adam Mizner makes it look amazingly easy just by using what he calls his life force. Explaining to the athletes how Chi works for each of them, the smaller Adam clearly makes them nervous with the power one would think his size wouldn’t bring! Using technique and energy, each of the athletes are startled at what Adam can do. Neither standing nor sitting are they able to move him.

Calli Taylor sees for herself the power of Adam as she watches them push him sitting down, standing up and even on one leg. They athletes are stunned by what he can do with his energy and they want to know more to use in their own professions. Adam believes that Chi is in every part of existence believing the force is life. He also believes that it is possible for anyone to feel it by opening up to it.

In Chi, there are movements that converge to bring power by releasing tension and opening up to the force of the universe. The mind and body are one and the results show exactly that. Tim Morehouse is a member of the US fencing team and meets with Adam with practice sword in hand. Morehouse says he has never felt anything like the energy that Adam is emitting. The thickness of their practice swords should not be breaking, yet, they are.

Up against a large football player, Hunter Hillenmeyer played for the Packers and Bears in the NFL and explains how a player sees the game. The large Hillenmeyer can not seem to move Adam referring to him as “slippery”. Both Morehouse and Hillenmeyer can only explain it as feeling strange and confusing that Adam can do what he is able to do. Adam also shows that Chi is transferrable as Calli takes on the NFL player.

Jason Collins is seven feet tall and played in the NBA and he is about to experience Chi with the much smaller Adam. Collins also learns that the touch of a finger can change his ability to complete a simple lift.

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.

THE POWER OF CHI is such a remarkable documentary showing us what is possible manipulating energy. Seeing Adam Mizner come face to face with men larger in height and weight than himself and controlling the situation in stunning ways can make anyone a believer in the simplicity of Chi. Add that to Freeman’s explanation of what our mind is capable of and doing every second of every day, it is a lot to comprehend.

Watching the reaction of these very large and very strong athletes go through the pushing and pulling shows the power and the force that they could never have believed unless they experienced it for themselves. They are quite stunned by what they are experiencing and we are seeing it on film for ourselves.

Adam says that what drew him to Chi was that one can get better at it as they get older. His Grandmaster in his 70’s was able to do the same to men much younger than he was. He believes that you have to cultivate the Chi and age is not a barrier nor is there a difference between a man and a woman. The technique allows both sexes to practice Chi with amazing results. The young woman Lily has no difficulty moving even the largest of the athletes that Adam moved also with ease.

THE POWER OF CHI, I believe, is about the energy we all have inside us, it is a matter of connecting with it to enrich so many aspects of our lives.

In the end – he is showing the power of Chi!

Holding on to His LAST BREATH

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Alex Parkinson and Focus Features is the true story of the men who live dangerously on their LAST BREATH.

Off the coast of Scotland in the North Sea, a ship takes divers Chris Lemons (Finn Cole), David Yuasa (Simu Liu) and veteran Duncan Allcock (Woody Harrelson) to replace a section of pipeline 300 feet down into the darkness of the ocean. Chris immediately tries to bond with David but land smack up against an emotional wall. The three men get into a diving bell as the seas above are rough from a storm.

The sea is thrashing the boat with 18-foot waves but Chris and David, tethered with an umbilical, are at the bottom beginning their 6-hour work underwater. What they done know is that the ship’s stabilizers stop working and it starts to drag the diving bell and the divers. Chris becomes entangled and the tether breaks. Panicking, David calms Chris saying that he will come back for him! Returning to the diving bell, the clock is ticking as Chris is running out of oxygen.

Commanding the ship is Captain Andre Jenson (Cliff Curtis), with the help of Hanna (MyAnna Buring), Craig (Mark Bonnar) and Mike (Josef Altin), do everything possible to get the boat back to where Chris is, including rebooting the ships systems. They each do what they can to bring Chris home as time is running out and they are not going to leave him behind!

Cole as Chris is a young man who cherishes time with his girlfriend but still loves to dive. Happy to meet up with Duncan, he is equally happy to meet the legendary David. Showing him respect, he wants to get the job done. Cole is sweet, charming and equally frightening in the role of a man who has no time to spare. I’ll keep what happens to myself so you can be just as surprised. Liu as David seems to have a hard outer shell which amuses veteran Duncan but when it comes to the chaos, he digs deep. Liu gives his character strength when he needed it the most. Wonderfully done.

Harrelson as Duncan loves what he does and has a close friendship with Chris. He knows what needs to be done and when it falls apart, he is the go-between from the diving bell to the ship up top. I adore Harrelson in roles like this as the solid but somewhat quirky man in charge. Curtis and Buring are in control of the ship and make unusual decisions to save one man. Bonnar as Craig tries everything to stay in contact with the diving bell and Altin as Mike does a little creative splicing to get their ship back.

Other cast include Connor Reed as Andrew, Nick Biadon as Stuart, Riz Khan as Kirk, Aldo Silvio as Brad, Kevin Naudi as Alex, Claudiu Baciu as Paul, Brett Murray as Nick, and Muhammad Arnini Bin Ariffin as Jun.

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.

LAST BREATH is based on the 2019 documentary of the same name that was done by Parkinson and Richard da Costa. The incident happened on September 19, 2012.

I am a huge fan of true stories and even more fascinated by those who do jobs I either never heard of or know very little about. Divers repairing pipeline 300 feet under water for up to 10 hours is absolutely astounding. Director Parkinson says of the film, “The story is about the emotional pull. If you were in that situation, you would want the people around you to do the same for you. That is the uplifting nature of the film.”.

It's true, the film shows the goal of every person involved, to get to Chris. They do things that are not either usual or by the book yet, they push what is necessary and that makes all the difference. From an unforgiving sea to the darkness of the deep, LAST BREATH is just as fast paced as the time in our heads ticking by.

The underwater scenes are frightening and well done so kudos to the cinematographers for that. The fear and sadness of each person on the screen is enough to get a sniffle out of me. Yet, when they kick into high gear, so did my emotions as I realized I was sitting up to the edge of my seat. That translates into a fantastic movie going experience so leave your thalassophobia at home and hit the theatres this Friday.

In the end – make every breath count!

On DVD is ELMO’S WORLD: Elmo Love to Giggle

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from Sesame Street and Shout! Kids is a really fantastic time with one of the most loveable creatures with ELMO’S WORLD: Elmo Love to Giggle.

Elmo begins with arts and crafts wanting to learn all about it. Grover decides he wants to learn as well. Paper animals and sock puppets are only the beginning of what they can make. Ms. Noodle shows them hot to make a puppet out of a sock. Next, Elmo is thinking about sharing with his friend Smarty. Learning about the things that we can share with one another, Elmo knows this can be a happy thing. He plays the game of sharing so everyone can learn what it means to be a good sharer. Mr. Noodles dog Schmoodle shows how even animals can share.

Wondering, Elmo takes time to think about fairy tales. Smarty joins wearing a suit of knight’s armor to talk about dwarfs, giants and how they can end happily ever after. Planning the Jack and the Beanstalk game is fun for Elmo. Ms. Noodle shows how Jack reached the giant. Elmo’s next wonder is about cooking. Smarty joins Elmo to learn about cooking using recipes. The recipes guide the cook into making pizza which Elmo loves. He tries himself to make a quesadilla. Elmo asks Mr. Noodle if he likes to cook and what he enjoys.

Smarty joins Elmo as he wonders about songs. Learning there are so many ways to sing songs and so many different songs. Playing a game of tempo with instruments, Elmo shows how to play together with others. Mr. Noodles dog, Schmoodle shows his own way of singing. The thought of horses is on Elmo’s mind now. Grover thinks he is an expert on horses but is surprised to learn that real horses come in any colors, shapes and sizes. Elmo and Grover play the game of what to feed horses. Mr. Noodles dog, Schmoodle, gets a chance to be a horse.

The next wonder on Elmo’s mind are birthdays, Smarty wants to pretend its Elmo’s birthday and they learn more about it. Celebrating birthdays comes with parties, games and cake plus more. Playing the birthday game makes Elmo happy. Mr. Noodles brother Mr. Noodle shows how to wrap a birthday present. Elmo wonders about turtles. Smarty helps Elmo look up fact about turtles learning there are different shapes and sizes of turtles. Turtles also live in so many different environments and places. Elmo plays the game of baby turtles getting back to the ocean. Mr. Noodles dog, Schmoodle shows what a turtle house looks like.

Elmo is wondering about friends and Smarty shows how there are so many different kinds of friends. He and Smarty play tic-tac-toe together because they are friends. Elmo asks Mr. Noodles brother Mr. Noodle how he plays with Schmoodle. In Elmo’s world he wonders about school. Cookie Monster joins in to learn about school and letters, numbers, music, dancing and even cooking. They play the clean up game with knowing where things go. Mr. Noodle and Schmoodle show what they do in school.

There is more wondering about colors, spiders, dancing, clouds, shoes, painting, rocks, celebrations, winter holidays, dress-up, bubbles and food!

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! Studios has to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

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

Bonus Specials include Compilation of Elmo’s Best Share-the-Laughter Moments. Also, Share with Laughter and Jokes and Kindness, Kate McKinnon Sharing a Joke, Cookie Monsters Joke, Josh Groban, Big Bird and Sheep, Padma Lakshmi, Grover and Chicken, Elmo and Ms. Alana, and so many more!

ELMO’S WORLD: Elmo Love to Giggle is so much fun to watch. Each thought he has is an opportunity for the kids who are watching to wonder as well. I just love how each wonder goes step by step in how to find the answers to questions we all might have. Smarty gives kids the opportunity to find the answers because when they do, the world opens up for them so much more than they can imagine.

The songs and dancing are so much fun as well. The one thing you can always count on with Sesame Street is that their characters will always be memorable. Without telling my age, trust me when I say I know them all to this day and loved watching them when I was a kid. That followed with me encouraging my children to watch Sesame Street and now, my grandchildren have grown up with these characters. Big Bird, Grover, Elmo, Cookie Monster – the list is long and wonderful.

Elmo is a character filled with innocence, charm, wonderment and a great giggle. Each wonder is filled with color, information, imagination and all the things that kids are drawn too. This DVD is a wonderful way to spend time with children and be a part of the world as they see it. So cuddle up with your own favorite muppet to have fun, learn and giggle along with Elmo!

In the end – we love when Elmo wonders because it’s his world!

It is the PANDA PLAN

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from director Luan Zhang and Well Go USA is the story of an action star and the mayhem that comes with the PANDA PLAN.

Jackie (Jackie Chan) is a film star who pics and chooses the projects or events he wants to attend. Going down the list with assistant David (Xiang Wei), one of the events is to go to the Noah Zoo and see the pandas. That is one event Jackie actually thinks he will have some fun doing. Showing up he is greeted by fans and gets to be part of adopting a baby panda. Doing her job, Su Xiaozhu (Ce Shi) takes care of the cute and chubby baby panda Hu-Hu who is a bit stubborn but she adores the little ball of fur.

Taking a break, Su goes to get some ice cream and asks everyone how was Jackie’s visit to the zoo. To her surprise, Jackie is right in front of her! Sitting down to talk, he mentions the pandas and Su offers to take him to visit the Hu-Hu. Jackie gets to spend time with the baby. That’s all great but off-shore, a mercenary ship is being sent on a mission, a large sum of money is being offered if they kidnap the Hu-Hu. As Jackie is giving a speech in the panda exhibit, mercenaries are making their way to their goal. Imagine their surprise when they get inside the exhibit and see the action hero!

Su managed to get the baby panda away and hide while Jackie fights the mohawk wearing bad guy James (Temur Mamisashvili). Attempting to keep things going inside the zoo, the Director (Andy Friend) takes a Rambo stance against the bad guys. Jackie and Su manage to meet up and they have one goal, find a way around the mercenaries and keep the furry baby out of the clutches of the bad guys. When the big boss lands, the danger has heightened.

Now the chase is really on!

Chan as, well, Jackie Chan gets the chance to not only be the action hero but also add comedy to his character. There are so many twists and turns in a fun antic way and Chan honestly looks like he is having fun doing it. His marital arts fit with a gentleman of his age and I still enjoyed what he can do. Shi as Su is thrilled to meet Chan but when things go crazy, she knows that her goal is the panda. She is in the middle of the antics whether she wants to be or not. I think she is actually the clever one of the bunch.

Wei as David has a lot of quirks but will do anything for his friend. If anything, as much as Chan is comedy, Wei is the literal comic relief with his funny moments that bring giggles whether you realize you’re doing it or not. I’ll admit he had me laughing for sure. Mamisashvili as James is the literal bad guy comic to Wei’s good guy comic. He does get the chance to take on Chan’s martial arts and he gets as good as he gives. Friend as the Director is doing his best to be a zoo hero and a few mistakes shouldn’t be a problem…right?

Other cast include Danny Ray as Harry, Ivan Ponomarenko as Farih, Bing Jia as the Ice Cream Shop owner, andSean Kohnke as the MMA fighter.

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

Bonus Features include English Language Available and Trailer.

PANDA PLAN is definitely a comedy-cute animal-action film that the whole family can enjoy. There are very funny scenes that the kids who love pandas will love. Okay, so adults who love pandas too will smile a lot. The special effect “panda” is charming, cute and squeaky as we would expect a baby to be.

Chan leads the way for the film and the cast choices fit right in seamlessly. The scene where Jackie talks about why he continues to make movies, I thought was lovely. The cinematography is wonderful and colorful from start to finish.

The filmi s in Mandarin but easily switched to English for the kids. So, sit back and watch as a family to see how Jackie Chan handles the Panda stealing bad guys or is there more to the story?

In the end – never mess with a baby panda!

The Life of NADIA

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on DVD and Digital from writer/director Anissa Bonnefont along with Edith Chapin and Indiepix Films comes the extraordinary story of NADIA.

It begins with the memories of Nadia Nadim and the death of her father when the family lived in Afghanistan. Her mother, Hamida, found a way to take 8-year-old Nadia and siblings away from their home country. As the years passed, Nadia became a professional football (soccer) player and a need arose in her to revisit her homeland.

Speaking with her mother, the fears of the Taliban are still real but there is a slim chance that Nadia can recover something of her fathers, his military medals. Her idea is a difficult one as most of those she could talk to have passed in the twenty years since leaving Afghanistan. Remembering the night they escaped; their first stop was Pakistan and spending time in Karachi with nothing but the bare essentials.

They found there way to Italy and then settled in Denmark. The family tells Nadia that her father had 48 medals that were hidden for fear that the Taliban would find them leading to the death of who ever held onto them. The details that a few family members could share gives a sketchy idea of where they could possibly be if, in fact, they were still there but Nadia must also focus on her athletic career. An ambassador to the Danish Refugee Council, Football Foundation and UNESCO, Nadim wants to be part of the changing world.

Nadim’s mother worries about the trip to Afghanistan but the player is focused on football, her charitable works and fan who love her as the season begins to wind down. Even with all of that, Nadim thinks about her father and how, as a child, she dealt with the grief. Hamida worries about her security and that’s when a plan is created as to what she would need to make the homeward trip. She realizes also that she will have to purchase the traditional garb to fit in.

All the while Nadim is focusing on the upcoming final games. What is after football is a medical career. She meets with the French Ambassador who lets her know of the dangers happening in Afghanistan. They fear that knowing who she is in that country makes her a bigger target. More and more people who love her come forward telling Nadim that it is not a good time to return to Afghanistan.

She meets with sister Muskan and Nadim believe that she and all of her sisters get their strength from the parents of course, but feel something more for their father. Having five daughters, Nadim’s father raised them to be tough girls. So, Nadim feels going to Afghanistan is a way of saying a proper goodbye to a father she misses so much.

Nadim remembers when football became her obsession. That obsession leads her team to win the Paris Saint-Germain French Championship in 2021. Still waiting to go to Afghanistan, Nadim cannot believe how her life at 33 years old has been a mixture of so much emotion, change, challenge, memories, family, countries, friendship and a story that needed to be told.

IndiePix Films, Inc is an independent film distribution and online streaming service based in New York City. IndiePix Unlimited, the company's subscription-streaming service, uses Streamhoster to deliver the desktop version for the service, and Ireland-based DMD Max for its mobile content. For more information, please visit https://indiepixfilms.com.

From Tribeca Film Festival, Award-Winner Anissa Bonnefort, this film was nominated for an International Emmy for Best Sports Documentary. The film was also nominated for an International Emmy Award and in the Highlights section of CPH: DOX and winner of the Jury Ward for the 11mm Football Film Festival in Berlin.

NADIA is an uplighting story that comes from a woman who had seen and experienced the terror of the Taliban on her family. That also brings a harrowing journey hiding and being shuffled from one place to another and ending up somewhere they could never have imagined. Yet, the young Nadia was able to find her place in the word by simply seeing kids playing football one day. That turned into international recognition that enabled her to see the world but still, she never forgot where she came from and what that meant.

Listening to Nadia tell the story, it is as if it was yesterday as she provides such intricate detail. I found myself intrigued by everything she had to say. I journeyed to find my father and although the situations are not the same, the emotion of wanting to have a piece of a father explains her desire to find medals that, perhaps, no longer existed yet she wants to try. I understand that completely.

This is definitely a sports film but more than that, it is the heart of an athlete that loves where she is but must make peace with the past.

In the end – she began as a refugee but became an international star!

It is the LAST SHADOW AT FIRST LIGHT

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on DVD from writer/director Nicole Midori Woodford and Indiepix is the haunting tale of LAST SHADOW AT FIRST LIGHT.

Ami (Mihaya Shirata) is a young girl who is constantly thinking about her mother Satomi (Mariko Tsutsui). To keep her going daily are the recordings of her mother’s voice. At home, Ami’s grandmother is moving into her father Low Wen (Peter Yu) house yet, it is the recording that comfort her, or do they?

Her struggles at school bring about a confrontation with her father about her mother and what truly happened to her. Ami believes she is still alive somewhere. Learning she has an uncle Isamu (Masatoshi Nagase) that lives in Japan, Ami wants to go to find out why she is so consumed with her mother. Her father says he cannot go due to his mother’s illness.

Isamu meets her at the airport and Ami realizes that she doesn’t remember him at all. He also doesn’t seem very interested in getting to know his niece. Intending to send Ami by herself on the bullet train to northern Japan, Isamu changes his mind. His disposition also changes when he comes across the signs that where they are is exactly where a tsunami swept away so many lives.

Ami begins to learn more and more about the family and lets Isamu know that she has more than just recordings but letters and photographs that are a mystery to her. There is a blow out between them as Isamu begins to feel again that the world he once knew is empty, cold and just as deserted as now. Ami takes off and finds a friend who spends time with her and taking her mind off of her troubles.

Neither Ami nor Isamu can continue to run away from what is in front of them. Uncle and niece must find a way to deal with a past that continues to haunt them both. What is true and what was meant to protect young Ami comes full circle. Both are pulled by something they cannot explain!

Shirata as Ami is a young girl that has been living in a world that is full of mystery. Wanting to understand why her mother left and the message she feels she is getting; it is causing strain with her father as well. Shirata is absolutely stunning portraying this character with such intense emotion, depth of feeling and confusion that only this young girl can feel. No answers, no one to talk to and extended family she’s doesn’t remember having contact with, Ami takes it upon herself to get the answers and her journey is heartfelt.

Nagase as Isamu is a man who has his own grief to deal with and having Ami show up in his life, he builds a bit of an emotional wall. Trying to stay clear of her, there are moments where he knows that Ami can not do this alone but there is also something else pulling at him. Going toward his own grief, the stress drives him to do and say things that push him to his saddest point. Nagase is wonderful in this role and playing opposite Shirata proves to be a winning combination.

Other cast include Michiyo Yokoyama as Asako, Kwan Sau Yuet as Grandmother and Yong Ser Pin as Grandfather.

Director Woodford says of her film, “This film explores scars left on individuals who wrestle with different forms of escape from the same traumatic past. We shot on location in Rikuzentakata, one of the worst hit cities of the 2011 tsunami disaster. Although the debris had been cleared, the coaster part of Rikuzentakata, remained as undeveloped brown earth. Being there, I felt a profound existentialism which led me to making a film that captures the emotion of arriving at a faraway destination containing the memory of a personal tragedy, but also asking us “what is the future?”

LAST SHADOW AT FIRST LIGHT is such a stunning story between a young girl stuck in a place she doesn’t understand and an uncle who has lived with grief by hiding. Filmed at the actual tsunami site of Rikuzentakata, the location adds a level of mystery and grief to characters that are already filled to the brim with both. I was moved by the entire film from beginning to end and, without saying much more, is a tale to be experienced. Have Kleenex on hand, absolutely.

In the end – remembering is better than forgetting!

There is a History About WOLF MAN

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray, DVD and currently available on Digital from writer/director Leigh Whannel, Corbett Tucker and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes the story of what can happen in the woods with a WOLFMAN.

Blake (Christopher Abbott) lives in San Francisco with Charlotte (Julia Garner) and daughter Ginger (Matilda Firth). A writer spending most of his time at home with his young daughter, Charlotte is often off working as well. One morning Blake receives mail with a death certificate for his father and a set of keys to the house he grew up in Oregon. Knowing that he must go and clean out the house, he asks Charlotte to make it a bit of a vacation and spend time as a family together.

Getting a moving van, they make their way into the deep forest trying to get to the house before sun set. On the way they meet Derek (Benedict Hardie), a friend of Blake’s when they were younger who offers to lead them to the house. As the road narrows, something is in the road as Blake tries to avoid it heading off the road. Something comes after the van and scratches at Blake who grabs his family and races toward the house.

Locking all the doors and windows, Blake is attempting to protect his family as Charlotte takes care of Ginger. She also notices that her husband is bleeding from a deep cut. Still watching out for whatever is outside, Blake starts to feel out of sorts and Charlotte notices it. Realizing she needs to get Blake some help, it becomes a game of cat and mouse. Blake knows that he must take on whatever is outside if he is to protect his family.

Charlotte focuses on how she can protect her daughter for what is becoming more dangerous minute by minute. It becomes clear that what is happening to Blake is something she could have never imagined.

Abbott as Blake is a man who hasn’t had much luck at his work and has taken to being a good house dad for his daughter. When his father is declared dead, although he isn’t affected like he perhaps should be, clearing out his childhood house needs to be done. Feeling as if his marriage is not going well, he sees this as an opportunity for he and Charlotte to reconnect. Abbott gives his character an unassuming nature but he knows more than he has been telling his family.

Garner as Charlotte is a wife who has been going along to get along in her marriage but when Blake asks straight out, she has to admit that things aren’t as it should be. There is also a feeling of disconnect with young daughter Ginger as she seems to prefer her father much more and they have a connection that causes her to feel left out. Garner gives a straight performance, and although I wouldn’t have stuck around as long as her character did, at least she was supportive.

Firth as Ginger is a loving daughter who is now caught up in something that clearly no child should be. She is pretty calm for a kid being chased by something through the forest so well-done Firth. Hardie as Derek is a scary character who doesn’t say much, it is the look on his face that is pretty frightening and Garner’s character senses it immediately.

Other cast include Sam Jaeger as Grady Lovell, Benedict Hardie as Derek Kiel and Leigh Whannell as the voice of Dan Kiel.

Bonus Features on Digital, 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD include Unleashing a New Monster, Designing Wolf Man, Hands on Horror, Nightmares and Soundscapes and Feature Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Leigh Whannell.

WOLF MAN is another telling about the mythical world of wolf people and this one aims directly at a family with history. Able to escape the life his father put him through in his young life, there is part of Blake that doesn’t want to return back to his childhood home. Keeping the story limited to the three characters means the battle becomes between what’s outside and what’s inside.

The film does remind me a bit of the film THE BEAST WITHIN but that isn’t a bad thing at all. Each interpretation of the wolf man stories brings a new set of eyes in the way it can be told and the surroundings in which to tell it. Whannel chose his story to be isolated deep in the forest of Oregon (although it was filmed in New Zealand) forcing the three main characters into survival mode and that is a fascinating part of the story.

In the end – protect your own!

Grief is a Distraction with the DEVILS STAY

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from writer/director Moon-Sub Hyun and Well Go USA is a story of a father dealing with grief in DEVILS STAY.

Dr. Cha (Park Shin-yang) is grieving the death of his young daughter So-mi (Lee Re). Believing she was on the road to recovery after heart surgery, something obviously went wrong. That is the talk around the hospital as the family comes together for the funeral.

In the local parish, the young priest Father Ban (Lee Min-ki) is watching videos of his family visits to So-mi trying to understand what happened to her. As So-mi’s funeral begins with family and friends, strange occurrences begin happening. Dr. Cha can not explain what is driving his obsession not accepting his daughter has passed other than his grief.

As chaos breaks out at So-mi’s funeral, Father Ban is drawn to intervene. The priest cannot seem to reach Dr. Cha as he sets out to discover who the donor was of his daughter’s heart. His journey leads him to the dark Russian underworld. There he finds the answers with the help of the unrelenting Father Ban who has a few surprises of his own, yet both must continue the fight for good against evil.

A grieving father and a priest who carries his own sorrows must come together to find a way to save a young girls soul!

Shin-yang as Dr. Cha is a grief-stricken father who cannot believe that his daughter is gone. The struggle begins with knowing how she died but not understanding why she died. When strange things begin to happen, it is Dr. Cha who refuses to let go as easily as the rest of the family. His anger toward the whole situation is not understood by anyone other than the priest. Shin-yang gives a stellar performance bringing in every range of emotion one would expect from a father – and a father with a secret.

Min-ki as Father Ban a young priest who believes he can help Dr. Cha and his family. He has his own deep past that pushes him to help even when Dr. Cha makes it clear that his help isn’t wanted. Knowing that it is grief coming from the good doctor, Min-k makes it his goal to stay close and jump in when needed. There is an added surprises that Min-ki bring to his character and, of course, I’m not going to say what it is but when it happens, I’m sure everyone will have the same reaction of ‘oh whaaaaat?’ as I did.

Re as the young So-mi is absolutely charming and for such a young actress in this role, I’m seriously applauding her performance. She is sweet and then things go crazy. This young actress takes us on a huge thrill ride and brings more than a few jaw dropping moments. Well done young lady, extremely well done.

DEVILS STAY is the genre of thriller film from Korea that is visually stunning, a story that is captivating, a cast that embraces their characters taking us on a thrill ride until the very end. Of course, there have been films similar in storyline to this but the direction Moon-Sub Hyun takes I am here for. Following Dr. Cha’s story and Father Ban’s part in the story had me at go immediately.

The grief of Dr. Cha and the determination of Father Ban truly makes the story one to watch. Possession is the theme of the film but it is the two male characters that bring the full-on drama to this ninety-five-minute running film. There truly isn’t anything about this film that I do not absolutely love. The cinematography is also brilliant and is another quiet layer to the story that is truly well done.

DEVILS STAY is a film that needs to have the lights off, the sound bar up and cuddles under thick protective blankets. Well, that’s how I watched it anyway so grab a tub of popcorn and do your best not to jaw drop because this film will definitely make that happen.

In the end – they must believe!

SNOW WHITE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Marc Webb and Walt Disney Studios is the live-action story of SNOW WHITE.

Snow White (Rachel Zegler) is a young girl who has spent years at the hands of her evil step-mother the Evil Queen (Gal Gadot). One day while scrubbing her usual floor, she hears a noise coming from the kitchen and meets Jonathan (Andrew Burnap) who happens to be stealing potatoes. Letting him go, the castle is alerted and the next time she sees him, Jonathan is in the presence of the queen.

Realizing that the people outside the palace need help, Snow White decides to have a talk with the Queen. After that doesn’t go well, the Queen has a nice little chat with her Magic Mirror (Patrick Page) who lets her know that her “fairest of them all” status is in serious jeopardy. Deciding to fix that immediately, she orders the Huntsman (Ansu Kabia) to take Snow White out into the forest, kill her and bring back proof in a box.

Making his choice, Snow White runs away and finds herself in the house of the Seven Dwarfs. Some are not happy about her presence and other want to help her all they can but she believes that looking for her father is best. Making her way through the forest, she meets Jonathan once again and his band of followers but their meeting is cut short as palace guards are looking for her.

The Queen decides to take matters into her own hands with an apple but Snow White and her new friends aren’t about to take it lying down!

Zegler as Snow White is causing a lot of controversy but I’m betting her portrayal of this iconic princess is not going to please the larger population. For me, there is nothing that says Snow White in her portrayal and I don’t have a problem saying so. I mean you can put her in a yellow and blue dress but it doesn’t make one a Disney princess. She sings and I hear it – just not buying it. She once commented that the original 1937 SNOW WHITE was “weird” and all I can say is that the 2025 film is exactly that – weird.

Burnap as Jonathan is a bit of a cross between Kristoff (FROZEN) and Ken (BARBIE). If you are looking for a prince, you won’t find him here. Instead, writer Erin Wilson decided to go in the opposite direction and completely remove the crown. There wasn’t enough substance in his storyline for me to find this character interesting. Kabia as the Huntsman is a good man being asked to do a bad thing. Page as the voice of the Magic Mirror is so cool with his deep voice and only one answer to the same question.

I know I’m going to get some flack here but Gadot as the Evil Queen made me laugh. Her wickedness is on point and Gadot may not be a singer but she took control and it was hilarious. It reminded me of Melissa McCarthy playing Ursula in another meh live-action remake of THE LITTLE MERMAID. Gadot looks like she is having a blast and doesn’t care one flick of her pointy nails what anyone thinks and I’m all for it.

As for the Seven Dwarfs, it seemed only three got the top roles and that’s Doc, Grumpy and Dopey. Was I impressed with the special effects? Not in the slightest.

Other cast includes Hadley Fraser as the King, Lorena Andrea as the Queen, George Appleby as Quigg, Colin Carmichael as Farno, Samuel Baxter as Scythe, Idriss Kargbo as Bingley, Jaih Betote as Norwich, Dujonna Figt as Maple and Jimmy Johnston as Finch.

The Seven Dwarfs voices include Jeremy Swift as Doc, Tituss Burgess as Bashful, Andrew Feldman as Dopey, Martin Klebba as Grumpy, Jason Kravits as Sneezy, George Salazar as Happy and Andy Grotelueschen as Sleepy.

Buckle up because this is my opinion of the film – ghastly. In their attempt to be “modern”, Disney has allowed the destruction of an iconic animated story that was always meant to entertain and delight. It isn’t the first time that Disney has done it and, sadly, it won’t be the last which makes me once again believe in a 75-year moratorium on remakes, reimaging’s – blah, blah, blah so that those of us who treasure these films can die off happy.

First, if they wanted to modernize Snow White then why not have her recognizing the abuse and gaslighting of the Evil Queen and get away to start a new life. No, they have her scrubbing floors still (and the same floor if you watch carefully). Having Snow White break free would have been more entertaining. Nope, instead, she ends up at the house of seven guys and within minutes she talks them into cleaning their house? Yeah, let’s talk reality of that here for a minute, shall we?

Second, the writer has traded a prince for a criminal because, apparently, all good girls like bad boys. I mean that’s the message it is sending. Why can’t there be a prince (and no the original prince didn’t stalk Snow White Ms. Zegler)? Nope, we get a thief who creeps around the forest with his buddies stealing. He meets Snow and suddenly he wants to be a good guy because she makes him see the error of his ways? Good gawd please stop – I’ll take a “stalking” prince any day.

Next, the songs sound so familiar, I mean oddly familiar. While waiting for the film to start, the theatre piped in songs from the film and I actually heard one song that sounded like it was from MOANA. The only song I just loved was Gadot’s staircase stage production because she made it fun to watch and it did make people laugh.

Finally, I took my 10-year-old granddaughter to see the film and within 10 minutes she leaned over to me and said, “Naynay, I’m disappointed and bored”. Keeping my own feelings inside I replied, “well, lets wait for the dwarfs, they should be fun.” Okay, so I had hope for the disillusioned kid who waiting so long to see the film and wanted so much more. After the film was over, we spoke about it and her list of reasons for not caring for it were longer than my own. Her biggest disappointment was in the change of Dopey, she said she will “never, ever” accept that change.

All of this being said, I do feel that this ‘version’ of SNOW WHITE is for the kids young enough not to know that sometimes adults need to be told no! Because kids, just because you can do a thing doesn’t mean the rest of us think you should.

In the end – the fairest of them all?

ONE OF THEM DAYS Brings Laughs on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from director Lawrence Lamont and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is a comedy about ONE OF THEM DAYS.

Dreux Jones (Keke Palmer) is a waitress at a local diner but hoping one day to become a franchise manager. Living with Alyssa (Sza), Dreux is about at her wits end as boyfriend Keshawn (Joshua Neal) has worn out his welcome. Dreux is drawn to the very handsome Maniac (Patrick Cage) but he has a history that she just doesn’t want to be part of. Trying to get some peace and quiet, the door pounding landlord Uche (Rizi Timane) is demanding the rent. The shock comes when the girls realize that Keshawn has made off with their money.

Uche gives them until 6 p.m. to come up with the rent or out they go! Adding insult to injury, the same landlord has renovated an apartment and rented to a young Bethanny (Maude Apatow) who has no idea of the other tenants living conditions. But never mind that, the hunt is on for Keshawn as Alyssa tracks him down at another woman’s house! Yeah, a woman named Berniece (Aziza Scott) and she is not one to be messed with yet, things happen and now Dreux and Alyssa are on the run from a very angry woman.

Back to the rent, now the girls have to find ways to make money as quick as possible and strike out at the local money lender, visits a blood bank where Dreux gets a chance to talk with Maniac and as Alyssa discovers a way to make some quick cash. All of this as Dreux does her best at a promotion interview seemingly connecting with Shayla (Gabrielle Dennis) who also worked her way up in the company. Outside, Alyssa is having her troubles as Berniece has found them and is going to make sure to get her pound of flesh one way or another.

Back at the apartment, Uche has carried out his threats as the girls discover that the new tenant and her very large dog unknowingly help the girls out of a tough situation that about to get tougher as the local gangster King Lolo (Amin Joseph) is about to crash their cash party. All of this is just the day in the life of Dreux and Alyssa!

Palmer as Dreux is the level headed-planning ahead person of this dynamic duo. She works hard, and tries to keep her side of life moving forward. There are times with her roommate that Dreux’s patience is tested but their friendship is stronger than she realizes. Palmer carries her role into this comedy with determination and comedy. Sza as Alyssa is the free spirit who relies on the universe for the answers to problems they encounter. When her roommate feels like she is floating by just to get by, Alyssa gets creative in ways that might just be more problems. Sza is a nice duo with Palmer and it works.

Apatow as Bethany is a woman who doesn’t see a problem with moving into the complex and tries to make herself at home without clearly seeing the reaction of others. She wants to be friends with Dreux and Alyssa and it comes in handy. Cage as Maniac has a reputation and, as with most things, if you want to know something about a person – ask them. Neal as Keshawn is a womanizing-gaslighting-player with game that doesn’t surprises Dreux.

Shout outs to Mejia as Kathy the payday loan clerk because I’ll never hear the number 47 ever again without wanting to shout it. Also, Katt Williams as Lucky who speaks truths in ways that only Williams can and I’m all for it for this comic genius.

Other cast include Vanessa Calloway as Mama Ruth, Janelle James as Ruby, Kil Rel Howery as the Buyer, Dewayne Perkins as Jameel, DomiNque Perry as Shameeka, Dustin Ybarra as Joseph, Ray Santiago as Fabian, Keyla Mejia as Kathy and Katt Williams as Lucky.

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.

Special Features include One of Them Gag Reels, Dream Team, Block Party: The Cast and What’s in My Bag with Lucky.

ONE OF THEM DAYS is a female comedy duo that works as Palmer and Sza get a chance to play. What I mean by that is these two women look like they are having fun beneath the surface. These roles are total opposites of one another yet, like most friendships, it works. One moment I am nodding my head in agreement with Dreux about “planning” and the next I am “letting the universe decide”.

This is a fun film to just gather up comedy lovers, have a bring your own food event and then gather up to a big screen television and have a movie night event. The comedy is there, the characters are so crazy fun and everyone knows someone like a character in the movie – okay maybe not King Lolo but you get my meaning.

In the end – it is just one of them days!

THE BLUE ANGELS Documentary is Stunning

Jeri Jacquin

Currently showing at the Fleet Science Center San Diego and selected IMAX theatre locations national wide from producers J.J. Abrams and Glen Powell, directed by Paul Crowder is the story of those who fly the BLUE ANGELS.

The history of the Blue Angels comes from its beginnings as Admiral Chester Nimitz wanted to keep the focus for the public on Navy aviation in 1946. He asked LCDR. Butch Voris, who would become the first Blue Angels Boss, to create a team that would do just that. Admiral Nimitz could never have possibly imagined how far and how high these Blue Angels would have come. This 45-minute documentary follows the elite Flight Demonstration Squadron for a year with immersive footage putting viewers directly into the cockpit!

In El Centro, California, is a base where jets that are recognized around the world are being maintained. It is also the place where pilots and crew prepare for the air shows that have taken audiences to amazing heights. It is the job of the flight leader Capt. Brian Kesselring, Commanding Officer of the Blue Angels, to get it right. Major Frank “Chomps” Zastoupil, Blue Angels #4, is in his final year and believes he has the best seat in the house.

LCDR Monica “Doc” Borza is also in her final year as the flight surgeon and is the ground safety officer. She is in the know of everything that needs to be watched, especially with new pilots on the team. There are decisions she must make as to what she sees and how to address it with the new pilots when they meet on the ground. She makes it her business to be straight forward to give the pilots their greatest chance of success. That includes monitoring Lt. Scott "Jamamy” Goossens who is in his first year as Blue Angel #3.

It is a daily routine of wake up, fly, fly, fly, meet, study, sleep only to wake up and do it all over again. A motivating factor in what they do is with someone like Capt. (Ret.) Greg “Boss” Wooldridge, a former Blue Angel boss who recalls his time as “chasing excellence”. It is in the formations that the Blue Angels continually strive for that excellence. The amazing formations, such, as the Diamond Formation, are practiced time and time again and at such close range that it is jaw-dropping.

The toll of it all is not only mental, but physical as well as LCDR Julius “Whiskers” Bratton, a third year #6 Blue Angel, understands this and Doc Borza speaks about. She explains that they use their entire bodies to control and maneuver the aircraft with intense G-force. These pilots must practice maneuvers for their bodies to know exactly how to react. LCDR Cary “Chewy” Rickoff is in his final year as Blue Angel #5 and is well aware that what they do in the air is dangerous and that is where debriefing comes in.

The film documents one week before the first show of the season and coming together is even more important to work out the details for the pilots to tighten up the maneuvers. They are focusing on their aerial work that the past weeks have taught them. At the briefing, Boss goes over each and every plan in a language that only the pilots could possibly understand.

As the first air show of the season begins, the arrival of those coming to watch begins to enter the air field. Each pilot prepares themselves to blot out what is around them and focus on what their goal is – excellence. In the air is nothing more than what is called “Blue Angel magic!” Now, they must repeat that for the next eight months for 32 cities and 61 shows. Thirty thousand pounds of cargo and personnel make the shows possible as each person is responsible for keeping the show like a well-oiled machine and focused. Each knows that they represent something special as well as representing those who have gone before them. Now, it is time for Kesselring to choose his replacement and the process is set with certain requirements and his choice is Capt. Alex “Scribe” Armatas. There is also a process of who will become the next Blue Angel pilot and they are looking for the best to carry on the traditions and that came with the first female pilot in Lt. Amanda Lee as well as LCDR Thomas “Franz” Zimmerman.

As their season comes to an end and replacements are chosen for the next season in many of the positions in the Blue Angels group, it is also a chance to finish in a memorable way that is nothing short of spectacular.

LCDR Monica “Doc” Borza, who is involved in such a high level with the Blue Angel pilots, has the duty of observing what the pilots are able to handle and being clear not only explain that they have a lot to learn but what those involved are getting themselves into. I have the opportunity to talk with Borza about her time with the Blue Angels. A native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, LCDR Borza grew up in a beach town with Navy fighter jets flying over her childhood home every day. Hand selected in August 2020 to be the Flight Surgeon for the Blue Angels; she is only the fourth female in their history to hold that position.

I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with LCDR Borza of her experience with the Blue Angels:

Good morning, I am so honored to speak with you today. My father was in the Navy for over 32 years and every year when the Blue Angels came, he would pack up the family in the station wagon and off to Mira Mar we went to see the Blue Angels. So, speaking to you today about them is also a part of my own history with them.

That’s wonderful to hear your experience with the Blue Angels. The Mira Mar Airshow every year, that’s a big one and we never miss it.

Seeing what you do, I was so amazed. Here you are in this large group of guys but I noticed that your job, you are everywhere in it. What drew you to be a part of something so iconic?

That is a phenomenal question and I think it is the innate spirit we have as active-duty service members to want to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, giving more than just focusing on your personal life and giving to the greater good, to society and to this nation. I was originally stationed at San Diego at Mira Mar so I know Mira Mar very well when I was a brand-new flight doc and I was with the FMAS 3-14 and they are a single seat squadron, all male at that time, I was one of the first females walking into the Ready Room with very combat-proven fighter pilots. I was very welcomed and it was like I was with them through thick and thin and we were a team. Getting that experience as my first kind of operational tour definitely set me up for success to want to continue to pursue that kind of opportunities and experiences. It was, my pilots that encouraged me to apply to become the Blue Angel Flight Surgeon. They figured I would be good for the job and they really had a big impact on me during my first tour. We are all still in touch and close. The military is amazing because you create lifelong friends that want to keep inspiring you to do something bigger than yourself.

Once you went to El Centro, knowing that the military is a very family-oriented group, how did you have to jump in? All the things you do to have to get these pilots ready, it seems like it is a very quick process so for you to jump right in, how fast did you have to adapt?

That’s a good question; we are all learning how to be a Blue Angel when we get there from day one. The Flight Surgeon on the team, not only are you taking care of their health but you are also a Safety Officer for the demonstration so you are on a headset with all six pilots. You are there, the eyes on the ground for them to keep them safe. I had to know all the different maneuvers, the altitudes, the air speeds, exactly where each jet was supposed to be at all times during that demonstration. I had different cues that I would say and speak up if something was unsafe. That way there is that little extra safety net in case they cannot see something from the ground perspective. That definitely took some training to learn the demonstration and learn the right lingo and learn more about the aircraft. Like the F-18 we were transferring to the F-18 Super Hornet the year I joined so we had a big learning experience all together where I would be out in the desert known as The Shade Tree which many naval Navy and Marine Corps. aviators know that range out in El Centro. I would spend from dawn to dusk watching them and being on a headset with them to let them know the flaps at that angle worked on a maneuver. Sometimes we had to figure it out with the new aircraft to keep them safe and to keep it looking like the Blue Angel magic that we have been showing since 1946. That was definitely a growing opportunity for me.

So, it is almost like you are doing double duty in that you are watching their physical and mental wellbeing because in the film you talk about what these flights do to their bodies. When you are choosing the new pilots and you are putting them through the paces, what are you looking for?

Any aviator that is going to apply to be a Blue Angel, we do a thorough check into their medical history and really take a look to make sure they are healthy and safe to do these high-G, physical demanding maneuvers on a daily basis. It can take a toll on the body and another fun fact is that there is a forty-pound weight on the stick to help keep counter pressure so that the jet has more fine tone movements since we are flying so close together. When we are doing a demonstration, we want fine movements and that is tough. I have never personally held a forty-pound weight for forty-five minutes straight with just one hand in the bicep active position. They definitely have to be able to do that so we go through a strength test actually before they join the time while they are trying out. It is important because that way we know that they are physically capable to be a Blue Angel. Then we go through the centrifuge training and that also is very demanding. Every Naval aviator that has flown in fighter jets, they have gone through the centrifuge before going on to the fleet. When they come to the Blue Angels, they now go through it again but this time without the G-suit. That is a big learning experience for them to learn how to engage the muscles a little more than what they are used to. It is a little bit more than what they are used to because they no longer have that active inflating and deflating suit to help keep them awake while they are flying. It is a process and you will see in the film that the incoming boss didn’t pass the first time he got into the centrifuge. The best of the best still has to work at it, practice, give it their all, fine tune their movements because it is a team effort. He couldn’t have gotten there without the great centrifuge staff that were there to help.

Have you gone through the centrifuge?

Yes, it’s a fun time.

What does that feel like?

It feels like someone is just pulling you down with the heaviest weight you can imagine making you sink into the seat. Once you hit a certain level of G’s, your vision does start to, what we call gray out or tunnel vision where the blood is basically being pulled from your head down to your feet. The blood vessel behind your eyes are smaller than all the other ones in your head, they are the first to lose blood and that’s why the vision is the first to be affected. That’s the first warning sign for pilots and they know that. They know that if their vision starts to be affected that they need to loosen on the reigns of that stick or do your anti-G maneuver with perfect technique. It gives them a little wake up call. When you are in the centrifuge it is demanding but you have great coaches helping you along.

I noticed that as well, you are never alone, there is always someone there talking you through it, and they have back up and they have a backup. Do you think that’s how everyone stays so cohesive, because there is such an extended back up system?

Yes, I whole heartedly believe that we would not be able to do what we do if this was not a team effort. It doesn’t only apply to the team in the blue suits and sharp uniforms, it comes to everyone contributing to our success. From the platforms that we fly, those staff that help us to really make sure we have all the capabilities possible, to the air shows staff, they are wonderful making sure that we are safe and ready to perform in their city when we get there and we don’t have to worry about anything else. We are incredibly successful because of the community and everyone that contributes to our success. It is a massive team effort and more than just the team on the flightline.

I noticed that the closeness of the jet crew on the Fat Albert, to those that pack the plane, everyone seems to focused. It is like ‘this is my job and I do it well’ and it’s handed to the next person and the next.

Yes ma’am, I’m glad you picked up on that because that is our whole goal, our mission, to showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. We are just doing what we love to do but its nice to have that as an added bonus.

What is the length of time someone can be with the Blue Angels?

All the positions are orders to go to the Blue Angels but it is also an application process. There is an admin who comes out and says what positions will be hiring that year that way anyone out in the fleet who is capable and qualified can apply. It is about a six-month application process where you get to know the current team, we invite the applicant to come out and see how we operate at an airshow and interact with them. They get a chance to get to know them and get to know us and see what it’s like with that kind of high pace and high demand life style and we get it. After that whole process, when you are called and told you are selected, it is the most incredible feeling in the world. The next day you have orders and you head to Pensacola, Florida and that’s your new duty station. Certain positions on the team there are certain timelines. The pilots are typically two years, there is one pilot chosen to stay three years because we have a narrator that narrates the entire demonstration that is a pilot who then transitions on to the number on the team. They are number seven as a narrator and then goes to six going to solo and ultimately number five who has the most experience flying on the team. So, we rely on the five position a lot to lead us because half the team turns over every year. Support officer wise, it’s typically two years, my tour was two years and enlisted have a little more time on the team with three or possibly four years. We have it set up that way because the pilots, docs and administrators are on the road every week. It is so demanding that two years is perfect.

How does that work with having your own family?

I am very fortunate that my family is located in Virginia and a majority of our shows are on the east coast. They would come out to the air shows on a weekly basis and see our families all come together and enjoy the entire weekend with us. They get to see us in action and it’s a family environment and that’s not something you hear a lot of in the military. It is a really cool thing that the Blue Angels have set up for our families.

I do understand that military downtime of getting together because I did it as a kid with my own family. It was a time to share and it was really important and showed a bit of that in the film as well with their families get togethers.

We do get one day off a week per se during the thick of the air show season. That one day is incredibly special to us with our family and friends. You would think that on your day off you don’t want to see the people you work with but we do. We get together, some of the pilots live right next to each other on the base so we get to be a team even on our days off.

To sum up your experience with the Blue Angels and now seeing the film, how are you feeling?

I am grateful in all honestly. I feel an immense amount of gratitude to my fellow teammates, to the military, to the Navy, to the Marine Corps. and everyone who has put their heart and soul into this team and this mission. It is absolutely spectacular.

What would you say to anyone, after seeing the film, has thought “that’s what I want to do”?

Do it, don’t let anything stop you. I promise you that you will be in that blue suit one day, or that F-18 or F-35, working on that aircraft – just get after it because you can do it.

I think you are all amazing, I think what you do is amazing, it’s more technical than anyone who has been at an airshow would ever have thought. In this film we finally get to see some of what you do.

Yes ma’am, and I’m so happy we get to show that to everyone.

Thank you for your time and your service LCDR Borza!

THE BLUE ANGELS is currently screening at the Fleet Science Center in San Diego, California Science Center in Los Angeles and more. To find a city near you that is playing or will be playing THE BLUE ANGELS in IMAX, please visit www.imax.com/moie/blue-angels.

They Believe in AUDREY’S CHLDREN

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Ami Canaan Mann and Blue Harbor Entertainment comes the story of a woman way before her time with AUDREY’S CHILDREN.

It is 1969 and Dr. Audrey Evans (Natalie Dormer) has arrived at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to take up her position as the first female Chief of Oncology. Her boss is none other than Dr. C. Everett Koop (Clancy Brown) who believes that Dr. Evans has something special she can bring to the table. Right off the bat, Dr. Evans shows that she is no shrinking violet much to the surprise of her colleagues. Yet one, Dr. Dan D’Angio (Jimmi Simpson) is willing to listen to her ideas but also caution’s when she becomes too vocal.

Wanting to find a way to treat children faster and with new methods, Dr. Evans takes risks and, at one point, goes over the heads of hospital administrators. Making it clear that Neuroblastoma treatments are needed quickly, she does receive time to come up with a staging system to classify the disease in such a way that each individual child is treated for their specific needs. Dr. D’Angio begins to understand her and realizes that she is onto something and even tries her method of getting things done.

At the same time, Dr. Evans discovers that families who are at Children’s Hospital can not afford to stay long due to the prices of hotels and food. This gives Dr. Evans another idea that means she, once again. will do the unconventional. Never taking ‘no’ for an answer is the reason that her work and legacy would come to impact the lives around the world.

Dormer as Dr. Evans portrays a woman that just doesn’t know the meaning of ‘no’. She faced criticism and sexism by her peers, was frowned upon for her way of doing things and pushed upon by those who felt threatened by what she was trying to accomplish. Dormer easily handled this role as she has with so many other strong female characters and I would expect nothing less. As Dr. Evans, Dormer gave us a portrayal that is charming, feisty, determined and goal oriented and I was riveted by her performance.

Simpson as Dr. D’Angio looked to be out of sorts when meeting Dr. Evans, shocked at the way she handled things and yet, found a way to see her point of view and even, in his own way, embrace it. In an era where a man did not do such things, Simpson gave us one who dared to take a step out of the proverbial box to see the world that needed them both. Brown as Dr. Koop played both sides of the fence on this one. He was angry when Dr. Evans pushed a little too hard against the grain and yet kept it to himself that he believed she could accomplish so much more.

Other cast include Brandon Hall as Dr. Brian Faust, Julianna Layne as Mia McAlister, Evelyn Giovine as Kate Watson, Maggie Toomey as young Audrey, Ben Chase as Dr. Jeremy Lewis, and Roberto Lombardi as Dr. Jeff Katz.

Blue Harbor Entertainment offers filmmakers a much-needed alternative in today’s challenging distribution environment by providing a comprehensive distribution and marketing solution covering theatrical releases, home entertainment, digital streaming platforms, and television – all under a service fee structure that empowers filmmakers. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.blueharborentertainment.com.

Dr. Audrey Evans co-founded the first Ronald McDonald House for families of patients, and, ultimately, impacted the lives of millions of children and families around the world!

The film was the Official Selection at the Philadelphia Film Festival as well as winning the Local Audience Award at the same festival, the Stony Brook Film Festival gave the film the Humanitarian Award, Jury Nominee at the Austin Film Festival, and the Tribeca X Award Winner Feature at the Tribeca Festival.

AUDREY’S CHILDREN is a wonderful story about a woman who knew what she wanted to achieve and found a way to make that happen. Believing that there was a way to help children that would otherwise succumb to their illness, Dr. Evans pushed the envelope of what is expected in the medical field. Being a woman in her position did not seem to slow her down but instead bring more focus to her efforts. The film is released in Honor of Women’s History Month and the late Dr. Evans’ 100th Birthday.

This is a story that everyone should see and experience if for nothing else, to understand that women have made an impact in the world in such stellar ways. The history of the Ronald McDonald House is admittedly a story that I did not even know so it is thrilling to finally know how it came about and the work so many put in to make it happen. Even today, families are supported by the work Dr. Evans and those working with her accomplished and the world couldn’t be more grateful.

In the end – they said it can’t be done, she said we’ll see about that!

It is all About THE PENGUIN LESSONS

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Peter Cattaneo from the true story novel of the same name by Tom Michelle and Sony Picture Classics comes a story of a friend and THE PENGUIN LESSONS.

Taking a teaching job at Buenos Aires in 1976, slightly disgruntled-about-life Englishman Tom Michell (Steve Coogan) arrives at the all-boys St. George’s College. He is immediately greeted by the political upheaval in the country. Headmaster Buckle (Jonathan Pryce) makes it clear that the scores for the boys in his class are low and they must be brought up. From day one in the classroom, Michell sees the boys have no desire to listen or learn but his apathetic attitude just goes along to get along.

An unexpected creature comes into his life in the form of an oil-soaked penguin. Getting him cleaned up, Michell soon discovers that finding a penguin is one thing, trying to get it to leave is another. Sneaking it back to his teacher’s dorm, Michell immediately tries to find someone else to take him but sets up house with his new roommate. Trying to hide a penguin proves to also be interesting but housekeepers Sofia (Alfonsina Carrocio) and her grandmother Maria (Vivian El Jaber) are let in on the secret and Juan Salvador (Juan Salvador Gaviota is Spanish for Jonathan Livingston Seagull) is named and instantly loved.

Inviting the women to lunch, Michell learns more about the struggle the people of Buenos Aires are facing and it is Sofia who is vocal about it all much to his delight. The authorities taking people off the streets never to be seen again makes Michell uncomfortable. Back in class, he is once again met by students who seem to have no use for education with the exception of the young bullied boy Diego (David Herrero). Michell decides that Juan Salvador might help in this regard and – it works. The students begin to finally hear their teacher but also, a change happens in Michell.

Juan Salvador becomes a quiet fixture to students and staff and enjoys their company and feeding time as Michell realizes that being with the school is everything. When frightening events happen with Sofia, as well as Michell, he discovers that he truly had become someone that needed to stand up for his students, people he cares about and even a black and white penguin that has become the biggest teacher of all.

Coogan as Michell gives us the character of a man who just seems to have given up being anything other than a being in survival mode. Seeing this teaching position as a way of earning a paycheck and little else, the universe has a big surprise for him. Oh sure, he fights it and he tries to make it go away, but a little penguin has other plans. Coogan is so good at being indifferent that when his frailties come forward and his story is told, it begins to make sense. What a wonderful role and beautifully done.

Carrocio as Sophia is a young woman who believes in her country and shares her feelings with Michelle. He instantly knows that she is someone special and besides, Juan Salvador kind of likes her. Carrocio gives us a peek into her character and my only wish is that she shared the screen more. El Jaber as Maria is a loving grandmother who wants what’s best for her generational family. She instantly takes to Juan Salvador and wants what is best for him and that’s not a cage. When her family struggles, El Jaber shows us a woman who came from strong people and will do whatever is necessary to keep her family intact. Absolutely amazing!

Pryce as Headmaster Buckle is firm in what he expects from Michell and keeps an eye on him. When he discovers Juan Salvador, his barking orders are quickly turned with a single conversation. I have to say, I absolutely adore Pryce and everything he has done so even this small role I am here for. Herrero as Diego is a young man who feels out of place among his classmates and, oddly enough, it is Michell who understands the young man. Herrero is just a dear and there is a moment that he gave his character a grace that just made me tear up, you will see.

Shout out to Bjorn Gustafsson as Tapio, another teacher in the school who also has a chance to be won over by Juan Salvador’s fishy charms!

Other cast include Julia Fossi as Anna, Hugo Fuertes as Ramiro, Miguel Serrano as Walter, Aimar Miranda as Ernesto, Nicanor Montechiarini as Igor and Florencia Nocetti as Nora.

THE PENGUIN LESSONS is an absolutely lovely film that is a mixture of a schoolteachers awakening, a country’s madness, a school’s bit of apathy and a penguin that finds more to his own life. That would seem like a lot but, in this case, it works brilliantly. You cannot remove one of these scenarios without the story caving in on itself and the fact that it is a true story is even more emotionally intense.

To be honest, I do enjoy films where animals take the front stage to show humans that we are more capable than we realize. Yes, this is a penguin who doesn’t have a lot to say but in that lies the truth that we hold the keys to our own jails. Recognizing his own frailties, Coogan’s Michelle is sarcastic, confrontational, avoids almost everything having to do with his emotions and has a history he refuses to acknowledge. We should all be so graced with an unexpected penguin to snap us back into the real world.

Working with a beautiful creature, director Cattaneo says, “Juan Salvador is a small Magellanic penguin. Like all our favorite pets, his charm comes partly from his imperfections. He can be stubborn, he’s quite scruffy and stinks of fish. Working to capture him on camera called for an unorthodox, naturalistic approach. I encouraged the cast and crew to stay patient and reactive, embracing the unexpected from the penguin. This way, I found the door was opened to unscripted magic. His little moments of spontaneity brought joy to the case and crew alike and resulted in some of my favorite scenes in the film”.

In the end – life can change when an enlightened being arrives!

A Thriller with DEATH OF A UNICORN

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Alex Scharfman and A24 is a story with a mythical twist when there is a DEATH OF A UNICORN.

Elliot (Paul Rudd) is attempting to work his way up the ladder of a company owned by the Leopolds. Driving up to their property in the mountains, he brings daughter Ridley (Jenna Ortega) along to spend time since his wife’s death and to show they are a close family. Driving up the winding road, Elliot takes his eyes off the road for one second before hitting something in the road.

Ridley walks up to the creature on the road and touches it causing something weird to happen. Elliot decides that it is up to him to put the creature out of its misery. Arriving at the Leopold house, he is met by Belinda Leopold (Tea Leoni) and son Shepard (Will Poulter) who bring them into the extravagant house that takes Ridley by surprise. Elliot meets with Odell Leopold (Richard E. Grant) who is very ill.

While Ridley takes a look around, Elliot is in the process of signing business papers with the Leopolds who are happy he is working with them. That is until family assistant Shaw (Jessica Hynes) notices something moving in the back of Elliots car! Even butler Griff (Anthony Carrigan) sees the vehicle rocking like crazy. Everyone runs out of the house in time to see the creature Elliot hit earlier!

Odell immediately calls in Dr. Bhatia (Sunita Mani) and Dr. Song (Steve Park), two scientists who try to understand what the creature is. While all the madness is happening, Ridley is doing her research to discover what the creature is and present her findings to the Leopolds – it is a unicorn! They aren’t as interested in her story as they are in what they discover about the creature. Now, Elliot and Ridley are faced with being the only two who realize that the Leopold’s are determined on destruction.

Actually, there are more creatures in the woods and they are, well, very angry and looking to hold someone responsible.

Rudd as Elliot is a twitchy widower who wants to be financially secure to take care of his daughter. He believes the Leopolds are they key to making that happen and is a bit of a shoe licker about it. When the craziness begins, he is still twitchy but slowly realizes his daughter is on to something! This role is perfect for Rudd as he takes on his usual humor and ability to be that “dad” who thinks wrong to make things right. Ortega as Ridley is a daughter who is irritated with her father for many reasons while trying to deal with the death of her mother. Once they arrive at the Leopolds, Ridley wants to leave sensing that something isn’t right but there is a reason. Ortega gets a chance to wiggle around the crazies of the house and is the princess of the story.

Grant as Odell is a sickly man who hires Elliot to help with the family business. Once that sickness is put in check, the business side of Odell comes out and so does greed and destruction. Grant is fantastic in this role and I loved watching him do what he does best, take a role and make it his own. Leoni as Belinda does a superb job of being irritating in a hilarious way. Watching her bounce off Grant’s role of Odell is impressive and it is good to see her on the screen again.

Carrigan as Griff is one of the outstanding characters in the film and from now on, I will be yelling “Griiiiiiiffffff” anytime I want something. Carrigan has to be seen to be hilariously believed. Hynes as Shaw has only one goal, be as tough as she can be. As the Leopolds assistant, Hynes character is protective of the family and is going to take on whatever is in the woods.

Song as Park is the scientist trying to discover what it is about the creature that can be a cure to so many things. Mani as Dr. Bhatia is the other scientist who knows that you don’t mess with the Leopolds. Both of the scientists are just as twitchy as Elliot!

The outstanding character here is Poulter as Shepard who is a narcissistic, spoiled and entitled man-child. That being said, oh my goodness did he have me laughing myself silly. His antics and line deliveries were sheer perfection. I can’t even explain adequately Poulter’s performance because it truly does need to be experienced but be prepared to jaw drop and giggle like crazy.

Other cast include Denise Delgado as Ridley’s Mom and Kathryn Erbe as the Tapestry Narrator.

A24 is an independent entertainment company that specializes in film and television production based in New York City. Films such as A GLIMPSE INSIDE THE MIND OF CHARLES SWAN III, the amazing EX MACHINA, ROOM and THE WITCH. Many of their films can be found on DirecTV Cinema and Amazon Prime. For more information, please visit www.a24films.com.

DEATH OF A UNICORN is a thriller, comedy and horror film all rolled into one. Normally I’d be a little leery of that combination but writer/director Scharfman must have found some unicorn dust of his own. Putting this cast together was another stroke of genius because they played off one another and made it look so darn easy. I had so many reactions to the film and every single one of them was fun. The CGI gives us total unicorn and, as a childhood unicorn lover, I was thrilled with what they came up with.

Having beloved mythical creatures as the “bad guys” had me at go from the beginning and the way they are brought to the story had me cheering. Does it seem I’m being vague? Absolutely so! There is no way I want to spoil this film for anyone who is headed to the theatre this weekend. It is a weird, strange, twisted story and the biggest thing it has going for it is originality and that’s saying a lot with the films of late.

Get that tub of popcorn and take a mythical, magical ride of terror.

In the end – they’re going to make a killing!

The One and Only DOG MAN Fights Crime on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from writer/director Peter Hastings, DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the one and only DOG MAN.

Police Officer Knight and sidekick dog Greg are severely injured and in order to save them both, the doctors create Dog Man! Quick healing puts Dog Man back on the streets to try and capture Petey the Cat (Pete Davidson). Dog Man’s boss Chief (Lil Rel Howery) knows that the town’s mayor (Cheri Oteri) is becoming frustrated and makes it clear to get that cat!

Petey (Pete Davidson) is wreaking havoc and with each capture, he realizes that its time to be more creative. Deciding to double himself, what actually happens is the creation of Little Petey (Lucas Hopkins), an adorable child version of big Petey. Not happy with the outcome, in one moment he becomes happy when little Petey goes missing.

Not really missing really, more like left and Dog Man finds him! Taking him home, the two become attached to one another. Keeping up on the news of what Petey is doing is Sarah Hatoff (Isla Fisher), the local news reporter and her trusty cameraman Seamus (Billy Boyd). To add more mischief and mayhem Petey has created a robot and manages to bring Flippy the Fish (Ricky Gervais) into the chaos.

So now Dog Man, must find a way to stop the madness created by Petey while also keeping Chief and the mayor happy and not crushing Little Petey’s spirit. That’s a tall order for a small Dog Man but nothing that he can’t handle without a little surprising help.

Writer/Director Hastings has decided to be the barking voice of Dog Man and there certainly isn’t anything wrong with that. He is able to provide the right emotions for this animated creation and it did look like fun. Davidson as Petey the Cat is a bit psychotic, a bit maniacal and a bit misunderstood. It takes a duplicate to test what he believes about himself but doesn’t stop the creation of more problems.

Howery as Chief tries to deal with Dog Man and the mayor giving him more headaches than he knows what to do with. There is a little jealousy about all the attention Dog Man is getting so there’s that issue to deal with. Fisher as Hatoff had me cracking up with her reporter skills and with the help of Boyd as Seamus, these two characters are perfect together and these two actors gave perfect voices to them.

Gervais as Flippy the Fish has us rolling with laughter and the lines delivered had Gervais all over them. The craziness is there and we were loving every moment. Hopkins as Little Petey is charming, adorable and almost made me want an orange cat – almost. His voice gives us reason to believe that a character can be a little bad even if he’s all good.

Other cast include Stephen Root as Grandpa, Poppy Liu as Butler, Luenell as Milly, Melissa Villasenor as the Realtor, Brian Hopkins as Big Jim, Yung Gravy as Mr. Whiskers, and Karen Foster as the Robot.

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.

Universal Pictures has amazing films in their library. 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.

Exclusive Bonus Features include Deleted and Extended Scenes with Introductions by Screenwriter/Director Peter Hastings, Meet the Pack, The Making of DOG MAN: A Sarah Hatoff Exclusive, Howl to Draw Flip-o-Rama Style, Howl to Make Doughnuts for Dogs and Feature Commentary with Screenwriter/Director Peter Hastings.

Dav Pilkey is the creator of Dog Man but this isn’t his first works to go from book to screen. He is also responsible for Captain Underpants books that also made it to the screen successfully. Pilkey has written 12 Dog Man books, several in the Dragon series, Dumb Bunnies books, Cat Kid Comic Club, Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot, Big Dog & Little Dog and other books.

First of all, DOG MAN is one of my granddaughters’ all-time favorite books to read and she cannot get enough of them. When I told her that Dog Man had been made into a film, she was thrilled beyond belief and made sure that I took her to see it. Her favorite character is Petey and she was so happy from beginning to end. Now that Dog Man is on Bluray/Digital, she can watch over and over again!

The film is funny with the zany story and it even had references that are meant to make the adults laugh. DOG MAN is so colorful and the animation is well done to the point where I could hold up one of the books next to the film poster and there is hardly any difference. That’s what made it so excitable to watch, keeping the characters as they have come to be loved by kids and probably a few adults.

DOG MAN is the perfect family film to bring the family together so grab popcorn and laugh. It is so well animated, colorful, fun and full of laughter from start to finish.

In the end – part dog, part man and all hero!