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Jeri Jacquin aka Movie Maven and Jenise Jacquin aka Film Brat
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And its time to clear out our own home entertainment library so....look to your left where you see "Movie Maven's Menu of Goodies", click on SPECIAL EVENTS and see what we are giving away! Please read the instructions and its all easy from there! Hope you find something everyone in the family will enjoy!



He is OPPENHEIMER

Jeri Jacquin

On Bluray, DVD and Digital from writer/director Christopher Nolan and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the intense story of our time about a man named OPPENHEIMER.

J. Robert Oppenheimer is a young man in 1926 studying theoretical physics in Germany after transferring from Cambridge. Earning a PhD. he continues to study in Switzerland and takes to quantum physics back in the United States. Marrying biologist Kitty (Emily Blunt) and starting a family, he begins teaching at the University of California at Berkeley.

Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) learns in 1928 that nuclear fission has been discovered and he knows that it can be used as a weapon. A few years later he is approached by Army General Leslie Groves (Matt Damon) and asked to lead the creation of the atomic bomb also called the Manhattan Project. The war with Germany is making the project a priority and Oppenheimer is dealing with an affair with Jean Tatlock (Florence Pugh).

Groves says he knows of Oppenheimer’s past but it doesn’t negate the need for the project. So, the team comes together with Isidor Isaac Rabi (David Krumholtz), Edward Teller (Benny Safdie), Enrico Fermi (Danny Deferrari), Leo Szilard (Mate Haumann) and David Hill (Rami Malek) moving them all to Los Alamos, New Mexico. Oppenheimer even consults with Albert Einstein (Tom Conti) but when Hitler’s reign is destroyed, the question of needing the bomb becomes paramount.

President Truman learns that the Trinity test worked and now his eyes are on Japan. What happens after is the U.S. government comes for Oppenheimer starts with AEC Chairman Lewis Strauss (Robert Downey, Jr.) opening up his life book but has personal goals as well. There are hearings and truths that come out and all in an attempt to use Oppenheimer as a scapegoat. 

Murphy as Oppenheimer is stunning in this role. From the moment he is on the screen, his character is surrounded by louder voices yet my eyes are focused on Murphy. This is a look at a man who is made to look like a villain and a mad scientist who had no thought about what his creation could do. Instead, Nolan gives us a look at everything and everyone surrounding his life only to discover that the path is not as diabolical as history tried to portray. Murphy is flat out brilliant and that doesn’t seem enough praise for this work.

Blunt as Kitty is woman/wife/mother who had struggles of her own. Seeing her life with Oppenheimer going in one direction, she learns that it had the potential to take away who she was. Knowing her husbands work is important, Blunt’s portrayal of Kitty is of a woman who turned a blind eye to just about everything around her. 

Downey, Jr. as Strauss is a man on a mission and it has nothing to do with the United States, it is his own selfish and personal goals. He spends his time trying to convince everyone around him of what is good and evil and when it boils down to it, evil lives close to home. To be clear, I love almost everything Downey, Jr. has ever done on screen and as his career has grown (and past Iron Man – don’t get me started on that or I’ll cry), the role of Strauss was brilliantly cast and Downey, Jr. makes it his very own.

Pugh at Tatlock is a woman who has her own issues and can not seem to let go of Oppenheimer. Pugh gives her character a combination of allure, insecurity and intelligence with more questions about her life than the movie has time to answer. 

Other cast include Ronald Auguste as J. Ernest Wilkins Jr., Christopher Denham as Klaus Fuchs, Devon Bostick as Seth Neddermeyer, Trond Fausa as George Kistiakowsky, James Urbaniak as Kurt Godel, Gustaf Skarsgard as Hans Bethe, Josh Peck as Kenneth Bainbridge, Tom Jenkins as Richard C. Tolman, David Rysdahl as Donald Hornig, Jack Quaid as Richard Feynman, Olli Haaskivi as Edward Condon, Louise Lombard as Ruth Tolman, Emma Dumont as Jackie Oppenheimer, Guy Burnet as George Eltenton, Michael Angarano as Robert Seber, Rory Keane as Hartland Snyder, and Alex Wolff as Luis Alvarez.

Also, Josh Zuckerman as Giovanni Lomanitz, Gregory Jbara as Sen. Magnuson, Tim DeKay as Sen. Pastore, Harry Groener as Sen. McGee, John Gowans as Ward Evans, Macon Blair as Lloyd Garrison, Scott Grimes as Counsel Strauss, Jefferson Hall as Haakon Chevalier, Tony Goldwyn as Gordon Gray, Dane DeHaan as Kenneth Nichols, James D’Arcy as Patrick Blackett, Dylan Arnold as Frank Oppenheimer, Casey Affleck as Boris Pash, Josh Hartnett as Ernest Lawrence, Jason Clarke as Roger Robb, Casey Affleck as Boris Pash, Matthew Modine as Vannevar Bush and Kenneth Branagh as Niels Bohr.

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

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

Special Features include The Story of Our Time: The Making of OPPENHEIMER, Meet the Press Q&A Panel: OPPENHEIMER, To End All War: Oppenheimer & the Atomic Bomb and more!

The cast is so large that it would be impossible to speak on all the performances but know that they are absolutely stellar. I do want to shout out to Conti as Einstein and although he isn’t on the screen much, the moments are important. Also, Branagh as Bohr and again, it is not a huge role but he puts his stamp on the beginning and the end.

Although most viewers may not grasp quantum physics or hydrogen bomb theory etc. (honestly, I can barely do algebra), it is fascinating to see it come to life. It is an actual character to be watched in the film, it is a character that takes up the screen both verbally and physically with only one purpose – to scare the living daylights out of us all.

OPPENHEIMER is one of the best movies of the year and it is intense, jaw dropping, thought-provoking and worthy of conversations. The cinematography is equally all of those things but I would expect nothing less from Nolan. Writing and directing this film means he was totally invested in the outcome and that, my friends, is unique and filled with originality. I can say it’s going to be difficult for Nolan to beat this, but I have a feeling he will.

In the end – the world forever changes!


Apple TV+ Flies with MASTERS OF THE AIR

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – join them in the air!


Welcome Back to WILLY’S WONDERLAND

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD and Bluray from director Kevin Lewis and Scream Factory comes camp and horror at WILLY’S WONDERLAND.

Driving down the road in Hayesville Nevada, a quiet man’s (Nicholas Cage) car hits a spike strip that causes him to have to call for a tow truck. Being told by Jed (Chris Warner) what the cost to replace his tires and having no funds, he is offered a one-night position that would take care of the bill. All he has to do is be the janitor at Willy’s Wonderland for owner Tex Macadoo (Ric Reitz) and clean up the place.

Liv Hawthorne (Emily Toasta) bucks against her Sheriff Lund (Beth Grant), she plans to take her friends to Willy’s Wonderland to burn it to the ground. Inside, the new Janitor takes his word seriously yet feels like something is odd about the animatronics in the place. There is Willy Weasel, Arty Alligator, Cammy Chameleon, Ozzie Ostrich, Tito Turtle, Knighty Knight, Gus Gorilla and Siren Sara and he is keeping an eye on them all.

Kicking up the music, drinking energy drinks and finding a pin ball machine, the Janitor passes the time by himself. That is until Ozzie Ostrich decides to be the very first of the animatronics to attack him. While this is happening, Sherriff Lund is telling Deputy Olson (David Sheftell) the story about the town and Willy’s Wonderland which includes who the animatronics really are.

That is when Liv arrives with her friends with the intention of burning the place but first, they want to rescue the Janitor who is still inside. None of her friends believes that the animatronics are moving until they are forced to believe, and the Janitor must repeatedly step in.

They must somehow make it till morning!

Cage as the unsuspecting Janitor is cool from beginning to end without ever giving anything away. Loaded up on energy drinks, music and pinball, the animatronics do not stand a chance. He is calm, cool, collected and ready to kick some metal and plastic ass. I actually love Cage in this role because he is the only one in the film that is not losing his focus both in cleaning Willy’s Wonderland and dealing with taking out the trash. Fantastic!

Toasta as Liv is a young girl with a story of her own that is linked to Willy’s Wonderland and she has one goal – to see it turned into ashes. What she does not expect is a night filled with terror running from something that does not make any sense. Toasta is just as wild as the Janitor so they make an excellent pairing to survive.

Grant as the Sherriff tells the story of Willy’s Wonderland and it makes one’s jaw drop to think that knowing what she does, that going along to get along is okay. Let me tell you, if animatronics were freaking out my community, trust when I say it would be all hands-on deck for a fight like no other.

Warner and Reitz are in it together from start to finish playing off one another in a bid to keep Willy’s Wonderland, well, operational. Sheftell as Deputy Olson does not have a clue about the town he is living in and even after he is told there does not seem to be much of a chance that he will help the overnight janitor.

Other cast include Kai Kadlec as Chris Muley, Caylee Cowan as Kathy Barnes, Terayle Hill as Bob McDaniel, Christian Del Grosso as Aaron Powers, Jonathan Mercedes as Dan Lorraine, and Grant Cramer as Jerry Willis.

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

The WILLY’S WONDERLAND Collector’s Edition Special Features include “Inside Fun” Featurette, Set Tour with Actor Christian Del Grosso, “Fresh Meat” Featurette, “Colorful Darkness and the Demon-Atrons” Featurette, Trailer and Image Galleries. 

Cage absolutely makes the film with his portrayal of the leather jacket turned Willy’s Wonderland t-shirt wearing one night janitor. Just everything he does has a purpose, and every situation gets the same ‘oh this?’ attitude. There is nothing that seems to surprise him which is pretty cool since everyone else around him keeps losing their minds.

I had such a fantastic time watching this film. It has a gitchiness to it as well as the feel of films from the 70’s. The story is campy, but the action is non-stop and spine tingling, literally. This is the new Friday night go to for fun times on the couch with popcorn and a group of like-minded twisted friends.

In the end – let playtime begin!


Prime Brings the Twists of Being EXPATS

Jeri Jacquin

Streaming on Prime Video from writer/director Lulu Wang based on the novel The Expatriates BY Janice Y.K. Lee comes the connected story of people who are trying to understand their lives as EXPATS.

Hong Kong is in an uproar in 2014 and in the midst of it is Margaret Woo (Nicole Kidman), husband Clarke (Brian Tee), children Philip (Bodhi del Rosario), Daisy (Tiana Gowen) and little Gus (Connor James) are living their best life. Helping with the children is Essie (Ruby Ruiz) who the Woo clan feels is part of their family.

On another floor is Hilary Starr (Sarayu Blue) and husband David (Jack Huston) who are trying to decide whether they want family. Dealing with fertility problems, it seems that perhaps it is more than that as a potential answer enters their lives through the twisted hand of fate. Also in the Starr household is housekeeper Puri (Amelyn Pardenilla) who knows more about what happens in their home than they do.

College graduate Mercy (Ji-young Yoo) is living in Hong Kong trying to find her place in the world. Working jobs as a catering server, she feels as if her life has been preordained to be a disaster because of a book she found as a child. Weaving her way through the streets of Hong Kong she tries to make the right choices but gets caught up in her own way.

Each woman discovers that happiness can be stripped away in a matter of a few text messages as their worlds come into question. The questions that arise from tragedy are what is right, what is wrong and what is fair are all in their own hands as they being to understand themselves and one another. 

Kidman as Margaret is a woman who has accepted her life following husband Clarke through his career. Taking care of the household and children have become her life, but when tragedy strikes, Margaret becomes obsessive with everyone around not knowing how to handle it. Kidman character becomes unhinged that her life has been thrown in a direction she isn’t prepared for. Tee as husband Clarke is the calming influence, his character is that of a man who loves his life, family and pretty much has a ‘water off a duck’s back’ to difficulties. Again, here is a character that now has to come face to face with a difficulty that is unimaginable. I enjoyed Tee’s performance as Clarke becomes truly raw and it hits hard.

Blue as Hilary is a force to be reckoned with and don’t plan on trying to get a word in edgewise when her mouth starts motoring. It is her Indian heritage that has steeped her into playing many faces in order to maintain a look of calm and togetherness. Even when forgiving someone, she hides her emotions with talks. Huston as David is one of the people who is caught up in the web of Hilary’s inability to control her talking when things become difficult. Not knowing what is place is in their marriage takes him on reckless path. Huston gives his character a mixture of that recklessness and unreliability to his marriage.

Yoo as Mercy is a young woman emotionally lost in a very large city. Working hard just to pay the rent, Yoo’s character believes something she was told as a young girl. It is so engrained into her psyche that she allows it to be the reason for bad choices. Yoo’s portrayal of Mercy is that of a young woman who will come to terms with life, and those who have been affected by a moment that can not be taken back.  

Pardenilla and Ruiz are the two women employed by the families to help with their households and children but they are still in the middle of everything that goes on. There is this invisible wall between their lives to the point where they even speak so openly that when Essie and Puri are with their friends who also work in households, it doesn’t take long for rumors to become confirmed fact. Essie loves the Woo family and Puri sees the possibility of success away from housework.

Other cast include Poon Pak Shing as Sam, Bonde Sham as Charly, Flora Chan as Olivia Chu, Blessing Mokgohloa as Pastor Alan Mambo, Sudha Bhuchar as Brinder, Jennifer Beveridge as Tilda, Lesley Chiang as Philena Song, Gabrielle Chan as Jing Woo, Elizabeth Ng as Shellac, Steven Chan as Detective Chang, Edmund Ng as Andrew, Rasha Goel as Geeta, 

Amazon Prime offers television shows and original content included in its Amazon Prime subscription. Original programs such as CARNIVAL ROW, THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, and THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL are hit shows. Coming soon is the next series with GOLIATH starring Billy Bob Thornton and it promises to another successful and intense series. For more information, please visit www.amazon.com/Amazon-Video.

EXPATS is a look at these women and how one moment changes so much. The lives they are each living seemed far removed from one another yet one deep hurt reaches further than their lives. It turns the lives of everyone they come into contact with and all that glitters is not gold. Like the rest of us, they lose their way, realize what they’ve given up for their own dreams and, in some cases, do not know how to walk away.

The men, Clarke and David are a bit of second players in this large cast of women. That being said, their moments on screen are filled with emotions they aren’t “supposed” to feel being men. Tee and Huston are surrounded by what is expected of them rather than being able to speak their truths. 

EXPATS brings the story of these characters in six episodes with the first two already aired on Prime. Each episode will be brought weekly until its final conclusion. This is a stunning piece of storytelling from start to finish. 

In the end – we are what we survive!

He Believes in THE PROMISED LAND

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Nikolaj Arcel and Magnolia Pictures is a drama of power, love and a belief in THE PROMISED LAND.

It is Denmark in the 18th century as Captain Ludvig Kahlen (Mads Mikkelsen), giving twenty-five years of military service, asks his King for land to farm and create a settlement on the Jutland. Fighting others in the King’s court, he tells them that his own money will fund the farming in exchange for land and title. This is enough to be allowed a patent as he gathers supplies and heads to a remote piece of land, he deems farmable to begin. 

Unhappy about it is Frederik De Schinkel (Simon Bennebjerg) of Hald Manor, a spoiled man and heinous landowner who believed the land Kahlen has taken actually belongs to him. Especially when two of his indentured servants, Ann Barbara (Amanda Collin) and Johannes (Morten Hee Andersen) have made a run for it. Needing help to start the farm, Kahlen takes in the two servants and also tries to hire Romani Tatere upsetting Schinkel further.

That is when Schinkel decides he will do whatever it takes to force Kahlen off the land. What he doesn’t realize is that the woman he is suppose to marry, Edel Helene (Kristine Kujath) wants Kahlen to help her get away. By becoming a nobleman, he would be able to marry her instead. The quiet Captain wants to be able to make his dream come true and moves forward with his settlement plan.

When Ann Barbara’s life changes, so does that of the young Anmai Mus (Melina Hagberg) who is taken in by Kahlen. After hard work, the first crop comes in of potatoes and it impresses the King so much that he grants him funding and settlers to expand the farm. Schinkel is so angry; he puts a plan in place that puts them all in more danger than they could have imagined. 

They have never met a man more determined than Kahlen.

Mikkelsen as Kahlen is just sheer perfection in this role. A quiet man who is quite stubborn and refuses to take no for an answer from just about anyone. Mikkelsen’s portrayal of Kahlen is strong, determined and doesn’t hesitate to protect what he is trying to do and, eventually, all those who help him get there. Personally, I have always enjoyed the characters that Mikkelsen has chosen to play as no two are even remotely alike. Here he shows the resilience and eventually a heart that understands what human beings are capable of, both good and evil.

Bennebjerg as De Shinkel is a greedy, brutal and power-hungry man in a place where no one would ever think to stop him. Living remotely away from the king’s power base, he is free to crush anyone that gets in his way. Living that way for so long, a man like Kahlen sets him immediately on edge and offers him a chance to be even more cruel to everyone around him. Bennebjerg does an exceedingly good job at his role because I certainly didn’t like De Shinkel in the slightest and thought Kahlen showed great restraint.

Collin as Ann Barbara knew of De Shrinkel’s cruelty and experienced it firsthand. It is clear why she ran and quickly made herself indispensable to Kahlen, whether he wanted to admit it or not. Taking charge of his household, Collin’s portrayal of Ann Barbara is strong and is the one person who could reach Kahlen at his peak of stubbornness. She stayed by his side and did what ever it took to keep everyone safe. 

Hagberg as Anmai Mus is a young girl who is turned on by almost everyone around her. Protected by Kahlen and Ann Barbara, she grows up to become part of the land and as life grows, so does she. 

Other cast include Jacob Lohmann as Trappaud, Olaf Hojgaard as Preisler, Gustav Lindh as Anton Eklund, Magnus Krepper as Hector, Morten Burian as Lauenfeldt, Thomas W. Gabrielsson as Bondo, Soren Malling as Paulli.

Magnolia Pictures is responsible for such releases as SLAY THE DRAGON, JOHN LEWIS: Good Trouble, the crime thriller THE WHISTLERS, documentaries such as THE PIECES I AM and films such as the directorial debut of Italian filmmaker Filippo Meneghetti. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.magpictures.com.

THE PROMISED LAND is based on the book by Ida Jessen entitled The Captain and Ann Barbara. The film’s cinematography is just stunning as it also plays a character in the film. Open, spacious, rugged and eventually forgiving, it lends itself to the story of a man determined to bring about a new life for himself. 

What I love about this story is that the dialogue isn’t run-on but instead lets the actors take control of their characters. It is in their actions that I found myself drawn to the story completely. Mikkelsen and Collin are astounding as their lead characters believe there is life to be had from the ground up. 

The film premiered at the 80th Venice International Film Festival in August 2023 and an entry for Best International Feature Film as the Danish entry for the 96th Academy Awards. There are nominations all over the spectrum of festival and each win is well deserved.

In the end – he is taking on so much more than the land!

The Return of the Iconic THE LABYRINTH and THE DARK CRYSTAL

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to digital from Shout! Studios is the return of director Jim Henson’s THE LABYRINTH and directors Jim Henson and Frank Oz with THE DARK CRYSTAL.

In THE LABYRINTH, Sarah (Jennifer Connelly) is a 16-year-old who is frustrated with her family. Late coming home from a trip to the park reading her book The Labyrinth, she has to babysit her constantly crying infant brother Toby (Toby Froud). Making matters worse is discovering that Toby has taken her beloved bear Lancelot! At her wits end, she calls out to the goblins from the book to take Toby away.

When the house goes silent, Sarah realizes something is wrong. Going to Toby’s room she discovers him missing and standing before her is the Goblin King Jareth (David Bowie) offering her a deal. When she doesn’t take it, he gives Sarah thirteen hours to solve the labyrinth or Toby will be gone forever.

In the King’s world, Sarah meets Hoggle (Brian Henson/Shari Weiser) and once escaping a trap, Hoggle runs into Jareth who uses him to get at the girl. Sarah meets Ludo (Ron Mueck/Rob Mills) by helping him get free but loses him quickly. When they meet up again, a trapdoor takes them to the Bog of Eternal Stench. Guarding the smell is Sir Didymus (Dave Goelz/David Shaughnessy) and his steed Ambrosius (Steve Whitmire/Kevin Clash/Percy Edwards). But a peach changes everything as once again Sarah is rescued by her friends.

Jareth learns that the group is close and sends in his army of goblins and as much as Ludo wants to help Sarah, she realizes that she must take on the Goblin King alone.

Connelly as Sarah portrays how most teens feel about babysitting any sibling let alone one that seems to spend his babyhood wrapped in a veil of tears. Once the chase is on to recover him, she begins to soften her feelings knowing that the only thing she wants from the whole experience is to have her little brother back. Connelly is so young, charming and endearing in this role and I hope she knows how many of us not only love this film but love her in it.

Bowie as Goblin King Jareth is absolutely wonderful. They found the right person to wear the costume and give us all in 1982 a reason to embrace this bad-guy character. Bowie lulls us with his unique and mystical voice all the while trying to find a way to trick a rather smart young lady. It truly is a thrill to see him in this film again and again.

Other cast/puppets include Karen Prell/Timothy Bateson as The Worm, Frank Oz/Michael Hordern as The Wiseman, Dave Goelz/David Shaughnessy as The Hat, and Karen Prell/Denise Bryer as The Junk Lady.


In THE DARK CRYSTAL directed by Jim Henson, is a darker story yet iconic and embraced by those who love the puppetry he uses in this tale.

On Thra, there was once a Crystal of Truth and when it was shattered, two new races came into being. The Skeksis who found ways to extend their life and the urRu/Mystics who live in the Valley of Stones. They are a gentler race and their leader is UrSu the Master. UrSu is raising a Gelfling who lost his family to the Skeksis and his name is Jen (Stephen Garlick).

Now, the Great Conjunction is happening and UrSu tells Jen he must find a way to heal the Crystal and to get the Shard from Aughra (Billie Whitelaw). If he doesn’t before the three suns meet, then the Skeksis will take over. In the meantime, SkekUng (Michael Kilgarriff) is the new emperor and wants to capture Jen.

Jen meets Aughra and he finally gets a lesson about the Conjunction as he chooses the correct Shard. Before they can talk any further, Garthim and the army arrive to take Aughra as Jen manages to escape. In the swamp, Jen sees another Gelfling in Kira (Lisa Maxwell) and discover they share memories.

Jen and Kira find a deserted Gelfling city and the prophecy that can help them. SkekSil (Barry Dennen) tells them about what happened to the Gelflings. Getting away once again, Kira, Jen and Fizzgig (Percy Edwards) are now in the catacombs trying to get inside the castle. SkekSil finds them and chaos breaks out.

Will Jen and Kira make it in time before the three suns Align to bring the Crystal of Truth together once again?

Other cast include Jerry Nelson as SkekZok, Steve Whitmire as SkekTek, Hugh Spight as Swee Lim, Toby Philpott as UrTih the Alchemist, Hus Levant as UrAc the Scribe, Simon Williamson as UrSol/ the Chanter, Jean Pierre Amiel as UrUtt the Weaver, Hugh Spight as UrAmaj the Cook,and Joseph O’Conor as UrSkeks and Narrator.

Launched in 2003, Shout! Studios is a multiplatform media company specializing in film and TV distribution, development, and production. Shout! Studios owns and manages a large portfolio of contemporary and classic feature films, series, animation, and documentaries. The company’s creative acquisition includes Aardman Animations, ALF, The Carol Burnett Show, Stephen J. Cannell Productions, the Roger Corman New Horizons Pictures Library, GKIDS, Studio Ghibli, ITV Studios, The Johnny Carson Show, LAIKA Studios, Mystery Science Theater 3000 (in partnership with creator Joel Hodgson), and Sesame Street, alongside many others. For more please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

The Jim Henson Company has remained a leader in family entertainment for over 65 years and is recognized as an innovator in puppetry, animatronics, and digital animation. Henson’s most recent credits include the Oscar®-winning Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio for Netflix, the Emmy®-winning Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock for Apple TV+, and the feature film The Portable Door for MGM+.

The bonus offerings for APPLE iTunes Extras include:

THE LABYRINTH - Commentary with Brian Froud, Reordering Time: Looking Back on Labyrinth, The Henson Legacy, Remembering The Goblin King, Anniversary Q&A, Inside The Labyrinth, Original Theatrical Trailer, Original Teaser Trailer and Original TV Spot.

THE DARK CRYSTAL - Commentary with Brian Froud, The World of “The Dark Crystal”, Storyboard Track, The Myth, Magic and the Henson Legacy, Light on the Path of Creation, Shard of Illusion, Deleted Funeral Scene, Original Skeksis Language and Photo Galleries.

These two films are the amazing creation of Jim Henson (along with Frank Oz) and they have become too iconic to the generations. I saw these films first, then my kids and now my grandchildren are seeing the wonders that were created and hold as timeless. The imagination and creativity it took to bring both of these films to the big screen is nothing short of genius.

Now, they are back to entertain families once again with their beauty because, and it must be said, that the craftsmanship of the characters and the puppets is breathtaking at the very least. The scenery that becomes another character in the story telling is a story in itself. That being said, it is time to cuddle up the family, bowls of popcorn to go around and watch LABYRINTH and THE DARK CRYSTAL back-to-back. It is generational must see!

In the end – return to the mystic and the magic!

THE PEASANTS   

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writers/director DK Welchman, Hugh Welchman and Sony Picture Classics is a story of forbidden love and a life of no choices with THE PEASANTS.

The young and beautiful Jagna (Kamila Urzedowska) is a talented artist who is constantly talked about by the 19th century Polish villagers. Stories are being told by the men of the village and Jagna just ignores them having only heart for Antek Boryna (Robert Gulaczyk) who is married. The leader and richest farmer in town is Antek’s father Maciej (Miroslaw Baka) who has recently lost his wife.

It comes to his attention that the women of the village are suggesting he remarry and after going down a list of candidates, Jagna’s name is put forward. Daughter Hanka (Sonia Mietielica) is not happy to think that Jagna will be living with them and wearing her mother’s beautiful clothes and Antek fights with his father and is kicked out of the home. When a deal for land of Jagna’s own is struck, down goes the vodka and a wedding happens quickly.

There is nothing Jagna can do but accept her life as Maciej’s wife while still being talked about by the villagers but in much lower tones to keep from upsetting the new groom. When tragedy strikes, Jagna’s life becomes one trauma after the other. The only one who sees this is Mateusz (Mateusz Rusin) who wants to save Jagna before anything else can possibly happen to her.

But once an idea is in the minds of the villagers – nothing and no one is going to stop it from its path of destruction.

Urzedowska as Jagna is beautiful and a free spirit who just wants to be happy in her life without being told who to love. When it becomes clear that a deal has been struck for her life, she is not a happy bride but instead a stoic woman following along with the rituals of the village. Urzedowska is stunning in this role as she portrays the downsize of being young, beautiful and a free spirit in a time when women had no say so in their own lives. So well done!

Gulaczyk as Antek has fallen hard for Jagna and has put his own family, including his father, into the gossip soup of the village. Tearing a family apart for love, Antek can afford to become the talk of the town with no consequences, unlike Jagna. Gulaczyk gives his character a bit of obsession, a bit of cowardice and a bit of rage and tops it with no accountability. The 19th and 21st century are not so far apart with this character’s issues.

Baka as Maciej is a man who takes his village power seriously. As the top farmer in the village, he has a great deal of say about what happens. When he decides to marry Jagna, it sets up anger from his own family but doesn’t stop the rumors from flying. Baka’s performance is that of an insecure man who has so many layers that are hidden behind power.

Mietielica as Hanka is a daughter who is already angry that her father has taken on a younger wife who will take her mother’s place. She wants the family’s reputation, farm and wealth to stay intact and not fall into the hands of Jagna. The one thing I can say about Mietielica’s portrayal is that she is not going to be swayed by anyone, including her family, about how she feels.

Shout out to Mateusz as Rusin as a man who truly cares for Jagna and when the village goes rogue, it is this character who sees who Jagna truly is. I just love Mateusz’s character because he is consistent in his belief that the village is in some need of common sense.

Other cast include Cyprian Grabowski as Witek, Ewa Kasprzyk as Marcjanna, Cezary Lukaszewics as Michal, Dorta Stalinska as Jagustynka, Andrzej Konopka as the Mayor, Andrzej as Kuba, Helena Korczycka as Jozka, Sonia Bohosiewicz as the mayor’s wife, Maciej Musial as Jasio, Anna Grzeszczak as Magda, Malgorzata as Organiscina, and Lech Dyblik as Jambrozy.

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 PEASANTS is a stunning story being told but what adds an even more mind-blowing element is the painted animation technique of the film. The telling is over four seasons that are captured in such rich depth of color. This is the same used in the film LOVING VINCENT which is also a personal favorite of mine. This film took over five years and 200,000 hours to flawlessly complete.

The Welchman’s know exactly what they are doing when it comes to creating such elegant cinematography lovingly wrapped in a fantastic story of love, gossip and treachery. Once the story comes to a jaw-dropping crescendo, the ending will either leave you totally drained or wanting to stand out in the rain.

In the end – her life is in seasons!


THE MONK AND THE GUN

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Pawo Choyning Dorji and Roadside Attractions comes the story of dedication from THE MONK AND THE GUN.

In the Kingdom of Bhutan, it is 2006 and they are looking to become a democratic country. As the king gives up his power for a new way for the country, the government decides to hold a mock election as a way to show the people how to vote. The Head of the Bhutan Election Commission Tshering Yangden (Pema Zangmo Sherpa) to oversee it all.

In Ura, and elder Lama (Kelsang Choejey) who has been meditating for a time, tells the monk Tashi (Tandin Wangchuk) who sees to his needs that the Lama needs two guns by the full moon four days away. Tashi does not ask questions but instead begins his journey to find what the Lama has asked for walking down to the village.

The villagers are split on the two contestants of Lordo and Thinley and one family in particular is dealing with the duo. Working at the polling station is Tshomo (Deki Lhamo) wants to be part of the election process and show daughter Yuphel (Yuphel Lhendup Selden) how it works. Husband Choephel (Choeying Jatsho) is working with the Thinley campaigns must to the irritation of his mother-in-law and causes Yuphel trouble at school.

Back in Bhutan, Ronald Coleman (Harry Einhorn) has landed after discovering an antique that he must have. Telling Ron to refer to him as a tour guide, Benji (Tandin Sonam) takes him to Ura to meet with Mr. Penjor who has the gun he has been looking for. Making a financial agreement, Ron is excited and has to go hours away to retrieve the funds.

When Tashi also goes to visit Penjor only minutes later, the monk informs him that the Lama is in need of a gun. Without hesitation, Penjor gives him the weapon as a way of saying thank you for all the peace there has been in the village. Ron and Benji find out about it now the race is on to find the monk.

As voting begins, so does the set-up of the Lama making a huge announcement that is meant to be good for everyone and, as the Lama says, to make things right again.

Wangchuk as Tashi is a devoted monk who serves his Lama faithfully and without question. Being asked to look for two guns, the young monk accepts the assignment and begins his trek. In this small village he follows the leads to his goal. Once he obtains it, his trek back is equally interesting as his dedication is tested. I enjoyed watching Wangchuk gentleness which is so endearing.

Sherpa as Yangden comes into the village thinking she knows the people and what she comes to discover is the saying ‘know your audience’. Her interaction starts out very straight forward but slowly comes to understand this small village of amazing people. Lhamo as Tshomo is having difficulty being the go-between with her mother, husband and protector of her daughter. Lhamo shows us the struggle of new politics in a system the village doesn’t seem to want.

Sonam as Benji is doing what he has to do to pay the bills and get his wife the medical attention she needs. He is a bit desperate and is a fast talker, the problem is you can’t fast talk a monk, especially this monk. Einhorn as Ron is a man on a mission to get his hands on the most sought-after weapon. He wants it with every fiber of his being. Here is another character that doesn’t understand the people of the village.

Jatsho as Choephel believes that he knows what is best politically and doesn’t like the oppositions way of handling the campaign that leaves his wife uncomfortable. Selden as Yuphel is dealing with her own problems of the bullies at school.

Shout out to Choejey as the Lama who is the actual and only Lama of the village.

Other cast include Tandin Phubz as Phurba and Ugyen Dorji as the police.

Roadside Attractions has, since 2003, grossed over $300M and garnered nineteen Academy Award nominations. They have had critical and commercial hits such as MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, BEN IS BACK, BEATRIZ AT DINNER, HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS, WINTER’S BONE and THE COVER as well as so many others. For more information of what Roadside Attractions has to offer please visit www.roadsideattractions.com.

THE MONK AND THE GUN is a stunning, delightful, beautiful story that has a few giggles mixed in. To me it is the story of a change that very few want and a Lama who believes that he knows how to make it right. In the mix is a gun that so many seem to want but each has their own reason. The cinematography is as simple as the people living in the village.

Writer/director Dorji says of his film, “I wanted the Lama and the monk characters in the movie to personify the Bhutanese veneration to the culture and traditions of Buddhism. A personification where there is so much respect for the ordained that the rural people don’t even seem to question or flinch at the audacity of the monk with a gun, because there is so much trust that stems from the Buddha’s teachings that the ‘motivation behind an act is much more important than the act itself’. It is also important to highlight the value of symbolism in Bhutanese culture, how the symbolic power of items can, at time, be even more important than the item itself.”

What I found even more important about what Dorji had to say about the film is that, “One of the main reasons I wanted to tell this story is because I wanted to share with the world, and remind my fellow Bhutanese of the unique circumstances that lead to the opening up and modernization of Bhutan”. It is such a wonderful way for Dorji to share his culture and in such a unique way.

THE MONK AND THE GUN is such a wonderful film of family, culture, a village, a bit of greed and a resolution that is nothing short of spectacular. In their world of guns and James Bond, this film shows an understanding of the world creeping into Ura but yet Ura does not give up their beliefs or their love and respect of peace. Who they are as a people says everything.

This film is the submission for Best International Feature Film for the 94th Academy Awards for 2024.

In the end – a different perspective on peace and a gun!

It is His Story of Being DARKMAN

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD and Bluray in a Collector’s Edition from director Sam Raimi and Scream Factory is the story of the DARKMAN.

Dr. Peyton Westlake (Liam Neeson) is in the process of developing a synthetic skin but can’t get it to last more than 99 minutes. Keeping him in the lab, he wants to help burn victims with his discovery. Girlfriend Julie Hastings (Frances McDormand) is also hard at work when she discovers that developer Lous Strack Jr. (Colin Friels) has been dealing in bribery. Strack warns her that a memorandum that she found needs to be returned to crime boss Robert G. Durant (Larry Drake).

Back at the lab, Dr. Westlake are still working on the synthetic skin, they are close to fixing the problem making it work. They are interrupted when mobster Durant demands the memorandum that Westlake knows nothing about. Chaos erupts as Westlake is beaten, burned and the lab destroyed as Julie witnesses it all.

Blown into the river, Westlake is found and taken to the hospital as John Doe where he is given a treatment so that he no longer feels pain. Now he has unusual strength and after waking from a coma, escapes the hospital. Julie thinks Westlake is dead and goes on with her work while Westlake attempts to create a face for himself. His anger gives him motivation to go after Durant.

When Julie sees Westlake is alive, he keeps himself in the dark fearing she would reject him if she saw his face. While together at a carnival, his anger overwhelms him as anger takes ahold and his face begins to fall apart. Durant is still watching them both and now he has Julie kidnapped and they try to kill Westlake. Westlake realizes that he can not return to his old life and knows he must walk away from everything he knows.

Neeson as Westlake takes on his role and gives it the darkness it needs. His towering tallness is perfect for giving that ominous feel of a man who wants revenge while also wondering if a life with Julie is possible. I just love Neeson’s portrayal and with Raimi guiding him, it all works. McDormand as Julie is a strong female presence in the film with a toughness of her very own. That’s important as this story needs both of them and McDormand has no difficulty standing up for her own character.

Other cast include Nicholas Worth as Pauly Mazzuchelli, Ted Raimi as Rick Anderson, Nelson Mashita as Yakitito Yanagito, Julius Harris as the Gravedigger, Jessie Ferguson as Eddie Black, Rafael H. Robledo as Rudy Guzman, Dan Bell as Smiley Rogers, Arsenio Trinidad as Hung Fat and Bridget Hoffman as the Computer Voice. 

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

Special Features include on Disc One are New 4K Restoration from the Original Negative in Dolby Vision Approved by Director Sam Raimi and Director of Photography Bill Pope, New Audio Commentary with Filmmaker and DARKMAN Superfan Josh Ruben, and Audio Commentary with Bill Pope. 

On Disc Two include New 4k Transfer from the Original Negative Approved by Sam Raimi and Bill Pope, New Audio Commentary with Josh Ruben, Audio Commentary with Bill Pope, “Dissecting DARKMAN” – Interview with Actor Liam Neeson, Interview with Actor Frances McDormand, “The Name is Durant” – interview with Actor Larry Drake, “The Face of Revenge” – Interview with Makeup Designer Tony Gardner, “Henchman Tales” – Interviews with Actors Danny Hicks and Dan Bell, “Dark Design” – Interview with Production Designer Randy Set and Art Director Philip Dagort, Vintage “Making-Of” Featurette – Interviews with Sam Raimi, Liam Neeson, Frances McDormand and More, Vintage Interviews with Sam Raimi, Liam Neeson and Frances McDormand, Theatrical Trailer, TV Spots, Still Galleries – Posters & Production Stills, Behind the Scenes, and Make-Up Effects and Storyboards. 

Director Raimi takes this story and mixes together action, horror, revenge, adventure and a bit of humor to bring a superhero movie to life. It is also a dark film take takes a comic book character and brings it from page to screen. As I am a fan of Neeson there isn’t anything I can say that would turn me away from seeing it again and again.

DARKMAN was ahead of its time with Raimi bringing this fourteen-million-dollar story to the big screen at a time when superheroes were looking for their spot is everything. Fire up that big screen television (the bigger the better) and crank up the soundbar because it’s time for his return!

In the end – he is everyone and no one!



The Return of THE CANTERVILLE GHOST

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from director Kim Bordon, co-director Robert Chandler and Shout! Studios comes a treat for the family with THE CANTERVILLE GHOST.

Coming from America, the Otis family has purchased Canterville Chase, a mansion that has a history of being haunted and causing residents to go a little crazy. Husband Hiram (David Harewood), wife Lucretia (Meera Syal), young boys Kent (Bennett Miller) and Louis (Jakey Schiff) are thrilled when they enter the mansion as Mrs. Umney (Imelda Staunton) opens the door. The only one not happy is daughter Virginia (Emily Carey) who wants nothing more than to go back across the pond.

Immediately, the family wants to see Sir Simon de Canterville (Stephen Fry) and the twins run around the house calling him out. Virginia makes it clear she has no intention of being happy about any of it all and goes up to her room. It takes mere moments before Sir Simon tries to frighten Virginia out of his home. The problem is, she isn’t at all! Instead, she plays on him challenging that Sir Simon that he can’t chase out her family in two weeks!

On the grounds, Virginia meets the Duke of Cheshire (Freddie Highmore) and that makes Sir Simone furious as he has anger toward the family. It seems his beloved wife Eleanor came from the Cheshire family who blamed Sir Simon for her death. Now Virginia knows a big part of the story as to the reason Canterville Chase has a ghost!

As the days pass, Virginia and the Duke become closer and her parents decide to throw a party re-introducing society to Canterville Chase. The problem is that Sir Simon is still angry and decides that the dinner not go without his own unique brand of entertainment. When things don’t go as planned, the family is upset with their ghost but Virginia feels there is something more that Sir Simon isn’t saying.

She decides to take matters into her own hands and that’s when the truth finally comes out!

Carey as Virginia is an American girl who wants to go home. She decides to use Sir Simon’s ghostly abilities to try and scare her family back to the United States. Instead, she finds herself on an adventure that has unexpected consequences. Carey truly gives voice to Virginia and it is fun, delightful and charming.

Fry as the voice of Sir Simon is hilarious most of the time (when he isn’t angry) and cannot understand how the new occupants are not frightened to have a ghost in their house. Instead, they seem to be trying to have fun with the apparition, especially the twin boys. I have always loved Fry’s work and watching him take on the vocal role of Sir Simon is everything fun about the film.

Highmore as the Duke of Cheshire is so sweet and a bit bumbly. He is immediately taken by the feisty and free Virginia. He knows that the ghost is in the house and even comes face to face with Sir Simon but nothing is going to keep him away from Virginia and happily joins in the adventure. When her life is in danger, the bumbly Duke of Cheshire finds it within himself to safe her from a fate – well, you get the point.

Laurie as the Grim Reaper gets to have a bit of fun with this character. Hiding behind who he truly is and what he is up to, Laurie takes us on a story ride with what he wants and how he plans to get it!

Shout out to Schiff and Miller as the Otis boys because, to be honest, that is exactly how I would be at their age. Challenges of a haunted house – absolutely accepted. They have no fear of any ghosts and show just how unafraid they are and it made me laugh so much.

Other cast includes Toby Jones as Reverend Chasuble, Miranda Hart as the Ghost Catcher, Giles New as the Colonel, Georgia Small as Majorie Fairfax, Keiron Self as Professor Borsakov, Bill Lobley as Lord Monroe, Elizabeth Sankey as Eleanor de Canterville, and Hugh Laurie as the Grim Reaper.

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 Factor has to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

THE CANTERVILLE GHOST is absolute family fun for kids and the kids at heart. It has a fantastic story based on the writings of Oscar Wilde (and Stephen Fry actually played the role of the poet/playwright in the 1997 film WILDE). It is colorful, vibrant, action packed and has some very funny characters and moments.

This is the film that families can enjoy together because it is about a family and how they eventually come together. As nutty as some of the characters are, they are so much fun to watch as the story unfolds. Everyone can find something to love about the film and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.

The spooky season is here and if you are looking for a good time at the movies for the whole family then visit THE CANTERVILLE GHOST for a spooktacularly good time!

In the end – it is his house not yours!

Sony Brings the Stunning Columbia Classics Vol. 4

Jeri Jacquin

On 4K Ultra HD is the stunning COLUMBIA CLASSICS COLLECTION Vol. 4 to include such iconic films as 
HIS GIRL FRIDAY, GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER, KRAMER VS. KRAMER, STARMAN, SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE and PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apple TV+ Delights with SNOOPY PRESENTS: Welcome Home, Franklin

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Apple TV+ and director Raymond S. Persi is a stunning look at one of the world’s most famous animated, the world’s most recognizable and beloved characters 
from Charles Schulz with SNOOPY PRESENTS: Welcome Home, Franklin.

Franklin (voiced by Caleb Bellavance) is a young boy who is used to moving about with his parents. Keeping a notebook given to him by his grandfather, he arrives in his new town hoping to fit in right away. His first meet is with Linus (Wyatt White) in the pumpkin patch and gets a lesson in pumpkin etiquette. Determined to make friends, he meets the very outspoken Lucy (Isabella Leo) who basically sets him straight, and Pig Pen who has an introduction of his own.

Snoopy and Woodstock are all about that surfs up but Franklin is beginning to feel a bit defeated. The cloud’s part when Franklin meets Charlie Brown (Etienne Kellici) and there is a connection. When a derby comes to town and the prize, the two become partners planning for the race. Franklin also shares with Charlie Brown what he knows about baseball and music.

Getting to know one another while building their derby car, Franklin and Charlie Brown are feeling confident of a win. But, what the two boys learn about friendship and loyalty is far more important than the group could ever have imagined.

Bellavance and Kellici as Franklin and Charlie Brown are just such wonderful characters and watching them interact is something totally new. Charlie Brown isn’t known for having close friends but I have a sneaking suspicion he has found that in Franklin and it is a beautiful and fun thing. 

Other voice characters include Lexi Perri as Peppermint Patty, Hattie Kragten as Sally, Arianna McDonald as Marcie, Lucien Duncan-Reid as Schroeder, Charlie Boyle as Violet, Will Bhaneja as Shermy, Maya Misaljevic as Frieda, Jackson Reid as Harold, Jacob Mazeral as Jose, Rob Tinkler as Woodstock and, finally, Terry McGurrin as Snoopy. 

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

Produced for Apple TV+ by Peanuts and WildBrain, the special is directed by Emmy Award winner Raymond S. Persi (“The Simpsons,” “Wreck-It-Ralph”) and is co-written by Robb Armstrong (“Jump Start”) along with Craig Schulz, Bryan Schulz, and Cornelius Uliano, from an original story by Armstrong and Scott Montgomery (“The Snoopy Show”). Executive producers are Craig Schulz, Bryan Schulz, Cornelius Uliano, Paige Braddock, Josh Scherba, Stephanie Betts and Logan McPherson.

SNOOPY PRESENTS: Welcome Home, Franklin is such a wonderful way to introduce the character of Franklin. This young boy knows what it’s like to move from place to place and attempt to make friends everywhere he goes. Relying on good advice from his grandfather, Franklin does what he can to make himself likeable but it seems to go slightly off kilter. This is a fantastic family film with subject matters that are relatable to everyone.

Meeting Charlie Brown is a turning point for Franklin but what he doesn’t realize is that it is also something very special for Charlie Brown. When the derby is presented, the two strangers become friends learning about one another because they do what most people don’t – communicate. Their stories are so sweet that these two boys are quickly at ease with one another. 

Apple TV+ brings so much love with SNOOPY PRESENTS: Welcome Home, Franklin and it is a winner for fans. On race day, all of the Peanut’s characters learn a valuable lesson about friendship, loyalty and what is truly important in life. Pizza doesn’t hurt either!

In the end – friendship is the finishing line!





They Are No ORDINARY ANGELS

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Jon Gunn and Lionsgate is a true story of life and connection with ORDINARY ANGELS.

Sharon Stevens (Hilary Swank) is a hairdresser with problems, namely alcohol, although she doesn’t seem to think so. When it is suggested she find something else to occupy her mind, she takes an interest in a story about Michelle (Emily Mitchell) who is in need of a liver transplant. Sharon seeks out her father Ed (Alan Ritchson), a recent widower, who is past his neck in bills and consistently looking for work that will pay medical bills as well.

Ed is a quieter person and Sharon is a tad louder as these two come together to try and figure out how to pay the medical bills and keep his house. Sharon begins to raise funds through hairdressing and donations talking with people about helping the struggling family. Sharon even helps with Ed’s older daughter Ashley Schmitt (Skywalker Hughes) to give her support.

All of the attention is difficult for Ed and when Sharon puts the girls in jeopardy, everything she has worked for begins to fall apart. When Michelle is back in the hospital, the doctor makes it clear that something has to happen soon or they could lose the little girl. When hope is so close, a major storm hits their town of Louisville, Kentucky. As roads close and the snow piles, Ed reaches out to the one person he knows who can get things done and Sharon answers the call. 

Ed and Sharon learn from one another about faith, hope and possibilities.

Swank as Sharon plays a loud, boisterous hairdresser who refuses to admit she might have a drinking problem. Throwing herself into helping Ed, Michell and Ashley, she avoids her own life issues until they can’t be ignored anymore. Swank is known for playing these characters and does not fail to deliver with conviction and emotion.

Ritchson as Ed is a man who is dealing with his own grief after the loss of his wife. Now he is dealing with his young daughter’s illness and the bills are piling up. All of a sudden this very boisterous woman shows up and his life begins to change in ways he could never have imagined. Ritchson gives his character a stoniness and pride that gets in his way sometimes but he melts as a father of his young loving daughters. 

Mitchell as Michelle is a young girl who wants the family to be happy and her father to be there. She is such a charmer and so endearing in this role. Well done young lady. Hughes as Ashley is the older sister who is trying to be strong for everyone. Sharon gives her a few moments of fun being lighthearted but when it comes to her little sister, she is all heart. Hughes gives us a look at a tough teenager who is dealing with her own grief.

Shout out to Nancy Travis who is there for her family with love, strength and acceptance of Sharon to help. 

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.

ORDINARY ANGELS is a story of one family’s struggle through grief and illness and another story of a woman avoiding hers. When they come together, there is a different kind of struggle but one that can be overcome when the focus is saving a young girls life. This is a film that shows what is possible and how many people can actually make it happen – tenacity for sure!

The script was written by Kelly Freemon Craig and actress Meg Tilly based on the story of the family during the 1994 North American storms. From these two writers, director Gunn has brought and endearing story to the big screen filled with faith and when called upon, the humanity of the town around this little girl. These are films people can enjoy and talk about with the family, teachable moments absolutely.

In the end – find your purpose and make a difference. 




ALL OF US STRANGERS

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital and coming to 4K Ultra HD from writer/director Andrew Haigh based on Taichi Yamada’s Strangers and Searchlight Pictures is ALL OF US STRANGERS.

Adam (Andrew Scott) is living a very secluded life in his high tower apartment in London. A screenwriter, he spends his time writing and being alone until one night he meets neighbor Harry (Paul Mescal). A bit drunk, Harry tries to entice Adam to spend the night. Trying to be polite, Adam makes it clear he isn’t interested. The next day, Adam is off to visit Mum (Claire Foy) and Dad (Jamie Bell) who are happy to see him.

Coming back home he sees Harry again but this time he invites him into the apartment. There begins their passionate relationship. They talk about their families as Harry tells Adam that there is a disconnect with his own parents. Spending a night out on the town, they drink and dance their troubles away. After a fitful night of dreams, Adam tells Harry about his own parents and wants them all to meet. 

But reality slowly makes its way to Adam and he holds on to the things he loves.

Scott as Adam is stunning in the role of a writer who is dealing with so much emotion in his life. Relying on his parents for support, he is trying to come to terms with the events of his life. When a love enters into the picture, it is just another piece of his life that is blissful but filled with intensity. Scott moves in and out of the story like his feet are not touching the ground. He flows so smoothly and I am with him every frame through joy and heartbreak. This is a stunning performance by Scott.

Mescal as Harry is the larger-than-life person that seems to awaken something in Adam. He is light, funny, charming and has no judgements toward Adam. At first glance, his character gives off vibes that even had me backing away a bit and that says everything about what Mescal’s performance brings. This character draws you in slowly, is too charming to be ignored and it is all Mescal.

Foy as Mum is supporting of her son and shows him love and understanding. She listens to how Adam is feeling and is such a calming presence for him. That is what Foy brings to the story, with the grace she has come to be known for (watch THE CROWN for another stunning performance) and the eyes of an old soul. Bell as Dad has a history with Adam that is a bit strained as clearly there are things that need to be said between them. I enjoyed Bell’s performance as a man who has a difficult time sharing his feelings. 

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

Bonus Features include Featurettes Roots of the Story – Uncover how the director blended his own personal story into the making of this moving film. Hear the cast and crew and learn how the filmmakers approached recreating the look and feel of the ‘80s, from the sets to the hair and clothing and Building Adam’s World – Discover how Adam’s isolated existence was shaped through constructed sets. Visit the locations of exterior shots and learn about the director’s choice to have Adam’s world feel real, and yet not quite real. 

ALL OF US STRANGERS has won awards from the Valladolid International Film Festival, Montclair Film Festival, British Independent Film Awards, National Board of Review, Los Angeles Film critics Association Awards, Kansas City Film Critics Circle, and London Film Critics’ Circle.

This film is an emotional roller coaster from beginning to end with Adam at the helm. It is a story of loneliness, love, want of love and family. It is a powerful look at the complexity of life through the eyes of this haunted man. Director Haigh gives us nothing to hide behind when we feel as if there is an intrusion into Adam’s life. It is right before us and the emotion falls over us wave after wave.

Filmed beautifully with an amazing score, ALL OF US STRANGERS is insightful, complex, tender, and gauntlet of emotion. Might I suggest a box of tissue and someone to cuddle with as this moving piece of filmmaking doesn’t mind the teardrops nor our own family emotions mixing with Adams. In fact, I think it wants exactly that.

In the end – the paths to love are many!

Prepare for a Bluray Landing with MIGRATION

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from writer/directors Benjamin Renner, Gyulo Homsy, Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures comes MIGRATION.

The Mallard family lives a pretty nice life on the banks of their pond. Dad Mack (Kumail Nanjiani), Mom Pam (Elizabeth Banks) and their two children Dax (Caspar Jennings) and Gwen (Resi Gazal). Mack is a bit of an anxious father constantly worried about keeping his children safe from scary things with Pam being the positive of the two.

Son Dax is a daredevil who is both a caring and irritating brother to little Gwen and she has picked up some of Mack’s nervousness. To round out the Mallard clan is Uncle Dan (Danny DeVito) who loves his family in his own way. When a group of colorful duck’s land in their pond for a bit of a rest, Pam learns they are migrating to Jamaica and she is intrigued.

Mack, however, is not so much into all the friendliness and goes about his business. Pam makes it clear that, in fact, she wants to migrate to Jamaica to see outside their little world. Knowing that he must overcome his fears, Mack decides to gather up the clan and head south. Once up in the huge sky, the family feels such freedom – which is quickly interrupted.

The Mallards discover Erin (Carol Kane) the kind of scary heron and the big city. Feeling a bit lost, they meet Chump (Awkwafina) who knows someone that can help them on their way. Delroy (Keegan-Michael Key) is a stunning exotic bird locked in a cage by The Chef! Wanting to go home, Mack decides to take on a task that brings him to a place ducks shouldn’t go, into a chef’s kitchen.

Escaping quickly, the new member of the flock is happy to be in the air again, when breaktime comes the family meets Googoo (David Mitchell) who is seriously into yoga. Since helping Delroy escape, The Chef has decided his mission is to find the birds and bring them back to his restaurant.

Not so fast, the flock of feathers might have something to say about that!

Nanjiani voices Mack, the head of the family (so he thinks) and thinks that telling his kids scary things about the world will keep them safe. It is only when his wife decides that she wants to do something different does he realize the hold he has been putting on his family. Banks as Pam is a loving wife and Mom who knows that it is time for them to do something different as a family. Once out in the world she is the glue that holds them all together.

Jennings as Dax is a thrill seeker who sometimes pushes the limits a bit to far. Gazal as Gwen is an agreeable and, at times, a duplicate of her father with fears no little bird should have but she is so dang cute! DeVito as Uncle Dan is an elderly duck who goes along to get along and does so in his own unique way.

Kane drops by as the voice of Erin the heron and keeps the Mallards on their webbed feet. Awkwafina flies in as Chump the leader of the pigeons who may be little but don’t let her size fool you. Mitchell as Googoo is as deeply meditating as a bird can get, perhaps a little too much into it to see the truth around him.

Key as Delroy is a bird of beautiful feathers who has been caged. That is until his new friends decide that it is time to be free once again, oh, and give them directions to Jamaica!

Universal Pictures has amazing films in their library and making it available for us to all experience in theatres 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.

Illumination, founded by Chris Meledandri in 2007, is one of the industry’s leading producers of event animated films. Bringing the DESPICABLE ME franchise, to include Minions, features some of the world’s most renowned talent. To read more please visit www.illumination.com.

Exclusive Bonus Features on 4K UHD, Bluray, DVD and Digital include Fly Hard (Mini Movie) - Chump sheds her tough-as-nails attitude, risking her life to fly through a blizzard and the harrowing streets of New York to return a prized possession to a kind woman from the park, Mooned (Mini Movie) - Following the events of DESPICABLE ME, Vector and a lost Minion are stranded on the moon, and struggle to get back to Earth, Midnight Mission (Mini Movie) - The Minions will try anything to help Agnes overcome her fear of the dark, even if it involves going into outer space.

Also included is Microphone Madness - A fun look behind-the-scenes as the cast record some of their silliest lines, Meet the Cast - In this series of behind-the-scenes pieces, we learn more about our favorite characters and the legendary comedic voices behind them, Taking Flight: The Making of - MIGRATION is an original script so brand-new characters and locations had to be developed, designed, and animated from scratch! Here, filmmakers and crew break down their process to show us what gives this film an entirely new look and feel. The Art of Flight - Using a series of production phases from storyboards to pre-viz, we peel back the feathers and reveal just what goes in to creating the avian heroes of the film, The Sound of Flight - Take a closer look at the music of MIGRATION as Composer John Powell walks us through his scoring journey. How to Draw Mack, Delroy, Chump and Gwen, 

Finally, Build Your Own Pop-Up Book - Daddy duck, Mack, likes to tell his two little ducklings some…overly imaginative bedtime stories. In this fun “How To” we’ll show you how to create a pop-up book so you can tell your very own bedtime stories, Calling All Birds - They may not have cellphones, but you can call your web-footed friends anytime you want! In this fun How To, we’ll teach you how to create and customize your very own set of colorful bird whistles with The Mack Quack, The Heron Honk and The Chump Chirp and Best Nests - You don’t have to fly south –or anywhere –to find a perfect paradise for your feathered friends. Here we’ll teach you how to make the best nest for your pet ducks, or anyone flying by, including a water feeder to keep them hydrated!

Illumination has done it again with their own unique brand of animation, togetherness, fun and humor. Three generations of ladies can tell you that the laughing won’t stop from beginning to end. We are all minion lovers from the very first so anything Illumination brings to the screen we are there for.

MIGRATION is absolutely adorable in all respects, from vibrant colors, to action, to humor, this film has everything a family wants to see for the holidays. The story of family is so strong in this telling, that it seems only natural that the birds of all feathers would be flocking together. Even the pigeons finally get to have a say in how they feel about their bad reputation and it is adorable.

It is clear that Moms and Dads will have a fun time with the kids talking about what they liked the most. Let’s be clear however that all adults should be have a wonderful time just seeing it on their own. Directors Renner and Homsy should be congratulated for bringing a wonderful film to the big screen in time for the holidays!

In the end – soar into a new adventure!

It is the Story of POOR THINGS

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Return to Australia with QUIGLEY DOWN UNDER

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD and Bluray from director Simon Wincer and Shout! Studios is the return of the tallest gunman Australia has ever experience with 1990 western QUIGLEY DOWN UNDER.

Matthew Quigley (Tom Selleck) is an American cowboy who can shoot at extraordinary ranges with his special rifle. When Australian Elliot Marston (Alan Rickman) places an advertisement in the paper looking for someone who is an excellent shot, Quigley answers the letter and is hired. When his ship arrives, he is met by Marston’s men and also in the wagon is a woman named Crazy Cora (Laura San Giacomo).

Arriving at Marston’s station, Quigley is tested and Marston who is pleased with his new employee. But the gunfighter learns quickly that what he is hired to do is kill the Aboriginals on the land and he refuses to do what he wants. That causes Marston to take action and after a beating he wakes up in the outback along with Cora. Knowing that being in the outback without water is a death sentence, the two must find a way to survive.

Cora tells Quigley her story of home and what brought her to Australia and it is a sad tale. She especially is horrified when she sees what Marston’s people are doing to the Aboriginals’ that have helped them along the way. That’s when Quigley makes it clear that what has been happening will no longer stand. That’s when the job takes a turn and the outback will know that one man stood against them all!

Selleck as Quigley is perfect in this role with the tall swagger and fitting right into western wear. His character is calm and doesn’t let much upset him, unless you are trying to hire him to kill innocent people. Then, there is a huge problem and Quigley is the only won strong enough to put a stop to it all. Selleck is charming and literally goes with the punches. Every time I have watched this film, it is because Selleck just does it all.

San Giacomo as Crazy Cora also fits into the role with ease. She is loud but certainly knows how to make crazy look good. Beginning with mistaking Quigley for someone else, it doesn’t seem to stop her from wanting to help her man. When she comes to terms with what is happening to the Aboriginal people, Cora knows that Quigley is going to make it right. San Giacomo is lovely, charming, and a great part of this cast.

Rickman as Marston just seemed to love this role so much because he gets to be a bit of a nut himself but with a gun. High on the outback horse, he is a ranch owner who thinks that hurting people is a sport and he enjoys it. Where he went wrong was attempting to hire a man with a conscience like Quigley. Rickman is just, as always, amazing as part of this cast. I have been a Rickman fan since I saw his 1982 television mini-series The Barchester Chronicles. I knew then that this was an actor to watch in everything he would do from them on – and I love being right.

Other cast include Chris Haywood as Major Pitt, Ron Haddrick as Grimmelman, Tony Bonner as Dobkin, Jerome Ehlers as Coogan, Conor McDermottroe as Hobb, Rober Wand as Brophy, Ben Mendelsohn as O’Flynn, Steve Dodd as Kunkurra, Karen Davitt as Slattern, William Zappa as Reilly and Ollie Hall as Carver.

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.

Special Features include on Disc One of the 4K UHD New 4K Scan of the Original Camera Negative. On Disc Two Bluray is New 4K Scan of the Original Camera Negative, “Finding Crazy Cora” – Interview with Laura San Giacomo, “This One Shoots a Mite Further” – Closer Look at the Sharps Rifle with Master Armorer Mike Tristano, “The Rebirth of a Western” Featurette, Theatrical Trailer, TV Spots and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo.

QUIGLEY DOWN UNDER was a stunning, exciting, adventurous 1990’s film and I can honestly say they don’t make them like that anymore. I can’t even count how many times I’ve seen the film and can say that I will be watching it again and again in the future. It is a film that is fun and at the same time offers up the plight of Australia’s Aboriginal people who still have issues today.

If you are looking for a western with heart for the first time or just love Selleck, San Giancomo and Rickman together, then this film should be on the must-see list. This is definetly a large screen, sound system, tub of popcorn, comfy sofa type of adventure packed film that is worthy of inviting friends over for a movie night.

In the end – the west was never this far west!

Netflix Offers Up the World with SPACEMAN

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Netflix from director Johan Renck based on Spaceman of Bohemia by Jaroslav Kalfar is the story of the loneliest SPACEMAN. 

Commander Jakub Prochazka (Adam Sandler) is a Czech astronaut on a space mission to learn more about the intergalactic dust around Venus. At home is his wife Lenka (Carey Mulligan) who he waits to hear from daily. Commissioner Tuma (Isabella Rossellini) monitors all of the incoming and outgoing messages of the couple and when a serious one is received, Tuma decides that Jakub should not know about it. Sending their astronaut out to do what other countries would not, Tuma is not going to jeopardize it all.

Everyone notices that Jakub is having a hard time but he tries to continue with a daily routine maintaining the ship. Then something strange happens inside the capsule. Jakub discovers there is another passenger on the ship and is stunned that mission control does not see it on the cameras. Coming to terms with his all-out fear, Jakub now becomes curious as the creature lets him know that it is curious about the spaceman’s humanity, loneliness and Lenka.

Getting to understand one another, Jakub names the creature Hanus (Paul Dano) and another journey begins, one of emotions and understanding. A strange friendship is happening on the way to Chopra cloud. Jakub begins to understand his life and the wonders of it all through the eyes of an unusual friend.

We should all be so lucky.

Sandler as Jakub is a man wanting to fulfill his mission to Venus but in the process, he breaks a promise to wife Lenka. That is something that not only causes his marriage to be in jeopardy but is a sore subject when Hanus brings it up time and again. This is a Sandler we haven’t seen before but it’s a perfect time for him to arrive at this point in space. He gives us a performance where he carries not only the film but the emotion that won’t let us rest until the very end – and probably farther if I’m being honest.

Mulligan as Lenka is not happy about Jakub’s decision to take the mission because of a promise he made to her. Upset, the message she sends is something Hanus is curious about what she is feeling and going through. Mulligan gives us a woman going through her own emotional process of wanting the life she loved and the life Jakub is confined her to by his space journey. 

I am giving such a serious shout out to Paul Dano as Hanus. His voice is soothing and non-threatening even when his character is calling out Jakub’s flaws. Wrapped up in this creature’s body, there is one scene where listening to him talk about the beginning and ending of everything is soulful, tearful and so beautiful I don’t believe I will ever forget it. 

Other cast include Kunal Nayyar as Peter and Lena Olin as Zdena.

Netflix is the world's leading streaming entertainment service with over 158 million paid memberships in over 190 countries. Enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films, Netflix is across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere and on any internet-connected screen. For more information, please visit www.netflix.com.

If you are looking for the wise-cracking comedic Adam Sandler then you are looking at the wrong film. This film is a deep, intense story of a man who had to go in the deepest darkest place in space to find beauty and the answers of his life. Sandler is absolutely stunning in this role as a man who befriends a creature as they teach and learn from one another. 

I must tell you that tissue is a must because the story of a man in space and a wife on earth that every scene will complete gut you. There are scenes where Sandler just completely emotionally eviscerates to the point of physical pain in the chest – at least for me. There is also intensity with the relationship between Jakub and Hanus until the very last frame and I am here for every second. 

The space cinematography is, pardon the pun, stellar, so colorful and moving. There is an such emotion attached to seeing the beauty in space and Sandler brings it up close and personal to us with his reaction. I got to give it to the character of Hanus and Dano’s voice when he speaks once they get to the dust near Venus. 

This is a complete journey and nothing one would expect but everything a film lover would want from this unexpected space story. When a film can move, delight, surprise and keep us talking after – now that’s a film that should have been in theatres but I’m thrilled I experienced it in the comfort of my own home (so no one could see me teary eyed!). 

In the end – they are on the doorstep of the universe!


He is the AMERICAN DREAMER

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and On Demand from director Paul Dektor and Vertical is the story of a man going through the economics of life with AMERICAN DREAMER.

Dr. Phil Loder (Peter Dinklage) is a divorced college professor of economics who spends his time thinking of writing the novel and buying a house. Showing up to class is becoming a drudgery with the constant daily parking vs. ‘read my paper’ visit from Craig (Danny Pudi). Believing that home ownership is out of reach, real estate agent/friend Dell (Matt Dillon) keeps him in the loop about availability but their relationship is edgy. 

Looking through real estate pages, Loder comes across a beautiful house on the lake that is worth millions but the asking price is $249,000 – with a caveat. The elderly woman, Astrid Fanelli (Shirley MacLaine), who owns the house will continue to live there and upon her death the house will revert to the buyer. Loder and Dell get together to look over the contract and he moves into an upstairs room that leaves less to be desired.

Already under a lot of pressure, Loder discovers that there are other members of Astrid’s family. One of them is daughter Maggie (Kimberly Quinn), a legal eagle who has her eye on Loder and makes it clear that she will make sure that the deal is thrown out. She and the family don’t want him to have the house at all.

When Astrid begins to show her health problems, Loder finds himself connecting with the woman on many levels. That’s probably the only thing working at the moment as he has trouble at school and basically with everyone around him except Astrid. When it comes time to make a decision to hang on or walk away, Loder needs to decide what will work for everyone, and that includes Dr. Phil Loder!

Dinklage as Loder is a man clearly going through a deep life crisis. He has a dream, in fact a few dreams, of being a homeowner and when he sees the lake house, he thinks he’s found Nirvana. Even Nirvana comes with a few hiccups and Loder quickly finds out what those are. Dinklage is just so amazing in this role because he gives us every emotional roller coaster of the human condition and some make me laugh and some make my heart hurt because it is truth-speak. This story is a fantastic show of why Dinklage seems to choose wisely in the direction is acting should go. He fits beautifully in all genres.

MacLaine as Astrid is a spunky, charming, snarky and upfront woman who owns this beautiful house on the lake. Meeting Loder for the first time, her snarky is hilarious and I can’t stop laughing. MacLaine on screen, all throughout her career, is such a talent actress who seems to choose roles where she can be charming but I definetly love the ones where she is snarky. There is also a mystery to this character that only MacLaine can pull off and she does exactly that.

Dillion as Dell is just a ridiculously disturbing and laughable character yet I’m not sure if that was the point. Don’t get me wrong, I laughed myself silly in the scenes between Dinklage and Dillion so I’m going to take that. Pudi as Craig is the biggest whiny person one could ever find on campus. Granted Loder wasn’t exactly nice to him but, that doesn’t mean he is going to get away with his bit of nastiness. I’m not going to lie; he made me laugh up to the very end. 

Shout out to Danny Glover because when he goes through his private eye pictures, I literally could NOT stop laughing. 

Other cast include Michelle Mylett, Donald Heng, Garry Chalk, Rebecca Olson, Brendan Riggs, Kimberley Shoniker, Raresh DiMofte, Frank Warburton Bailey III and Danny Glover.

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. For more go to www.vert-ent.com.

AMERICAN DREAMER starts out addressing the impossibility of the average American owning a home. Loder puts it to his students why this is but when it comes to his turn to be part of the home owning experience, he finds a creative and interesting way to make that happen. The problem is, if it is too good to be true, it probably, most likely, oh hell, IT IS!

I love the cast that has been assembled to tell this story and they just bring the dark comedy, twists, turns and eventual outcome that just works. I have to admit I wouldn’t mind doing the same thing Loder did (but with a little more explanation of conditions for sure) because he is correct. It is the only way to live the American Dream.

Now, the twists and turns would drive anyone nuts so Loder’s reaction, especially the latter classroom scene, is hysterical but more a true reaction by anyone really. He is not only dealing with a reactionary real estate agent, a certain student, an angry lawyer and a shocked private investigator – but he worries about a lady he hardly knows. That’s a lot of emotional eggs not wanting to stay in one basket.  

That being said, I’m on Loder’s side.

In the end – we all want a place to call home!

It is the Return of KUNG FU PANDA 4

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from directors Mike Mitchell, Stephanie Stine, DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures is the return of the dragon warrior in KUNG FU PANDA 4.

Po (voiced by Jack Black) is enjoying his life being the Dragon Warrior. All of that is about to change when Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) tells him that it is time to choose a new dragon warrior. Po’s role in the valley is about to change and that, sadly, isn’t what he really wants. Going to the temple, Po realizes something strange is happening and it is because of a fox of a thief called Zhen (Awkwafina) with mad skills!

But she isn’t the only one, a sorceress chameleon called, well, The Chameleon (Viola Davis) wants to take over everything. She has the ability to disguise herself to look like anyone which helps her in the quest for domination. Po decides that he can’t allow that to happen and with the help of Zhen, as the Furious Five are on other missions, and the staff given to him by Master Ugway, they take off to Juniper City. Of course, all of this is against Master Shifu’s advice which is no surprise.

Po gets to see what life in the big city is like with its bustling and hustling which is where Zhen comes in. Introducing Po to the thief life underground, he meets Han (Ke Huy Quan) the pangolin who runs it all. It’s a place where trusting doesn’t come easy and you have to keep an eye on your pants at all times.

In the valley, Mr. Ping (James Hong) and Li Shan (Bryan Cranston), Po’s fathers, are worried about their boy and decide that they must try and be of help to their son. What they all don’t know is that The Chameleon wants them all to come to her because she has the dastardly plan to reunite Po with some of his old nemesis’ or is that nemisi? 

It is not only a battle to keep the Valley of Peace and its people together, it is a battle to discover that doing what is right is everything!

Black as Po vocally steps back into the role with ease. Enjoying the life as the Dragon Warrior, he doesn’t want to be anything more than that even thought Master Ugway chose him. When he gets the chance to go on an adventure without the Furious Five, he jumps right in always wanting to do the right thing. Going into a big city where that idea isn’t as popular as in the valley, Black’s character stays true to himself even if it will cost him everything.

Awkwafina as Zhen is a fast on her paws thief who doesn’t see anything wrong with her way of life. Hanging around Po is bound to rub off on anyone and Zhen is a hard case. She has never known anyone like him and it has the chance to change her way of thinking if she would only let it. First, she has to get beyond her past and the one who has controlled it for so long. Awkwafina is making a name for herself doing voice overs and if it works, it works.

Davis as The Chameleon is a charming hot mess of a villain but it is awesome to watch such a small creature bring about large terror. She knows what she wants and Davis gives her the voice to get it done, or at least wreak havoc in the process. The plan is a brilliant one and brings the story full circle.

Hoffman as Master Shifu is the one who has always been so tolerant of Po and once again Hoffman is called about to be so. Dealing with the fact that Po has Master Ugway’s staff doesn’t bother him, or at least that is what he is trying to convince himself of. He is also trying to keep Po from danger and that’s a task in itself.

Hong as Dad Mr. Ping is still so lovely, warm, caring and a big of an over protective Dad. I just love this character and have from the start. Now joining him is Cranston as Li Shan, Po’s Dad as well. He now has a front row seat to his son being the Dragon Warrior and it is an adventure in itself. Both these characters are amazing, fun, and supportive of their son and I’m all for it.

Other cast include Lori Tan Chinn as Granny Boar, Ronny Chieng as Captain Fish and Ian McShane as Tai Lung. 

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

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

KUNG FU PANDA 4 is a fantastic time at the movies for the whole family. There is fun, adventure, laughter, and a story filled with simple life lessons on family, honesty, friendship and being yourself. It is all done in a vibrant colorful film and plenty to talk about after!

So, pack up the family, and prepare to join in the journey with Po and his friends to fight for the Valley of Peace one more time!

In the end – find your inner peace and then protect it all!


Apple TV+ Takes us on a MANHUNT

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Apple TV+ from creator Monica Beletsky based on the Edgar Award winning non-fiction book Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer from James L. Swanson and directors Carl Franklin, 
John Dahl, and Eva Sorhaug is the stunning look at the chase for an assassin with MANHUNT. 

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

Booth, known in a few circles as an actor, sets up all that are part of what is about to happen. The timeline begins with an assassination attempt on the Secretary of State Seward. Stanton is alerted the horrific attempt on the Seward household and rushes to their aid. The Ford Theatre prepares as the performance of Our American Cousin is set to bring in the President. Enjoying the performance, the night rings out with a shot that reverberates into the future. Boothe makes his escape and now begins the biggest manhunt of its time. 
Stanton arrives back in Washington only to find out that President Lincoln has been shot. Arriving at his home, Stanton walks into chaos of screaming, yelling and a doctor who is trying to save him. Mary and son Robert (Maxwell Korn) are full of rage and fear as Stanton tries to calm everyone but seeing the President, he, himself, is shaken to the core. Now, along with the help of Thomas Eckert (Damian O’Hare), the race is on to uncover the conspirators!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – the assassination was just the beginning!

ANYONE BUT YOU Arrives on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

Watch how that works out!

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GHOSTBUSTERS: Frozen Empire

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Gil Kenan and Sony Pictures is the next chapter in the adventures of the infamous GHOSTBUSTERS: Frozen Empire. 

The Spengler family, along with Gary Grooberson (Paul Rudd), are now living in New York in the original Ghostbusters firehouse. Callie (Carrie Coon), Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) and Phoebe (Mckenna Grace) are together going after the ghosts that are running rampant through New York City. The is only one problem in the form of now Mayor Walter Peck (William Atherton). He has made is clear that he still is aiming to stop the Ghostbusters and close down the containment that holds ghosts!

When Peck discovers that Phoebe is under age, he puts a stop to her being part of the group as well. Upset, she walks to the park where she meets ghost Melody (Emily Alyn Lind) and feels like there is finally someone who understands. At his store, Dr. Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd) meets Nadeem (Kumail Nanjiani) who wants to pawn off grandma’s weird collection. Stantz is interested in a brass shaped ball with writing that only Dr. Hubert Wartzki (Patton Oswalt) can talk about.

In the meantime, Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson) shows Grooberson and Callie that their overcrowded containment area is about to be expanded with Lars (James Acaster) running things. His money has built another lab where they are finding a smarter way to do it all. But, while all this is going on, something weird is shaking the ground and trying to get out. When the group gathers to fight, some old friends show up like Dr. Peter Venkman (Bill Murray) and Janine Melnitz (Annie Potts) to put on the suit and make a stand. 

The evil spirit Garraka is about to freeze out New York City but there are a few people that aren’t going to let that happen because, after all, who you gonna call?

I have to start with Murray as it is a moral imperative! Returning as Venkman just filled me with so much joy and laughter. There isn’t much that has changed about his portrayal other than he didn’t get enough screen time as far as I’m concerned. Aykroyd as Stantz gives us full on Ray-mode with his insatiable curiosity for all odd things and putting the suit on because nothing says ‘oh yea’ more than having the pack back on ones back. Hudson as Zeddemore may have gotten rich but that didn’t stop him from suiting up and I was all for it.

Rudd as Grooberson is with the Spengler family ghostbusting and having a family life. Making the transition in his life from teacher to parental figure is complicated by ghosts. Rudd gives his trademark performance as the guy who doesn’t ruffle feathers in between ghost captures. Coon as Callie is being a bit of a ghost parent running through the city catching specters but not really addressing family issues other than collecting laundry.

Grace as Phoebe is going through her Spengler-mode upset that the world doesn’t see her more grown up than she really is. Making friends with Lind’s spirit Melody seems like a nature progression for them both, but is it? Potts returns as Melnitz and she brings with her the attitude and the only thing I would LOVE to have seen is when the phone rang, SHE was the one who picked it up and said, “Ghostbusters what do you want!”.

Wolfhard as Trevor decides to take matters into his own hands to go after a green that seems to plague the upstairs. Hudson as Zeddemore returns with a pocket full of money and a way to make containment easier but there is an entity out there that has other plans. Acaster as Lars runs his lab but isn’t immune from what is out there. Oswalt as Wartzki is well versed in what is inside the cute little brass sphere currently in the lab shaking things up.

Shout out to Nanjiani as the new “Keymaster” Nadeem. He gets the chance to wear the iconic metal strainer and go through the weirdness of discovering his family underestimated his potential. 

Other cast include John Rothman as the Library Administrator, Chris Tummings as the Police Chief, Logan Kim as Podcast and Celeste O’Connor as Lucky Domingo. 

GHOSTBUSTER: Frozen Empire is a trip down nostalgia lane from beginning to end. It seems writers Gil Kenan, Jason Reitman and Ivan Reitman reached into the iconic grab bag to pull out everything but the kitchen sink. Anyone who remembers clearly the 1984 script can quickly see that there are a lot of similarities into the storyline. It is lovely, however, to see that keeping the spirit of Spengler alive runs through the story as well.

This is a full-on special effects film with everything from freezing, electricity, spooks, colanders, mysterious moving objects, talking ghosts, a bit of sliming, a lot of things in the air and destruction of all kinds but that is what happens when ancient entities get a little grumpy. The cast is a big which can test an 8-year-olds ability to keep up. My granddaughter would point and say, “who’s that” followed by “and that person?” until she caught up. She did say, when the film was over that GHOSTBUSTERS: Frozen Empire is now her favorite film so there’s that!

I could not get enough of Murry, Aykroyd and Hudson with Potts coming in from moment to moment because those are the characters I still hold dear. My laughter came from seeing memorable ghosts and small Stay Puft’s (and I would love it if they made those for sale because there would be several on my desk!) that brought me back to 1984 with ease. Talk about joy in this ole heart, these four, along with their misty friends, gave good.

Now, the rest, (insert heavy sigh), I get it, GHOSTBUSTERS has become a generational thing but, to be honest, I think it is time to graciously close the book. Clearly, I am not a fan of remaking iconic and beloved films of the past and trying to resuscitate them with a Thor-like hammer to the chest of an audience who has no other choice when going to the theatres. Go out on a good note and let this be the ending we all deserve.

That being said, take grandma, grandpa, mom, dad, aunts, uncles, cousins and all kids to have a family time at the movies. Laugh, love and remember why we loved them all in the first place! Cheer for the hero’s, cheer for the spirits we love and sing the song that always brings a smile because we know who we are going to call.

In the end – there is only one call you can make!

  Netflix Stuns with 3 BODY PROBLEM

Jeri Jacquin

Premiering on Netflix in an original series from creators David Benioff, D.B. Weiss and Alexander Woo is the fantastical in the story of a 3 BODY PROBLEM.

It is Beijing in 1966 during the Chinese Cultural Revolution when the crowds are cheering on the condemning of professor Ye Zhetai, once highly respected. In the crowd is a daughter Ye Wenjie who watches as her father refuses to deny scientific theories. Even the professors’ one-time students are now against science and pit his own wife against him.

In present day, detectives led by Da Shi (Benedict Wong) makes a shocking discovering in an apartment. A man has taken his own life but it is what they find in his apartment is more shocking than his death. Da Shi has uncovered that at least 30 scientists have been found dead in a months’ time. At the Oxford University Particle Accelerator, Saul Durand (Jovan Adepo) and a colleague Vera are having a discussion on why the science isn’t working and where is God. 

Jin (Jess Hong) and friend Auggie (Eiza Gonzalez) are scientists out having a drink and discussing why the accelerators worldwide are not making sense. It is not just their research but experiments all over the world are having the same issues. Auggie can’t help but notice there is something strange in the air, when it finally appears she is shaken and what she sees will not go away. 

Jack Rooney (John Bradley) and friend Alex Sharp (Will Downing) are attending a funeral and remembering their friend. Saul, Jin and Auggie are also there and an unexpected guest in Dai Shi. He observes a mysterious guest leaving the service in Mike Evans (Jonathan Pryce) who takes off in an equally mysterious helicopter. The group gathers to talk about old times and what is happening now but Auggie needs air. That’s when she meets a stranger who knows what it is Auggie is going through and taunts her with what can happen at midnight.  

Flashback to 1967 Mongolia as Ye Wenjie (Zine Tseng) is in a work camp where she meets Bai Mulin. Sharing what they can of their lives, things turn difficult for her as those in charge want her to betray others her father knew. Sent to a military base dealing with the Red Coast project, she believes that once inside the gates, she will never leave. Once inside, she witnesses the strange power of a signal sent out and what they are truly doing on the base. 

At the Black Palace in London, Da Shi is creating a board filled with names and faces investigating each one. Thomas Wade (Liam Cunningham) discusses what he is finding out about each person in the photos. Jin goes to pay respects to Vera’s mother (Rosalind Chao) and while there, she finds a headset. Vera’s mother tells her to take it believing it to be some video game, when Jin tries it – it is anything but.

It is almost midnight and Auggie asks Saul to go with her to see what the stranger might have been talking about. Looking up at the night sky, what they observe is that the sky is “winking” at them all. But what is it really? Or was it trying to tell them all something larger than they could have ever imagined.

Each has a role to play but what is it to each of them and why - that is what is coming in the 3 BODY PROBLEM!

Wong as Da Shi is a man on a mission to discover how all of these people are connected all while trying to find missing artifacts. A strong presence with a bit of sarcasm thrown in. It will be interesting to watch his role unwrap and what part he plays in the mystery.

Gonzalez as Auggie is the first in the group to discover the internal clock and listens to the mysterious stranger on how to make it stop. Her pressure is on to find out why this is happening and what part her company plays in it. Hong as Jin is the one to discover what Vera’s headset is capable of but it will not be without its dangers and realities. Worrying about Auggie, it doesn’t stop her from jumping into the ‘game’ of the headset.

Tseng as Ye Wenjie is a young woman who is caught up in an era of survival. The loss of her father doesn’t stop the Commission from coming for her as well. Led to the base, she takes it upon herself to learn about what they are doing and makes her own decisions. 

Adepo as Saul tries to find answers to the “winking” by covering it up in conspiracy theories. Wanting to just write it off as such, there will come a time when that isn’t going to be possible. Chao as Vera’s mother has her own secrets to tell. Dealing with the death of her daughter, her friends come to pay their respects. Chao gives us past mystery as well as present mystery. 

Bradley as Jack decided that being a millionaire candy maker is much more fun than science. That doesn’t mean he still isn’t deep in it when it comes to being with his friend’s pre-candy. I do love when Bradley shows up for a role because I know it will be quirky. Downing as Alex also traded his science life in for that of becoming a teacher. Getting over his romance with Jin is equally as difficult but he has Jack to make him laugh.

Cunningham and Pryce are still the mystery roles that I’m sure will slowly come into play and, since I am a fan of both these actors, I can’t wait to see where their characters go.

Other cast include Marlo Kelly as Tatiana, Sea Shimooka as Sophon, Saamer Usmani as Raj Varma, Gerard Monaco as Collins, John Dagleish as Felix, Stephen Hughes as Anwar Suleiman, Adrian Edmondson as Denys Porlock, Bilal Hasna as Edgar, Ben Schnetzer as young Mike Evans, Aidan Cheng as Reg, and Eve Ridley as Follower. 

Netflix is the world's leading streaming entertainment service with over 158 million paid memberships in over 190 countries. Enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films, Netflix is across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere and on any internet-connected screen. For more information, please visit www.netflix.com.

Episodes include Countdown (directed by Derek Tsang), Red Coast (Derek Tsang), Destroyer of Worlds (Andrew Stanton), Our Lord (Minkie Spiro), Judgement Day (Minkie Spiro), The Stars Our Destination (Minkie Spiro), Only Advance (Jeremy Podeswa), and Wallfacer (Jeremy Podeswa). 

3 BODY PROBLEM starts out stunning and catches the attention right away. That’s an excellent way to start because this is a slow telling which is a fantastic way for the audience to understand each of the characters. Be prepared for flashbacks but know that it is a truly interesting foundation for the story moving ahead. 

I love the cast because they work so brilliantly together. Yes, there are a few Game of Thrones faces and a face or two from the superhero world but I’m good with it. Nothing wrong with recognizing the potential of actors going past a series that made them famous. In fact, very smart as a way to bring audiences in!

There is a bit of everything in the series, science fiction, mystery, adventure, a trip through history, gaming, science itself and the constant questioning. That’s about all I am going to tell you because this is a series experience and one that I believe will have people talking for quite some time. Netflix has taken a bold move in bringing something unique and powerful for those craving just that. 

With all the remakes boring viewers for entertainment to tears, 3 BODY PROBLEM is the solution to wake them back up! Prepare to be blown away in 8 binge worthy stunning and brilliant episodes of the newest offering for the senses.

In the end – are we in a chaotic era?