What's coming up in theatres!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

Bonus Features 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!

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.

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 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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

She is Taking Care of THE FRIEND

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from directors Scott McGehee, David Siegel and Bleecker Street is the story of a woman and a dog with THE FRIEND.

Iris (Naomi Watts) lives in a small New York apartment teaching writing courses and deciding on her own writing when she learns her friend Walter (Bill Murray) has died. Trying to come to terms with that and their history together, his wife Barbara (Noma Dumezweni) wants them to get together. Sharing her condolences with Barbara, Iris believes she is there to help put Walters papers together for a book. That couldn’t be further from it.

Barbara makes it clear that Walter wanted her to have Apollo, a very, very large Great Dane who he loved early. Iris balks at the idea making it clear that her apartment building doesn’t allow dogs but the choice is made clear that she either take the dog or else. Not liking the sound of else, Iris takes the very sad Apollo home to her small apartment. Immediately, the dog takes over and Iris is on the hunt for a new home for him with the building supervisor Hektor (Felix Solis) breathing down her neck. She does get chuckles from next door neighbor Marjorie (Ann Dowd).

Also wanting to get Walter’s book together is Val (Sarah Pidgeon) who turns to Iris when things get rough in her life. As the days go by with Iris, who has now been relegated to an air mattress with Apollo confiscating her bed, she finds herself weaving in and out of the world that was with Walter in it and the world she is in now. Trying to care for the saddest Great Dane on the planet, the biggest question is, “why did Walter leave me his dog?” and the answer comes with emotional breakthroughs for everyone.

Watts as Iris has the opportunity to portray a woman who is juggling a whole myriad of issues, then along comes the death of someone she cares for deeply. The shocking surprise that she is the new pal for big dog Apollo, her emotions are starting to come to the surface about so many things she has managed to bury. Watts portrays the character of a woman whose life starts to show the cracks in the walls she has put up and all of that with the help of a very large dog with his own set of big feelings. Watts and Apollo are stunning together.

Pidgeon as Val is Walter’s daughter who wants to help put together his memoirs but also has a bit of a messy life situation of her own. Feeling Iris is a safe space, these two women are quite lovely together. Dowd as Marjorie has her own soft spot for Apollo and sees the struggle her neighbor is going through. Solis as Hektor is an apartment super who lives by the rules and knows that Iris is under the watchful eye of the owner no matter how he personally feels.

Murray as Walter gives us the version that Iris sees of her friend. Their past relationship, his inconsistency with the women in his life, death and the world he left behind for Iris and, of course, Apollo. This isn’t a large role for Murray but it does not take away the footprint that is left. The scene between he and Watts as she comes to terms with her own sadness is absolutely stunning.

Other cast include Constance Wu as Tuesday, Owen Teague as Carter, Josh Pais as Jerry, Tom McCarthy as Dr. Warren, Bruce Norris as Dr. Novak, Gina Costigan as Jocelyn, Carla Gugino as Elaine and Bing as Apollo.

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

THE FRIEND is definitely a dog lovers’ film (have Kleenex), not only for the premise of Walters love, and deep friendship for a darn big dog, but what Apollo represents as a whole. Everyone that is part of Walters life have their own story to tell about the complexities of their relationship with him – Apollo is just a rather large bonus. Each person that is in Iris’ life has a different understanding of why they tolerated Walter’s human frailties and she begins to understand it, as much as she also fights it.

She wants her memories in tact without any interference because, as we all know, our own memories can sometimes be blind to the realities everyone else is aware of. Watts and Murray show us how, even with those frailties and realities, that loving someone can be the thing that gives us strength as a person – even if it is a big dog that silently points that out. The film is lovely, charming, funny, sad and eye opening at the same time.

By the end of the film we might all need a huge box of Kleenex, an even larger dog and serious therapy – and none of those things are all that bad thanks to THE FRIEND.

In the end – what about the dog?

There is Fun with A MINECRAFT MOVIE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Jared Hess and Warner Bros. is a story straight from every video game lovers dream with A MINECRAFT MOVIE.

Steve (Jack Black) is a kid who always wanted to get inside the mines, as he grew older, that dream didn’t change and as he finally gets his pickaxe to work, he discovers something amazing. An orb-cube that takes him into a different world where his imagination and creativity soars but takes him away from his own world. When things get crazy, Steve sends his faithful friend Dennis away with something that needs to stay hidden. Back in that world, Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison (Jason Momoa) is having life struggles as well. Once hailed genius of game play, he is a grown man struggling with trying to pay the rent on his store.

Moving to the small town is Natalie (Emma Myers) and her brother Henry (Sebastian Hansen). After their mother passes, Natalie has taken it upon herself to take care of Henry and start a new job in the small town. The realtor Dawn (Danielle Brooks) offers up the keys to their new place and offers to help in any way she can. On the way to his first day of school, Henry sees Garrett’s shop and is intrigued and frustrated at the same time as the shop owner tries to play it cool. In school, Henry manages to cause a large ruckus.

Garrett saves the day a bit and back at the shop, Henry discovers a cube but sister Natalie and Dawn are on their trail. All of it leads back to a certain mineshaft and a portal that sucks them in! Meanwhile, Steve is dealing with Malgosha (voiced by Rachel House) who has been holding him captive until she gets the orb that will allow her to control all worlds. She wants the cub and the only way to get it is by letting Steve go retrieve it. He meets up with Henry, Natalie, Garrett and Dawn and now the race is on to see who will get the cube and it isn’t going to be easy!

Black as Steve gets to literally play in this film because he looks like he is having a good time. His character seems to be a mass of other characters that his has played and I don’t mind it at all because he is funny. A believer in dreams and creativity, he wants to save his friend Dennis and keep the cube away from Malgosha all while being able to show off everything he has created in the unusual world. This all can only be done by Jack Black!

Momoa as Garrett is everything that a gaming champ from back in the day would be. Full of himself, thinks he can speak Spanish, horrible fashion sense and stuck in a time warp of his past that plays over and over in his head. Yet, every little bit of that works in this character and hilariously so. Momoa also seems to be having a good time and even more so when he comes together with Blacks character. They play off one another with similar silliness and energy that is big and fun.

Meyers as Natalie just wants to be the responsible adult in raising her younger brother. It’s clear that she is struggling but once into the other realm, Natalie begins to feel a bit more powerful in what she can achieve. Brooks as Dawn is a strong, no-nonsense lady who has no problem whacking a zombie over the head while she waxes strongly poetic about life and advise for Natalie. She really is very funny and once again seems to be having a good time on the screen. House as the voice of Malgosha has an underground piggy filled world full of issues that she takes out on everyone but, you can’t have your bacon and eat it too.

Other cast include Jemaine Clement, Kate McKinnon and Jennifer Coolidge as Vice Principal Marlene.

Warner Brothers is home to one of the most successful collections of brands in the world and stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry from feature film, television and home entertainments with worldwide distribution to DVD and Bluray, animation, comic books, videogames and broadcasting. This includes the upcoming film A MINECRAFT MOVIE! For more please visit www.warnerbros.com.

A MINECRAFT MOVIE is so much fun for so many reasons. First, it is so colorful and true to the characters in the game. Almost everything one would see in the game is on the big screen which is going to delight everyone. The audience was filled with kids, teens, moms, dads and just adults who wants to have a really good time at the movies and they were not disappointed. The story is silly, fast paced, very well animated, and full of humor for whatever your level of giggles might be.

There is not a moment of downtime and I absolutely loved that. My 10-year-old granddaughter laughed constantly through the movie and by the end of it proclaimed it was the best movie she has seen this year (yes, I realize it’s only March but she’s 10 and time is a whole other dimension when you are that age). I asked what she loved about it and every time she tried to explain a scene, her laughter would stop her from finishing. That is how I know that A MINCRAFT MOVIE is good – she wasn’t the only person laughing.

While walking out I was listening to everyone talking and they were repeating something they heard from the film and what their favorite scenes were. That made me laugh even more so, if director Hess’ wish was to make a fun and funny film for everyone, then I’d say he has managed beautifully. This is just a fantastic time at the movies for everyone and just know, we will be seeing it again!

In the end – be there and be square!

They are in the Middle of WARFARE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from directors Alex Garland, Ray Mendoza and A24 is the startling film about a band of men who want to get back home during WARFARE.

A platoon of Navy SEALs is on a mission in Ramadi, Iraq to locate insurgents in November 2006. Leading the team is Erik (Will Poulter), with radioman Ray (D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai), Elliott (Cosmo Jarvis), Tommy (Kit Connor), Macdonald (Michael Gandolfini), Pete (Laurie Duncan), Sam (Joseph Quinn), and Frank (Taylor John Smith).

Taking over a house, the team spends hours watching their targets from across the road. Remaining as stationary as possible, they keep their eyes open as those they are watching are coming and going out of the building. Keeping in contact with their superiors, the soldiers notice that something is happening as the streets quickly clear and become empty. Immediately, things begin exploding and rapid fire hit the building the men are in.

Rallying, the men fight back hard while reaching for reinforcements. Until help arrives, the insurgents feel the power as military jets try to clear a path for the men to get clear. As the scene becomes chaotic, the men try to help one another with severe injuries while waiting for back up to arrive. Their bond for one another will be their strongest weapon against the enemy!

Poulter as Erik leads the men into their mission with a clear goal and understanding that each man is capable of their objective. This is such a strong role for Poulter and he handles it with precision and focus. Watching this actor come up through such diverse roles, he has definitely shown his worth as an actor in both comedy, action and now drama. Woon-A-Tai is equally as focused as Ray, a young man who keeps the positioning on track but has an even more difficult job ahead of him once things become more volatile. Ray becomes a focus put never pulls focus from the story being told.

Quinn as Sam gives a performance is sent shivers up my spine and emotions spiraling all over the place. His role is absolutely difficult to watch but necessary at the same time. Gandolfini, Jarvis, Connor, Duncan and Smith are part of the platoon trying to do their job and survive at the same time. They want to do their part and, at the same time, take care of their brothers. Their roles are so important to the story and make an impact that is powerful and meaningful. Each of these actors makes an indelible mark portraying their roles that captured my attention from start to finish.

Other cast include: Aaron Mackenzie as Kelly, Alex Brockdorff as Mikey, Evan Holtzman as Brock, Joe Macaulay as Mo, Laurie Duncan as Pete, Jake Lampert as Ted, Aaron Deakins as Bob, Henrique Zaga as Aaron, Noah Centineo as Brian and Adain Bradley as Sgt. Laerrus.

During the last U.S. premier showing of WARFARE at the Village Theatre in Coronado, California, the directors and cast were there to support the film in our military town and answer questions after the film.

Director Ray Mendoza talks what brought him into filmmaking and makes it clear that the viewers opinion matters, “What got me into this is the film ACTOR OF VALOR and it got me into this medium. Something I recognized right off the bat was the structure, working in concert to achieve an objective so I could relate to that. I like that team concept, it’s how I work and it is how I was raised. I found that it was a good outlet for me as I was transitioning at the time and it was very rough. A lot of things going on and it was rough and I had a lot of things going on so it really was rough. I had a hard time expressing what was going on and I didn’t have the vocabulary to do it. I hit rock bottom in a lot of ways and had a daughter I needed to be a father too; I had friends who helped me climb out of this whole and dig into this industry. I always try to approach it the way teams taught me with respect, tact and try to do it responsibly. So, I learned how to tell stories, not just military stories, doing humbling work. I needed to learn this new language and me wanting to tell this story, I knew I had to understand how to do this through storytelling and framing it.”

Director Alex Garland speaks on what caused him to search out Mendoza for a project they could do together, “Ray and I worked on CIVIL WAR. He was in a way a choreographer for gun fights and there was a particular sequence where the soldiers were fighting and watching Ray work with the performers. What was clear is that there were things in there that were not normally seen. As a civilian, I saw a rhythm to the gunfights and the explosion and recollecting and communicating with one another, it was fascinating. The sequence really interested me and I contacted Ray with a question and said, ‘what if we take 90 minutes or 100 minutes of real combat that had one task, to recreate it as accurately as we possibly can’. Ray said he had such a story and it was, for me, an exercise in listening. Civilians I think don’t listen enough. There is sort of a thing people believe that soldiers don’t talk about their experiences. I think they do under the right circumstances provided they are being heard! So, the actors had to listen to one another and it was humbling and fascinating.

Will Poulter says of his work on the film and the challenges, “Stating the obvious as actors, we were responsible of representing people. We were doing a very limited version of what, of course, the people in military learn over a much longer period of time. We were very lucky to get that opportunity and it served two key functions – the first, gave us enough of a skill set to put our best foot forward as far as representing the gentlemen we were responsible for and secondly, and equally important, is that it bonded us in kind of a measurable way. It surprised us all, what that meant is that when we got to set, we were responsible for executing various objectives entrusted to us by the director. It was in full naturally by genuine love, care and respect for each other. It was responding to protocol and falling back on the training we were lucky to get by Ray, who deserves a lot for his patience with us.”

WARFARE is an intense battle film that does not stop from start to finish. As the film begins there is already a sense of tension from the actors onscreen that trickles down into the audience quickly. The goal of the mission is clear as each moment passes in the telling from quiet radio transmission to non-verbal cues between the soldiers themselves. When the fighting begins, the senses are assaulted from the loud rapid fire and explosions to the intense reaction of the soldiers as they call for help and are wounded. The cast excel in their character portrayals and directors Garland and Mendoza have presented us with something truly well done.

With all of it, this is an important story that needs to be seen by the general public as a glimpse into war and what it does to those returning home long term. There is, of course, concern for those who may find the film triggering so I feel compelled to say so. For myself, it provided me with a deeper understanding of my own family’s history with war and its effects after. I agree with director Garland in that those who have experienced trauma need from us better listening and understanding skills. That is where the disconnect lies sometimes and it is something we all can change about ourselves for the sake of those who put their lives and bravery on the line.

In the end – the only way out is together!

IN THE LOST LANDS

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to On Demand from director Paul W.S. Anderson and Vertical Entertainment based on a short story by George R.R. Martin is the tale IN THE LOST LANDS.

Grays Alys (Milla Jovovich) is a witch who is in the clutches of religious fanatic The Enforcer Ash (Arly Jover), who serves The Patriarch Johan (Fraser James). There is chaos in this land of destruction and chaos. Ruling this desolate kingdom is The Overlord and The Queen (Amara Okereke) but there is tension between The Overlord and The Patriarch. Ash is furious when Grays Alys manages to escape and is pushed to recapture her once again.

In her own stronghold, Grays Alys is visited by The Queen who wants to make a wish knowing the witch can not refuse. Wanting a power that lives in the Lost Lands, she pays Grays Alys for her services. Promptly, an unexpected twist occurs when The Queen’s man Jerais (Simon Loof) makes a wish of his own, that she not do as the Queen wishes. Knowing all of this is complicated, Grays Alys finds Boyce (Dave Bautista) in a local watering hole and hires him as a guide to The Lost Lands where the power resides.

There are only six days before the next full moon that is needed to grant The Queen’s wishes as Grays Alys and Boyce begin their journey. The Patriarch wants Ash to get the witch so that he can dethrone The Overlord and The Queen to take the power. Boyce knows of ways to get to The Lost Lands and looks to the help of friends. The problem is getting to them before The Enforcer Ash does because she is on a mission of total destruction.

Now the race is on to see who will reach The Lost Lands first!

Jovovich as Grays Alys is doing what she does best, creating a badass female character in a world that is filled with chaos and destruction. Embracing that part of her career has always worked well for her and in this film, she is proving once again that these characters are obviously fun to portray. She gets to use witchy actions, is good with weaponry and doesn’t take any guff from anyone – even her co-star. Speaking of Baustia, as Boyce he is a wanderer who doesn’t like to stay in one place to long. Hiring himself out to the witch for a trinket puts him back out wandering but this time with a goal – to get to The Lost Lands. He does warn Grays Alys against going but it goes unheeded.

Jover as The Enforcer is just as crazy as she wants to be. Following her religious fanaticism, she sees Grays Alys as an abomination and must be destroyed. To that end, she is going to chase her down no matter where she goes or what magic she attempts. Jover is pretty darn cool herself, even if she is a little off the rails. James as The Patriarch and the head of the twisted church, his only goal is to plant himself in the highest seat in their land, even if it means taking down an Overlord or two. Okereke as The Queen wants her cake and everyone elses’ too stopping at nothing to make sure nothing stands in her way. Okereke makes a grand Queen and she has a little bit of evil in her as well. Loof as Jerais is the Queen’s man to make things happen, and without a word knows exactly what she wants done!

Other cast include Tue Lunding as The Hammer, Jacek Dzisiewicz as The Overlord, Kamila Klamut as Midwife, Eveline Hall as Old Woman, Nicolas Stone as Kane, Sebastian Stankiewicz as Ross, and Deirdre Mullins as Mara.

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

IN THE LOST LANDS is a dark story (but then again, I would expect nothing less from George R.R. Martin) that is steeped in magic, power struggles and everyone out for themselves. Grays Alys is a woman with powers that she wishes on no one but yet can’t refuse a wish, even if she wanted to. That is her weight to carry knowing that those who asks things of her are usually greed in nature.

The visuals are exactly what one would expect from a world gone chaotic with those who want to rule and those they abuse by ruling. The religious want the world their way with the hearts and minds in the same chains as the Overlords and the overlords want to get rid of the religious for the same reasons. It seems only Grays Alys and Boyce are the sane ones in their own crazy way. The cast does a really good job of creating characters that I wouldn’t mind seeing again. The film definitely kept my attention with its twists, turns and, honestly, I do love a good yarn!

In the end – it is a world full of secrets!

He Knows LOVE HURTS

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from director Jonathan Eusebio and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the love action comedy that shows how LOVE HURTS.

Marvin Gable (Ke Huy Quan) loves his job being a real estate agent and has just been awarded Realtor of the Year! Explaining to his assistant Ashely (Lio Tipton) that it’s important to love what you do, he enters his office only to discover the assassin Raven (Mustafa Shakir) waiting. A questioning fight is ‘where is Rose’? Just when Marvin thought he had started a new life, it has come back to literally kill him.

Rose is a girl Marvin actually likes but that’s not the whole story. It seems once upon a time; Marvin was an assassin for The Company run by his brother Alvin or “Knuckles” (Daniel Wuv). Rose (Ariana DeBose) sort of stole some money and Marvin was supposed to “take care” of Rose but love got in his way. Now that you are caught up, Rose grabs Marvin and explains what is happening and Ashley has fallen for poetry driven Raven who Marvin left lying flat out in his realtor’s office. Understand?

Oh, it gets crazier! Knuckles is upset because Marvin’s mentor Cliff (Sean Astin) refers to him as his brother and Rose wants the money she stole. To make her point, Rose kidnaps Knuckles accountant Kippy (Rhys Darby) to track down the money only to discover that Knuckles man Renny Merlo (Cam Gigandet) has his own game going. Of course you can add Otis (Andre Eriksen), King (Marshawn Lynch) and Jeff (Drew Scott) to the mix, who are they? Untangle it all for yourself!

Quan as Marvin is a man who has found a second life in real estate. Constantly on the go to get the job done, he is happy with his life choice, until Rose shows up. Wanting to do the right thing by her (well, he is in love), he is up against some of the craziest people who are out to either get money or get Marvin or get Rose or a little bit of everything actually. This is an interesting character to watch play out and it is also quite charming.

DeBose as Rose has her own agenda even if she has a few hearts for Marvin. Getting him involved has brought out a bunch of bad guys who are a little messed up in their emotions but hey – a hit man is a hit man right? Tipton as Ashley is a bit scattered but knows that real estate is not in her life’s plan. Especially when she meets a certain poet assassin who only has eyes at the moment for Gable.

Shakir as Raven is giving off big man creepy vibes but also has a heart for poetry. That doesn’t mean he won’t get the assassin thing done, he just gets sidetracked occasionally by Ashley and a good fight in a kitchen with oversized cutlery. Darby as Kippy has a lot to say for a man without a finger. Twin assassins from a different mother are Lynch who doesn’t hesitate to use his previous gridiron skills and Eriksen as Otis who has a soft side.

Gigandet as Renny is playing both sides of the game and keeping his hands fairly clean, but that could change as quickly as the car Marvin is driving. Wuy as Knuckles has everyone dancing to his tune but that doesn’t mean Rose or Marvin for that matter are going to let him get away with his plan to take out everyone.

Shout out to Astin as Cliff, now there is a reunion that took forty years fir Data and Mikey back together again!

Exclusive Bonus Features include Alternate Ending, Deleted and Extended Scenes The Ke as Gable, The Heart of LOVE HURTS and Stunts Hurt.

LOVE HURTS has a bit of everything from charming comedy, to slap stick antics, a bit of love, nutty assassins, sibling rivalry, martial arts and a few Russians. That’s a lot coming at the screen yet not only does it work but its fun (and a bit funny). No one said love wasn’t going to hurt a bit right? The cast play off one another and make it look easy and, most of all, fun.

Prepare yourself for a roller coaster ride of fun and a few surprises. This is the type of film that brings everybody to the sofa with a big bowl of popcorn, laugh, get in on the jokes and have a fantastic time all around. This Bluray offers so much more after the film is finished so take time to check that out as well.

In the end – love can save the day!

It is a Plan in HARBIN

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from writer/director Woo Min-ho and Well Go USA is the thriller of Korean history when meeting in HARBIN.

It is 1909 in Korea as the country prepares for annexation to Japan. A group of comrades of war, including Woo Deo-sun (Park Jeong-min), Kim Sang-hyun (Jo Woo-jin) and Chi Jae-hyung (Yoo Jae-myung) decide that they cannot let this happen. Plans are being made to stop it by assassinating the Korean leader Hirobumi Ito (Lily Franky) in Harbin. Ahn Jung-guen (Hyun Bin) is leading his group of men but there is someone who wants him. Gen. Tatsuo Mori (Park Hoon) is tearing the group apart to find him. An incident happened during the war that has made Ahn Jung-guen the focus of Mori’s attention.

Ito makes it clear that he doesn’t fear those who want to attack him. Instead, a mole has been put in the group but Ahn Jung-guen’s men realize that something is amiss. None of this stops their mission but it does cause mistrust on everyone’s part. Each in the plot know their roles in the mission and each are aware of the dangers they face. Reaching out to Ms. Gong (Jeon Yeo-been), she helps the men get to their destination and briefs Ahn on the mission’s final stop in Harbin.

It is a game of cat and mouse with the prize of a country attempting to save itself!

Bin as Jung-guen is a quiet man with a conscious. In war he was against taking the lives of his prisoners and of them - was Mori. Much to the dismay of his brothers in arms, the character of Jung-guen is clear about his beliefs. Bin gives us a man who now must make right the belief in his country’s independence and never forgetting those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to make that happen.

Hoon as Mori has a moment on his knees that followed him after the war. His obsession with Ahn takes over every part of his life. He is devious in how to get close to him but the one thing he doesn’t count on is the determination of Ahn and those who want Korea’s freedom. Jeong-min as Deo-sun as believes in what they are doing and follows Jung-guen cautiously. Woo-jin as Sang-hyun has his part to play in the plan and it can turn the plan even deadlier.

Other cast include Kim Ji-oh as Otani, Lee Tae-Hueong as Jo Do-Sun, Lee Kang as Ahn Se-ho, Yoon Yeo-won as Shin Jae-Sik, Tongha Pak as Yamada, Son In Young as Kim Seong-Baek, Lee Dong-wook as Lee Chang-seop, Ego Mikitas as Vladimir Kokovtsov and Jung Woo-sung as Park Jeom-chul.

Bonus features include The Making of Harbin.

HARBIN is an intense film starting out with how each of the characters believe in their fight for Korea and how it follows them well beyond the battle field. Planning an assassination takes time and trust, that can be difficult when everything is surrounded by tensions of two countries and another putting in their two-cents. The feel of the film is gritty and cold which is exactly how I would see their world in 1909.

Director Woo Min-ho also wrote and directed such films as THE SPIES, INSIDE MEN and THE DRUG KING as well as THE MAN STANDING NEXT. The later film won an amazing number of awards from the 40th Korean Association of Film Critics’ Awards, 7th Korean Film Producers Association Awards, Cine 21 Awards in categories of Best Film, Best Director and Best Screenplay.

As a period piece, HARBIN is exactly what I enjoy keeping the story straight forward and not clouding it with a lot of things that it just doesn’t need. It is a story of men during a time of war and a country in crisis. Both of those bring the story together of a group of believers who only had one goal – to save their country. It may have taken 36 years to do it but the fighters kept the flame alive till it actually happened.

In the end – they band together so others can be remembered!

CAPTAIN AMERICA: Brave New World Lands on 4K Ultra HD

Jeri Jacquin

Today on Digital including Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Fandango At Home and coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray, DVD from director Julius Onah and Marvel Studios comes the next chapter of CAPTAIN AMERICA: Brave New World.

It has been a few months since Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford) has been elected President of the United States. His first order of business is to send Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) and Joaquin Torres (Danny Ramirez) to Mexico to stop classified information from being sold by Sidewinder (Giancarlo Esposito). They get the information but Sidewinder gets away. Torres is a young gun and Wilson tries to keep in in check as the Falcon-in-training as they don’t have the same powers as Steve Rogers.

To help Torres, Wilson takes him to Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), a former super soldier who doesn’t take any noise from Torres. Ross wants Wilson and Torres to come to the White House for a world-leaders gathering and wants Captain America to reform the Avengers. At the gathering, Ross talks about adamantium found on an island in the Indian Ocean. During his speech, music begins and chaos breaks out and those responsible are in a daze.

When Sidewinder is captured, it is discovered that Dr. Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson) has something to do with it all. There is more to it than Wilson and Torres could have ever imagined. Each step they take brings them closer and closer to the answers of who is responsible for all the mayhem. As Wilson feels as if he is not capable, Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) not only shows up for his friend, but help Captain America and the Falcon stop the one person who is truly responsible.

Mackie has taken the mantle of Captain America and it comes with a lot of insecurities. Wanting to be the man Steve Rogers saw when handing him the shield, he begins to question whether he is the right man for the job. While dealing with that, he is also worried about Torres and the young man’s bit of arrogance thinking he is ready for anything. Confronted with Ross’ request about the Avengers, it all comes with more questions than answers. Mackie is taking his new roll seriously wanting to show his characters insecurities and frailties in a human way and it works.

Ford as President Ross wants to keep the country strong and wants Wilson to bring back the Avengers to make that possible. Allowing Wilson and Torres to be a part of his plan is something both men understand – until everything has been turned outside

Ramirez as Torres is a hot shot of a kid who believes he is ready to be the new Falcon and jumps into the roll with little concern for the danger. That is where he and Wilson run into a bit of a problem. It is mostly on-the-job training as Torres and it could cost both super heroes in the end. Ramirez is charming and funny which works but he also begins to understand what it means to be the Falcon. Lumbly as Bradley is a man dealing with his own demons from the past as an imprisoned super soldier who has try to move on with his life. Being honored to attend the White House, someone is using that to bring Bradley back to a place he thought he’d never see again. Lumbly is a solid character and adds more back history to the story.

Shout out to Esposito as Sidewinder who, as always, plays a character that is cool as a cucumber, Tim Blake Nelson as Dr. Samuel Sterns and Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes.

Other cast include Shira Haas as Ruth Bat-Seraph, Xosha Roquemore as Leila Taylor, Liv Tyler as Betty Ross, Johannes Johannesson as Copperhead, William McCullough as Dennis Dunphy and Takehiro Hira as Ozaki.

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

Bonus Features include Deleted Scenes: A Heartfelt Thanks, The Mission and Stick Around, Assuming the Mantle, Old Scores, New Scars, Gag Reel and Audio Commentary.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: Brave New World is an action-packed film but then again that’s how it goes with superheroes! Mackie steps up to the shield having spent his time as The Falcon and now makes his own mark. That also means letting Marvel pave the way slowly for his own story to unfold even if some don’t have the patience to wait for that. The story gives viewers a solid vibe and that means a ride, especially with the Red Hulk making his appearance.

There are so many changes and shake ups in the MCU, the film starts the year off followed by waves of upcoming films. This year alone there is THUNDERBOLTS, IRONHEART, THE FANTASTIC FOUR and more so CAPTAIN AMERICA: Brave New World offers up a new road that all fans are going to go down happily. Get the family together, pop the corn and put the shields up because now we can all watch it again and again!

In the end – the future favors the brave!

They Are SINNERS

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Ryan Coogler and Warner Bros. Pictures is the story of brothers and SINNERS.

It’s Charleston, Mississippi in 1932, Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan) are twin brothers who are leaving Chicago behind returning to the south. They immediately set up shop by purchasing property to open up their own juke joint. Looking for talent, they turn to their cousin Sammie (Miles Caton) to bring his guitar playing blues voice and fellow musician Delta Slim (Delroy Lindo).

In town, they gather what’s needed for an opening night with the help of Bo Chow (Yao) and his wife Grace (Li Jun Li) and doorman Cornbread (Omar Miller). Smoke is taking time to revisit Beatrice (Tenaj L. Jackson) and asking for her help with the opening. Stack runs into Mary (Hailee Steinfeld) but wants to avoid any problems and at the same a woman named Pearline (Jayme Lawson) catches Sammie’s eye.

Opening night is a raging success and Sammie performs bringing the music to a whole new level. So much so that it catches the attention of Remmick (Jack O’Connell), a stranger who wants one thing – to take each person and make them part of his deranged family. When Smoke and Stack realize something isn’t right, the fight against evil begins.

Jordan as Smoke and Stack play two brothers with different temperament and that makes it easy to tell them apart. Believing they can start a successful business, the opening night shows promise. Each brother is watching the business and could never imagine that coming home means dealing with the devil. Jordan makes playing both characters look easy and brings in the believability that he is the two brothers.

Caton as Sammie is a young man who wants more than to be the son of a preacher and farm hand. He sees music as a way out of the life he is in much to the dismay of his father. The music is everything and Caton brings the blues to a whole other level. Lindo as Slim is there for Smoke and Stack and sees something special in Sammie. Lindo has always been a powerful presence on the screen and in this film, he continues his reign.

Steinfeld as Mary is a strong woman who refuses to give up on her feelings of love for Stack. She knows that to make him admit his feelings, Mary has to go to the juke joint no matter what the group might say. Jackson as Beatrice is a woman who understands what is happening and is motivated by her love of Smoke. I loved watching Jackon’s performance as it is steeped in a history with Smoke that is poignant and mysticism.

Yao and Li Jun Li are a couple that also have a history with Smoke and Stack so when they brothers ask for help, a little negotiating happens and they also enjoy the opening night. There is a moment where Li had the entire audience groaning with, “no she didn’t!” and then we all broke out laughing. Miller as Cornbread is hired for his strength but that doesn’t mean he is safe from what is outside the juke joint door.

O’Connell as Remmick has a goal, to get as many people on his side of the fight as demonically possible. Filled with song and dance, Remmick makes it clear that he wants Sammie most of all. I loved watching O’Connell morph into this character that is so dark and charming at the same time. His character has an agenda and isn’t going to let Smoke, Stack or anyone else get in his way, especially when he has a small army behind him.

Other cast include Helena Hu as Lisa Chow and Sam Malone as Terry, Saul Williams as Jedidiah, Andrene Ward-Hammon as Ruthie and David Maldonado as Hogwood.

SINNERS has the feel of the 1996 film DUSK TILL DAWN and the director is keenly aware of that. He has every reason to be proud of his script using southern history and mysticism as a catalyst for storytelling. Coogler sees directors Christopher Nolan, Steven Spielberg and cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema are an inspiration. Coogler says, “I’m excited to announce that SINNERS was captured on film, that’s a format I fell in love with when I was in film school.” Using a big-boy format, Coogler shot the film on two different large-film formats of Ultra Panavision 70 and IMAX 65 film camera.

That means the film is being shown to audiences as big as the story itself. A running time of 137 minutes, there isn’t a moment that isn’t filled with the story becoming bigger and bigger with twists that are wrapped up in music. Coogler keeps the cinematography simple letting the story take over with a juke joint as a character itself. It is a protection wall between those inside and what’s outside. The cast is absolutely stellar as we learn about each character and the part they play in each other’s lives. All of that is important when it comes down to surviving the night.

SINNERS is a film requires patience as it unwraps. It is a combination of African American beliefs about music, bringing in Chinese culture, Native American culture (which really didn’t need to be there) and Irish folklore of their Abhartach or An Dearg Due. Using the background of the Jim crow south, there is a lot to take in on the screen. It is the cast that become the weavers of this complex story and it is stunning to watch them at work.

In the end – dance with the devil!

TOMBSTONE Returns on 4K Digital

Jeri Jacquin

Now on 4K through Digital (Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home) from director George P. Cosmatos and Walt Disney Home Entertainment comes the return of the classic western TOMBSTONE.

Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell) is a man everyone knows as a retired officer of the law. It is 1879 and Wyatt meets up with his brothers Virgil (Sam Elliott) and Morgan (Bill Paxton) in Tucson, Arizona. Deciding to settle down, they are joined by Doc Holliday (Val Kilmer) who is ill with tuberculosis. The brothers decide to open up a saloon and casino to make their fortune. It doesn’t take long before they encounter the infamous Cowboys. Curly Bill (Powers Boothe) is one of them and during a stagger, he shoots the town marshal.

Watching him get away with murder, Virgil becomes the new marshal banning weapons in the city limits. Although Wyatt is in a relationship with Mattie (Dana Wheeler-Nicholson) who has a big problem, he finds himself drawn to the lovely actress Josephine Marcus (Dana Delany) who is in town performing with Mr. Fabian (Billy Zane). The Cowboys are going after the Earp brothers leading to a gunfight that brings the family in danger. If they think the brothers are going to go down easy, they don’t know the Earp brothers that includes Doc.

Now, the Cowboys are on the run because there is a new marshal in town and he vowed to put an end to the Cowboys reign of madness. A few of them have crossed over to Wyatt’s side and the chase is on. Johnny Ringo (Michael Biehn) is determined to fight on as Doc begins to fall from his illness. Taking respite at rancher Henry Hooker’s (Charlton Heston) place, one move change everything for Wyatt and his family cementing their names in history.

Russell as Wyatt is cool as a cucumber, until it is time not to be. Wanting to get away from being a lawman, he found that money owning a saloon and casino. Russell plays his role by watching everything that happens around him and sees things others might not notice which is why he is quick to draw when necessary. I just love his portrayal of Wyatt and the strength to lead his family. Even as things fall apart for him personally, Russell gives us a leader, strategist and a man who will protect his family at all costs. It is riveting to watch the story unfold and Russell’s part in the story.

Elliott as Virgil is, and let’s be honest, sheer perfection. He fits in a western with his southern drawl and tall presence so playing Virgil works. Portraying Virgil, he is a family man and wants to do what’s best for his family. When they are in danger, Elliott’s Virgil becomes a lawman with Wyatt keeping and eye on everything. Anything Elliott does is very cool indeed so having him as part of this cast is iconic. Paxton as Morgan believes in Wyatt and trusts that he will do the right thing. He sees Wyatt as the leader of the family and follows when it is time to take on the bad guys, Paxton’s Virgil is right in the mix.

Kilmer as Doc Holliday created a memorable character with line delivery that are said even today thirty years later. This role brings a sickly man with a southern drawl who would do absolutely anything for Wyatt. He sees him as a brother and Kilmer is spot on from the moment he steps on the screen. It is a mixture of admiration and sadness to see the film once again as Kilmer steps onto the scene. He gives Doc smarts, razor sharp sarcasm, an intense feel of a man who doesn’t let much get by him. Kilmer will always be remembered for his infamous delivery of the line, “I’m your Huckleberry” (it basically means ‘bring it on!’) and has been put in the world-wide vocabulary. I’ve heard so many people use it and Kilmer made it happen.

Boothe as Curly Bill is a gun slinger that isn’t afraid to take on the Earps, in fact, he makes it look like a game that nothing will stop him from winning. He gives tough looks, sly grins and the right menacing attitude, well done Boothe. Beihn as Johnny Ringo is a man who is looking for a fight, and if he can’t find it, he will create it. Chaos is a drug to him and no one will get in his way, and that includes his own gang. Beihn gives it his evil all and it works splendidly.

Delaney as Josephine falls for Wyatt knowing of his relationship at home. That doesn’t stop her from getting to know him and realizing his life is filled with danger. Delaney is lovely in this character who doesn’t rattle easy but also doesn’t suffer fools. Shout out to Charlton Heston as Hooker! He fit in with the rest of the cast and although his role is a small one, Heston is an actor for all seasons and I was thrilled to see him in the initial release of the film.

Other cast include Billy Claiborne as Wyatt Earp III, Harry Carey, Jr. as Marshal White, Billy Bob Thornton as Johnny Tyler, Peter Sherayko as Texas Jack, Jon Tenney as Johnny Behan, Stephen Lang as Ike Clanton, John Corbett as Johnny Barnes, Buck Taylor as Turkey Creek, Thomas Haden Church as Billy Clanton, Tomas Arana as Frank Stillwell, Joanna Pacula as Big Nose Kate, Michael Rooker as Sherman McMasters, Paula Malcomson as Allie Earp, Lisa Collins as Louisa Earp, Paul Ben-Victor as Indian Charlie, Terry O’Quinn as John Clum, Frank Stallone as Ed Bailey, John Philbin as Tom McLaury, Jason Priestley as Billy Breakenridge. The film is narrated by the legendary Robert Mitchum.

Bonus Materials include The Making of Tombstone with An Ensemble Cast, Making an Authentic Western, The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, Director’s Original Storyboards: O.K. Corral Sequence, Trailer and TV Spots.

TOMBSTONE is an iconic film that hasn’t shown any signs of stopping even 30+ years later. It is a film that is cinematically thrilling to watch and if you love westerns, I think you might agree with me. The authentic look on the screen is an added character in the film. The story doesn’t hold back as the fight is not just in the streets but the saloons as well. Lines such as, “You called down the thunder!” and “I’m your huckleberry” have continued to enthrall people who are not going to let a film like this fall. Yes, I’ve used those a time or two myself and I’m proud to admit it.

Releasing the film is a mixture of thrill and sadness with the recent passing of Kilmer. Recently at CinemaCon, co-star Tom Cruise said of him, “I’d like to honor my dear friend Val Kilmer. I really can’t tell you how much I admire his work, how much I thought of him as a human being, and how honored I was when he joined TOP GUN and returned for TOP GUN: Maverick.” Even Russell said, “We had a tremendously trusting relationship. He was a sharp guy; I found his reasoning to always be solid on anything that had to do with the movie.”

This story is one that has always fascinated me being a history buff, and the story is based loosely on the events that lead up to the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. It also follows Wyatt’s revenge on the Cowboys as history refers to it as Earp Vendetta Ride. It is clear that the director was going for total authenticity down to the actor’s learning weaponry and the unmistakable mustaches. All of that is what drew audiences into theatres, then to DVD, Bluray and now amazing 4K HD and it is well deserved.

It is time to saddle up and ride once again with the Earps into history. Grab popcorn and turn up the soundbar as TOMBSTONE is a film that deserves to be enjoyed again and again.

In the end – justice is coming!

THE LEGEND OF OCHI

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Isaiah Saxon and A24 comes the story of two who would become unexpected friends because of THE LEGEND OF OCHI.

On the remote island of Carpathia, Yuri (Helena Zengel) is a young girl surrounded by boys who are being trained by father Maxim (Willem Dafoe). They are training to fight creatures that live in the forest called Ochi that they hunt at night. Yuri is going on her first hunt with Maxim and his ward Petro (Finn Wolfhard) late into the night and for the first time she sees the Ochi. As gun shots ring out, it is an infant Ochi that Yuri sees racing high into the trees while the others scatter.

During dinner, Yuri experiences a sad like contempt Maxim seems to feel and it is enough to send her out to check Ochi traps that surround their home. She notices that one of the traps has been tripped and follows a trail that leads her to the small Ochi. Knowing that she must help the creature, she is confronted by Petro who is shocked at what he sees. Clearly unmoved by her goal, Yuri sets out to get the small Ochi back to her own family. The problem is that Maxim gathers up his boy-troops and set out to find her.

The only person she did not plan to find is mom Dasha (Emily Watson) who has been living on her own isolated from people. Trying to understand why, Yuri listens to Dasha’s stories about the Ochi, especially since she discovers that she can communicate with the little one. That pushes her even more to want to return her new friend back to its family. When Petro finds Dasha’s cabin, Yuri’s parents come face to face with the decisions that made long ago.

Yuri and little Ochi’s adventures are far from over as the two grow closer to understanding one another!

Zengel as Yuri is a young girl dealing with the disconnect with her father and the unknown about her mother. It is easy to listening to her father’s side of the story but it doesn’t match with his behaviors toward the girl. Zengel gives Yuri a spark that makes it clear that she is not a girl to be trifled with and knows exactly how she is seen. It is not in what she may say but the look in her eyes proving she will not be deterred from what is right for her – and for her friend. Dafoe as Maxim is a man driven by fear of the unknown and living by the lies he perpetrated on his own. Training the young men to fight the Ochi, Dafoe has his little army that see him as a leader but Yuri has her own beliefs.

Wolfhard as Petro is a ward of Maxim’s raised to fight the Ochi. One moment he seems to be a friend to Yuri and the next he seems to show loyalty to Maxim. It is a quiet role for Wolfhard who has become a very tall but still very recognizable young man. Watson as Dasha is a mother who has her own story with Maxim and it interfered with being a mother to Yuri. She has her own story to tell about the Ochi and will not suffer Maxim a moment longer than she has to. I love Watson’s character being strong enough to stand her ground but also know when she must come out of the shadows for her daughter.

Other cast include Razvan Stoica as Ivan, Carol Bors as Oleg, Andrei Anghel as Vlad, David Baltatu as Gleb, Eduard Oancea as Pabel, and Tomas Ghela as Tudor. The vocals of the Ochi are Zoe Midgley as Mother Ochi and Paul Manalatos as baby Ochi.

THE LEGEND OF OCHI is a story about a young girl who finds a friend who is also looking to reconnect with family. Yuri understands that at the beginning but as the story unfolds, she realizes there is more of a connection than she could have ever imagined. In all her young years, she could never have imagined that the connection to an Ochi would change her life in so many ways. It is such a lovely tale that is told with Zengel carrying a large portion of the film in spectacular fashion.

Keeping the film simple, director Saxon uses nature as the set allowing the actors to move so freely between the tough farm life and the lush green of the forest to creating the Ochi home himself. Scouring the Carpathian Mountains in Romania, he wanted to find a place that looked as mysterious as the story he wrote. Since the dialogue is minimal, it is up to the surroundings to lead us on the adventure with Yuri.

This is not a film that moves quickly, instead, allows us all to connect with the characters on our own levels because of our own experiences. It is letting the character of Yuri show us her life and the measures she takes to show her strength and do what’s right, no matter the outrageous fears of others. It is a combination of charm and understanding and I think we could all use that right about now.

In the end – it is an unexpected friendship with an unexpected friend!