What's coming up in theatres!

FANCY DANCE on Apple TV+

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Apple TV+ from writer/director Erica Tremblay, writer Miciana Alise and Apple Original Films is the search for family in FANCY DANCE.

Living on the Seneca-Cayuga Nation Reservation Jax (Lily Gladstone) is searching for her sister Tawi who has been missing for weeks. Taking care of her niece Roki (Isabel Deroy-Olson), she watches the young girl prepare for a powwow. Jax hasn’t had much luck with federal help in finding her sister and brother/local sheriff JJ (Ryan Begay) is restrained by the rules even if living on the reservation.

If that wasn’t stressful enough, social workers are knocking on the door about Roki’s welfare. Oddly, Jax’s father Frank (Shea Whigham) and wife Nancy (Audrey Wasilewski) pay an unexpected visit. She isn’t thrilled to see him still feeling angry at the way he left the family years before. Jax makes it clear that she owes it to Tawi to get involved and ask the authorities for help.

Placing posters everywhere, Jax arrives home to find social services removing Roki from their home and placing her with Frank and Nancy. Told to get along with her father before the court date, Jax visits Roki who still wants to go to the powwow believing her mother will be there as well. Nancy makes it clear that she isn’t allowed to take Roki anywhere alone.

Spending her time following leads to find Tawi, Jax is eventually frustrated enough that she makes a bold move. Sneaking Roki out, they go on a journey that will put them both in danger!

Gladstone as Jax is angry believing that because they are Indigenous Peoples, it is the reason no one will help find her sister. They won’t intervene with that but they certainly have no problem interfering with Roki’s living situation blaming Jaxs’ past run-ins with the law. Gladstone gives us a performance of a someone who will do anything for her family and run over whatever laws (and break more than a few) that will stand in her way. Her character is intense, focused and defiant from beginning to end and strongly done.

Deroy-Olsen as Roki is a young girl who lives life the best she can. Learning some bad habits from Jax, she mainly just wants her mother home so that they can once again go to the powwow to perform as mother-daughter. She is tossed and turned through the conflicting, secretive adult world discovering that they don’t always tell the truth about things. Deroy-Olsen role is that of a charming teen who is a little defiant and as strong willed as her aunt.

Whigham as Frank is a father who hasn’t been a father to either of his daughters. Instead, he has chosen to ignore what he did leaving his daughters to fend for themselves. Whigham’s gives us a character that may know the culture but doesn’t show any signs of truly understanding it. Wasilewski as Nancy is a nasty piece of work to my way of thinking. Not able to have children of her own, I see her character as someone who thinks its okay to snag a child away for her own selfish reasons [see ballet-shoes scene] and then attempt to ‘white wash’ her. Me not liking the character goes to Wasilewski’s performance being so well done.

Begay as JJ is a sheriff who is stuck between two worlds. Following the law on the tribal land side and under the watchful eye of law enforcement when Roki goes “missing”. Begay slides between both worlds knowing that his loyalty lies with his people.

Other cast include Blayne Allen as Boo, Patrice Fisher as Ruth, Arianne Martin as Conna, Tyler Tipton as Chad, Michael Rowe as Elder Philip, Crystle Lightning as Sapphire, Lillian Faye Thomas as Lillie, Casey Camp-Horinek as Mary, Trey Munden as Ryan, Blake Blair as Tanner, Dennis Newman as Derrick and Hauli Sioux Gray as Tawi.

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/.

FANCY DANCE has won the Hamptons International Film Festival Excellence in Narrative Filmmaking, L.A. Outfest’s North American Narrative Feature, NewFest: New York’s LGBT Film Festival for Best Narrative Feature, Mill Valley Film Festival Mind the Gap Narrative, Tacoma Film Festival Best Narrative Feature, Sun Valley Film Festival, US Best Narrative Feature Film, Oklahoma Film Critics Circle Awards Achievement in Oklahoma Independent Filmmaking – all for Erica Tremblay, SXSW Film Festival’s ZEISS Cinematography Award for Carolina Costa, Austin Film Critics Association Breakthrough Artist Award for Lily Gladstone, and Film Club’s The Lost Weekend Best Supporting Actress for Isabel Deroy-Olson.

FANCY DANCE is the story of an aunt and her niece living a life of day-to-day struggle on the reservation. Of course, there is the way in which they try to live that is shady by way of theft and drugs but it is an honest portrayal in its dark side. Jax is right in that a missing native woman is not on the radar of anyone on the reservation because it could cause unwanted trouble and it is of no interest to the off-reservation authorities as not being high on their list.

Roki being taken away shows the way in which outsiders try to control those on the reservation and their laws by asserting their own. Giving the girl to Jax’s father and wife, who wants to turn her into something she is not, is the continuation in the attempt to destroy the Seneca-Cayuga Nation’s culture and family structure.

This film addresses so many of the problems the Indigenous face still today. From missing women, addictions, poor living conditions, desecration of lands and the continuation of laws being convenient for those that are not indigenous (and many more issues), FANCY DANCE takes on a few mixed into an intense story of love, family, and culture.

In the end – their bond is life!

THE CONVERT

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and On Demand from writer/director Lee Tamahori, Shane Danielsen and Magnet Releasing comes a story of preacher vs. a tribe with THE CONVERT.

It is 1830 and Thomas Munro (Guy Pearce) is a preacher who has come across the seas to a New Zealand settlement in the town of Epworth to bring spiritual leadership. Almost immediately he comes face to face with the brutality of a war between the Māori tribes. As one village is being destroyed, Munroe steps in to offer his horse in exchange for the life of Māori villager Rangimai (Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne).

Reaching the town of Epworth, Munroe soon realizes that not only is there a war between the tribes, but also between the settlers and anyone who is not them! Rangiami’s presence isn’t welcome no matter how much he tries to assimilate her. Munroe is befriended by Charlotte (Jacqueline McKenzie) who also becomes acquainted with Rangimai. Attempting to understand the conflict between Maianui (Antonio Te Maioha) and Akatarewa (Lawrence Makoare), Munroe just wants the death to end.

But, if there is to be a war, Munroe knows what side he will chose and it will bring a conclusion that is surprising!

Pearce takes on the role of Munroe and, of playing the lead character, the actor says, “Munro has come from the other side of the world to be the preacher in this town that is being set up. But there's clearly a world that has existed for many years prior to white folk arriving, and the way in which different cultures try and work together… the fragility of that and the precariousness of that is something that I find fascinating,” says Pearce. “I thought the script was immediately poignant and realistic and quite profound. And knowing that Lee was going to be making this, I just knew that there was a tenderness and an intelligence to it that perhaps others wouldn't bring.”

Ngatai-Melbourne as Rangimai is a woman struggling with the grief of death and the forced attempt to understand the colonists. It is her friendship with Charlotte that makes things bearable yet there will come a time when there is no choice but to fight. Ngatai-Melbourne gives a fierce performance of a woman who knows the pride of her tribe and will do anything to fight for it. She is stunning in this role and had me all in to her character from moment one. Ngatai-Melbourne is a Māori storyteller who is of Ngāti Porou and Ngai Tūhoe descent

Maioha and Makoare as the tribal leaders are equally as fierce as Rangimai, but one has no problem attempting to use all brutal methods possible to force power and subservience. Yes, their world is brutal but, to my way of thinking, no more brutal than other cultures who fight in a war.

Other cast include Madeleine McCarthy as Bethany, Renee Lyons as Jane Beauchamp, Duane Evans Jr. as Pahirua, Jack Barry as Harris, Jared Turner as Castor Samuels, Dean O’Gorman as Kedgley and Te Kohe Tuhaka.

Magnet Releasing is a part of Magnolia Pictures that specializes in films from the vanguard of horror, action, comedy, and Asian cinema. It is also the home of classics like Tomas Alfredson’s LET THE RIGHT ON IN, Ti West’s THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL, Andre Ovredal’s TROLLHUNTER, Neil Marshall’s sword and sandals bloodbath CENTURION and Tony Jaa’s ONG BAK trilogy. Recent released include the terrifying anthologies V/H/S and V/H/S/2, Xan Cassavette’s stylish vampire film KISS OF THE DAMNED, and the sci-fi thriller THE LAST DAYS ON MARS. Upcoming films include Ti West’s THE SACRAMENT and to find out more of what is to come please visit www.magnetreleasingfilms.com.

Tamahori says that Munro in THE CONVERT is “a humanist and a naturalist,” adding: “He is more interested in the world as it is, and he's a man escaping his past, not really a man of God. He's joined the Church Missionary Society to go as far away from Europe and his nightmares as possible. He thinks that coming to the farthest end of the planet will solve his problems, but it won't.”

Keeping the location down to a minimum allows the viewer to really get into the storyline and the cinematography is as nicely brutal as one would expect of the 19th century. The cast brings out the characters to the point that I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen. I admit to loving period pieces of all kinds and having the chance to explore this particular era in time of the Māori tribe is captivating.

Director Tamahori began to research the history of the Church Missionary Society enterprise in New Zealand, including members Henry Williams and Samuel Marsden. “One of them had been a soldier in the British Army,” says Tamahori. “He had a life before the Church Missionary Society, so I dived into that as a concept for our lead character and he became more realistic.”

That realism is what makes THE COVERT a beautifully dark and brutal film of two worlds at a time where one group is miserable so they make everyone else miserable with their prejudices and another group that seeks power through destruction. That’s all part of the history of our world.

In the end – a fight for peace and a heart at war!

Protecting Democracy with ANGEL HAS FALLEN

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD and Bluray from writer/director Ric Roman Waugh and Lionsgate is the return of an agent who is set up with ANGEL HAS FALLEN.

Secret Service Agent Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) is once again guarding a President, this time its President Trumbull (Morgan Freeman). Now a family man, he begins to think it may be time to take a higher position in the agency that affords him less danger. Even military friend Danny Huston (Wade Jennings) offers him a position with his company.

On a fishing trip with President Trumbull, Banning briefly discussed his options and is told to think about what he wants to do. Changing shifts with another agent, Banning heads towards shore but notices something odd coming their way. That’s when all hell breaks loose and he must turn around to save the President.

Waking up in the hospital he is told the President’s condition is serious and that he is considered the prime suspect in an assassination attempt. Vice President Kirby (Tim Nelson) has taken the oath to temporarily become the President. Assigned to investigate the attack is FBI Agent’s Thompson (Jada Pinkett Smith) and Ramirez (Joseph Millson).

Banning knows that he cannot stay handcuffed to the hospital bed if he is to discover who is after President Trumbull and when they will strike next. He turns to the only person he can trust but the history between them is sketchy at best. Clay (Nick Nolte) isn’t a fan of the government and sure knows how to protect himself which is what Banning counts on.

As the truth comes to the surface, and it is brutal, Banning isn’t about to let anyone get their hands on the President and he’ll bulldoze through anyone who tries!

Butler as Banning once again dons a suite and tie to begin with but ends up dirty and beat by the end. It’s what happens in between that makes Butler a perfect Banning. Not afraid in any way to get his hands, or anything else, dirty to make this film as action packed as it is. He’s not so much as a one-liner guy, more like a few questions and then an ass-kicking kind of agent.

Nolte as Clay is absolutely killer – literally and figuratively – and he brought cheers from the audience. This character is perfect for Nolte and the scenes with Butler are gems. Jennings as Houston once again plays the role he was born to play, a man with a mission who, like a dog with a bone, isn’t about to stop until he gets what he wants.

Smith as Thompson throws her tiny weight around and along with her partner Ramirez are also on a mission – to capture Banning (good luck with that!). Nelson as Kirby takes over while Turnbull is in the hospital. Keeping the country running is his goal as he decides how to move forward in case Turnbull doesn’t come back.

Freeman as Turnbull does what he does best – act very Presidential. Let’s be honest, he’s played the commander-in-chief before so we know he’s good at it. I adore Freeman so I don’t mind if he repeats a character because he does it with class.

Other cast include Michael Landes as White House Chief of Staff Sam Wilcox, Piper Perabo as Leah Banning, Lance Reddick as Secret Service Director David Gentry, Mark Arnold as CIA Director James Haskell and Frederick Schmidt as Travis Cole.

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.

On 4K Ultra HD the Special Features include Even Angels Fall: The Story, Someone to Watch Over Me: New Blood, Calling All Angels: Casting, True Faith: Authenticity, Fight for You: Stunts and Action, Earth Angel: Recreating DC and Angel Declassified (3 Scenes Broken Down with writer/director Ric Roman Waugh).

ANGEL HAS FALLEN is an action-packed film from beginning to end with a lot of twists and turns. That makes writing about it a little difficult but I’m not about to give anything away.

There is applauding, hollering, cheering and thrills with the film. Alright, I’ll admit I had a good time as well. This is the kind of film that cries out ACTION and delivers every bit of it. This film isn’t rocket science or trying to reinvent the wheel.

Instead, it does exactly what I go see action films for – twists, turns, chases, slips and oh so much more. Butler makes sure we get that because, as with the previous FALLEN films, it is what drew us all into the theatres in 2013 with OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN. The story brought us in again in 2016 with LONDON HAS FALLEN.

ANGEL HAS FALLEN falls into line and makes me wonder, what will Mike Banning do next!

In the end – loyalty has fallen under fire!

On 4K Ultra HD is KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from director Wes Ball and 20th Century Studios Home Entertainment is the KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES.

The young ape Noa (Owen Teague) is living with his community in the lush forest. Noa and his friends are out climbing when they discover something unusual. Taking it to his father, he hears about those called the Echoes and how they are to be dealt with. Noa also knows that something is following him and one night goes looking only to discover apes wearing masks that are vicious. Frightened he returns to his village only to find it in flames and everyone being captured.

Managing to escape, Noa begins to follow the trail that would lead him to his people. Along the way he meets Raka (Peter Macon) who explains that the Echoes are, in fact, humans. The thing following them on the road is Nova (Freya Allan) and, to their surprise, she can speak! Captured by Proximus Caesar’s (Kevin Durand) army, Noah is sent to work on the city and Nova is sent to Trevathan (William H. Macy).

Proximus Caesar is twisting the beliefs and teachings of Caesar by breaking the law of ‘ape shall not kill ape’ and enslaving his own. In this city there is a door that the new Caesar wants opened and he is using slaves to get into it. Noa is brought before the leader, joined by Nova and Trevathan to tell them what he wants. It is Nova who convinces the apes that it is possible to stop Proximus and, at the same time free his people!

Teague as Noa plays a young and naïve ape who has been living basically happy with his people. When the attack on the village happens, it is time for the young ape to grow up. Once his family is taken, Noa uses what he has learned to help to free his family and discover how to become a leader that embraces the world. Allan as Nova must tell Noa the plan to retrieve what it is that Proximus Caesar wants for his own. Working with Noa, she gives the performance against the backdrop of cgi which makes her character shine.

Duran as Proximus Caesar is a harsh ruler who only sees what will benefit him. Using his people by way of falsehoods and twisting the beliefs of a beloved icon, Duran has always been good at being bad and I’m here for it. Macy as Trevathan has found a way to live with the apes without becoming a victim of Proximus. It has worked for him but his fear outweighs his desire to help.

Other cast include Eka Darville as Sylva, Travis Jeffery as Anaya, Lydia Peckham as Soona, Neil Sandilands as Koro, Ras-Samuel as Lightning, Sara Wiseman as Dar, Kaden Hartcher as Oda, Karin Konoval as Maurice, and Kichen Lachman as Korina.

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

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

Bonus Features include the Documentary Inside the Forbidden Zone: Making KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES – Join director Wes Ball, cast and crew as they expand the PLANET OF THE APES legacy for a new generation. Travel to the outdoor production in Australia, train at Ape School, and discover the practical and motion capture techniques in building a breathtaking Kingdom, and 14 Deleted/Extended Scenes with optional audio commentary by director Wes Ball.

This is another adventure in the ‘new’ Planet of the Apes series. The special effects are flawless as well as seamless. The actors inside the suits, as it were, give a voice to the effects to tell the story that director Ball is trying to tell. The effects are vast, mixed in with vibrant cinematography. The joining of the two make the film a feast for the eyes.

There are many nods to the original PLANET OF THE APES in 1968, such as the name of Nova and the X of the border into the forbidden zone. The turn of the film is that now, the apes are turning against one another in the same as ape and gorillas were intense in the original trilogy. I will say I do miss Andy Serkis as Caesar but, as with all ‘retellings’, you have to accept the change.

Me and mine are planning a Planet of the Apes marathon to watch each film back-to-back and ending with KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES!

In the end – no one can stop the reign!

CAPTAIN PHILLIPS Returns to 4K Ultra HD Steelbook

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD Steelbook from director Paul Greengrass and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment comes a story of a crew, pirates and a man known as CAPTAIN PHILLIPS.

Captain Richard Phillips (Tom Hanks) is a commanding officer of a U.S. container ship. Preparing for the next voyage he reads about pirates in the area so Capt. Phillips has the crew work on drills for safety.

As quickly as that is finished Capt. Phillips spots a few boats racing toward the container ship. Immediately taking action they manage to evade the pirates boarding their ship. What they don’t count on is the persistence of one particular Somali names Muse (Barkhad Abdi) who fixes his vessel and goes back for the ship.

Unable to stop them the second time, Muse and his crew board the container ship. Knowing it was inevitable, Capt. Phillips has the crew hide with orders not to show themselves no matter what.

Muse himself becomes a captive and an exchange is made – or one was to be made as the container ships lifeboat is launched and now Capt. Phillips is their only hostage. Heading for the Somalian coast, the pirates now including Bilal (Barkhad Abdirahman), Najee (Faysal Ahmed) and Elmi (Mahat M. Ali) are agitated.

As the military follows the lifeboat, plans are made that may bring everyone close to the edge!

Hanks in the starring role as Captain Phillips is everything an Academy Award winning actor should be. He is poised, controlled, in authority, smart and still a human being. The kind of acting Hanks does in this film is like a dream. I can honestly say I still walk away exhilarated by this performance.

Abdi as Muse is one of the saddest characters I’ve seen in a while. Knowing that every move he makes is wrong he continues to do so. Wanting to keep his village safe, it is desperation that hardens him to the realities of the situation of his own creation. Abdi is amazing and for his first role that is saying a lot. Born in Mogadishu, he immigrated to Minnesota in 1999 and worked for his brother’s cell phone business.

Working with Hanks and director Greengrass, Abdi knew he might face some resentment by the Somali people for his role. Determined to do the film, his performance is affirmation that CAPTAIN PHILLIPS would change his life forever.

Other cast include: Michael Chernus as Shane Murphy, David Warshofsky as Mike Perry, Corey Johnson as Ken Quinn, Chris Mulkey as John Cronan, Yul Vazquez as Captain Frank Castellano, Max Martini as SEAL Commander, Omar Berdouni as Nemo, Mohamed Ali as Asad, Issak Samatar as Hufan, and Catherine Keener as Andrea Phillips.

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.

Bonus Materials include: 4K Ultra Disc Feature Presented in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision, English Dolby Atmos and Theatrical Trailer. On Bluray Feature Presented in High Definition, Commentary with Director Paul Greengrass, and Capturing CAPTAIN PHILLIPS – in depth behind-the-scenes featurettes on making the acclaimed film.

I’m just going to say it folks – there is nothing, and I mean nothing wrong with this film. It is flawless! Yes, Hanks proves why he is a stellar fixture in Hollywood with a performance that nearly took me out. The cast is on point and melded together so well that not one thing pulled my focus off what was in front of me.

The cinematography is nothing short of perfect as well. From the moment the ship leaves port until the films ending, it is emotionally exhausting. We find ourselves literally in the film surrounded by the same emotions as Capt. Phillips and his crew.

Although nothing could ever bring about the real-life experience, with Hanks at the helm (as it were), be prepared to experience the story for yourself.

In the end – out here survival is everything!

Prepare to Experience TWISTERS

Jeri Jacquin

Currently to buy or rent on Digital from director Lee Isaac Chung and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes the anticipated adventure when dealing with TWISTERS.

Meteorologist Kate Cooper (Daisy Edgar-Jones) is attempting to recover from a major blow to her storm chasing. Javi (Anthony Ramos) has been testing a new tracking system since then and wants Kate to jump back into the game. Hesitant, Kate agrees to come back briefly and see what Javi has going. Out in the field, she meets Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), a “tornado wrangler” who lives for the thrill of the storm.

As Kate and Javi begin chasing, it is clear that she is hesitant and is causes the team to wonder if she can handle it all. When they see what Tyler and his crew are capable of, Kate takes on the challenge and works with Javi to start chasing the outbreak of tornadoes in the infamous tornado alley. Not far behind is Tyler along with videographer Boone (Brandon Perea) and tag-along journalist Ben (Harry Hadden-Paston) who wants to write about storm chasers, drone operator Lilly

More and more storms are on the horizon but Kate learns that she might be chasing with the wrong team. Tyler and Kate decide it’s time to take the chase to another level and its none too soon as the biggest tornado is about to test them all.

Powell as Tyler is the rough and rugged cowboy chaser who cranks up the music and shouts his way into storms. His character has a swagger that charms everyone, except perhaps for Kate, but that doesn’t stop him from trying. Taking on storm by storm, Powell gives his character depth with his look on those who suffer from the devastation of the tornadoes.

Edgar-Jones as Kate experienced what happens when you take on Mother Nature and it isn’t easy to shake. Getting back into the game, Edgar-Jones brings out the history of this character and what motivates her to accept tragedy and do everything possible to create a system that can prevent disasters.

Ramos as Javi is part of Kate’s original team but after the disaster he goes on his own way. That way is being part of a new storm chasing team but it causes a rift between he and Kate. Trying to make amends, Javi discovers that what he does and how he wants to do it are two very different things.

Shout out to Hadden-Paston as British journalist Ben and Maura Tierney as Kate’s mom Cathy.

Cast also includes: Daryl McCormack as Jeb, Kiernan Shipka as Addy, Nik Dodani as Praveen, David Corenswet as Scott, Tunde Adebimpe as Dexter, Katy O’Brian as Dani, David Born as Riggs, Laura Poe as Debra, Austin Bullock as Manny, and Stephen Oyoung as Mike.

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.

Exclusive Bonus Features include Deleted Scenes and a Gag Reel.

The soundtrack TWISTERS: The Album features country music artists like Luke Combs with the lead single Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma, Miranda Lambert with Ain’t in Kansas Anymore and more. The music adds an element of fun to the film and I totally enjoyed it.

The story is a bit nostalgic with its twists and nods to the 1996 Bill Paxton-Helen Hunt film TWISTER. This includes an appearance by the late Paxton’s son Cody. I felt like there were a few Easter Eggs whether they were intentional or not. See if you can find them.

TWISTERS is non-stop action and that’s what will keep you on the edge of your seat. The best part of the film is that director Chung didn’t try to reinvent the windy wheel but instead remembers what made the film TWISTER such a massive hit and become iconic. Trust me when I say if you have a sound bar, turn that puppy up because it adds an amazing element to watching at home.

The cast keep it simple and stay on point with their one goal, characters that are pit up against the elements. Tornados are a force to be reckoned with by staying out of their way, storm chasers are the ones that run into the wind while others are getting away.

In the end – if you feel it, chase it!

I also had the opportunity to speak with Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones and get their thoughts on the film.

Hi guys, thank you so much for taking the time today to talk with me. I want to tell you first off, fantastic; I love the movie so much. I’m a huge fan of the [1996] original film so I was really excited to see what you guys were going to do. So, jumping right in, Daisy, what brought you the most joy making the film?

Daisy: That’s a lovely question! It is so hard to choose. Making this film and then watching it brought me so much joy in every way. Meeting Glenn, meeting Anthony and the whole cast, it is such a great group of people. Also, honestly, just filming in Oklahoma, getting to meet real storm chasers and meteorologists. Glenn and I went chasing for real and thought it was so cool meeting these people and hope to chase with them again. Filming all the stunt sequences, it is really hard to highlight just one. It was honestly such a wonderful experience and I’m so glad I had it.

Glen, what brought you the most terror making the film?

Glen: It was so terrifying meeting Daisy Edgar-Jones, she is so intimidating and she never lets you forget she’s a superstar. I never really felt comfortable around her <laughing>. No, she in terms of joy, meeting her has been the joy of this entire experience. Obviously, when you are shooting a movie like this, in tornado alley, during tornado season, you are getting blasted with debris and dust and rain and wind and hay, your having farm equipment shot at you from across the street. There is a lot to battle and there was extreme weather while we shooting extreme weather. I think it really does come down to an amazing cast so no matter what kind of terrors we battling during this movie, we had an amazing group of people working on this.

That’s awesome. Did you feel like, while you were filming, there were moments where you thought ‘this actually happens to people!’, its harsh stuff.

Daisy: I think that was something our filmmaker Isaac was really sensitive to, he grew up in Arkansas so he had experiences with tornadoes and really knew how it impacted communities. Especially certain scenes, the production design was really remarkable and some of the sets we walked on were really a shock to see how devastating it could be. So, that was really important to us to represent the community. Isaac, one thing that he truly celebrates is how much a group of people come together after a disaster hits, how much we can help each other, pull together and pull through. This film is a real celebration of community in a beautiful way. It was definetly wild to film some of these scenes.

Again, I enjoyed the film so much and thank you for the talk!

Glen: Thank you.

Daisy: It was so nice to meet you!

TWISTERS is the action and adventure that the 1996 fans will be in the theatres to see. Knowing the basic history of that film brings a comfortability and familiarity that is going to be appreciated. The film is loud, fierce and everything you’d expect from a film that has massive tornados. The special effect and cinematography are very good and will draw everyone who sees the film into the action. Let’s face it, I think most of us would like to see a tornado in an open place (minus people being affected), it is a force of nature like no other.

My only encounter with a tornado was, as a kid, my parents, siblings and myself were going through Oklahoma in a station wagon (yes, a real station wagon) on our way to California. The sky became still and it was quite humid, it seemed out of nowhere my father veered off the road into a dip more than a ditch. He yelled for us to “get down!”. Out the back window, my brother and I saw a tornado meandering down the highway. My parents said it was a small one and all I could think was “THAT was small?”.

It was actually quite amazing that director Chung included a harsh look at the devastating effects of tornados. Taking into account that although the film is meant to entertain, there is an element of reality for the people who actually live and recover from devastation brought on by tornados, so kudos for that.

Powell, Edgar-Jones and Ramos lead the way into tornado alley and through the middle of the country with vast open spaces and small towns. Each character brings their own story and, of course, the biggest personality is that of Tyler Owens, his equally thrill-seeking crew with their music induced, Red Bull antics and an indestructible truck. Strap in because TWISTERS is going to take everyone for a ride!

In the end – chase, ride and survive!

Take a Jump with THE FALL GUY Landing on 4K Ultra HD

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital this week from director David Leitch and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the story of a stuntman who is becoming THE FALL GUY.

Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling) is the stunt double for action star Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). Girlfriend Jody (Emily Blunt) is a camera woman on the picture that they are both working on. Ryder wants an action sequence to be bigger and asks Colt to make it happen. What ends up happening is an accident that ruins a lot of things in Colt’s life.

That is until almost two years later, Colt gets a call from film producer Gail Meyer (Hannah Waddingham). She tells him that Jody is the director on another Ryder action film, MetalStorm, and he is wanted on the set to do stunts. He is thrilled because he wants to help Jody with anything she needs, it isn’t until he is on the set that he finds out the truth.

He isn’t there a day before having to deal with ex-girlfriend rage and a disappearing action star. Gail asks Colt to go find him and it isn’t everything he signed up for. Arriving at Ryder’s place, he is sent on a wild goose chase leading him to a hallucinating chase and a body on ice in a hotel room. Trying to understand what is happening, he is chased down by thugs who want Ryder’s phone.

All of that is interfering with his reconnection to Jody and that is setting Colt on edge, especially knowing that the cops are on his case. Colt and Jody come up with a plan that will hold those responsible accountable but not without a few stunts thrown in.

Gosling as Colt comes on with a stuntman swag that had me giggling from the very beginning. What is stellar about Gosling is that he can take on a heavy role and become so entangled in the character that its mesmerizing and with comedy, he has facial expressions that just brings out such fun and it’s fantastic. He did justice to the role of Colt.

Blunt as Jody has her own set of issues feeling like the jilted ex-girlfriend who is taking her frustration out on her film. Blunt gives her character indignation that all jilted girls feel but don’t have a chance to make a sci-fi about it. I just love everything Blunt does no matter if it’s a serious character or comedy, like Gosling, she makes magic happen.

Taylor-Johnson as Ryder is an actor that is full of himself and doesn’t think the rules of anything apply to him. He has everyone on the set on the verge of craziness but has Colt on the verge of being the best stuntman. Waddingham as Gail is a woman who basically spends her time trying to plump up everyone’s ego all while babysitting a straw in a drink of who-knows-what. At the top of her game, she isn’t about to let a stuntman and a girlfriend ruin her kingdom.

Other cast include Teresa Palmer as Iggy Starr, Stephanie Hsu as Alma Milan, Winston Duke as Dan Tucker, Matuse as Doone, Adam Dunn as Nigel and Ben Knight as Dressler. There are cameos by Lee Majors, Heather Thomas and Jason Momoa.

Exclusive Bonus Features include Extended Cut, Gag Reel, Alternative Takes, Stunts: Breaking Down the Action, City Truck Jump/Sidewinder, Garbage Bin, Boat Chase, Car Jump, High Fall, Making a Meta Masterpiece, How to Break a World Record, Nightclub Mayhem, The Art of Doubling, Making METALSTORM, Falling for THE FALL GUY with Bob Reese, and Feature Commentary.

If you are into nostalgia mixed with comedy then this is the film for you. The soundtrack is amazing, especially the scene of Colt lamenting with a Taylor Swift song (All Too Well). From the very beginning, the action is exactly what one would expect from a stunt man. As the story goes along, the comedy is just completely hilarious.

Gosling once again brings in a fun performance that made the film, especially for someone who remembers the 1908’s television series fondly, a walk down nostalgia lane delightful. Blunt brings in the calm in the midst of chaos and at the same time is so darn charming in the process. All of that together makes THE FALL GUY a really good family fun film that calls for pizza or popcorn at the very least on a Friday night! Cheer from start to finish!

In the end – what could possibly go right?

They Leave THE ARCTIC CONVOY

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and On Demand from writer/director Henrik Martin Dahlsbakken and Magnet Releasing comes the story of a ship on its own from THE ARCTIC CONVOY.

It is 1942 in the midst of World War II and a convoy of thirty-five ships are headed to a Norwegian outpost loaded with military supplies. In the waters are German subs and, in the skies above are planes ready for attack. Captain Skar (Anders Baasmo) is responsible for one of these ships and when a message comes through that the convoy of ships is to scatter, both captain and crew are stunned.

Also on board is the man under the Captain, Mork (Tobias Santelmann), once a captain himself, he has a history that can either help or hurt the ship. Responsible for communications is Ragnhild (Heidi Ruud Ellingsen) who follows every message and listens for unexpected in the air and under the sea. Almost immediately, ships begin sending out distress calls after being attacked and Mork makes the first mistake leading the ship into a mine field.

Baasmo as Skar is a ships captain that runs things as he sees fit. Not happy when his orders are questioned, he makes it clear who is in charge and keeps his crew in line. When things begin to become scary, attacking things head on get him hurt. Baasmo’s performance is that of a captain who wants everyone to do their job and, in doing so, get the mission complete. He is not a harsh task master but he doesn’t take anything lightly.

Santelmann as Mork is a man who, previously a captain, has a story to tell that can cause unrest among the crew. He does not agree with the captain but keeps his head down until the opportunity presents itself that he must put aside his past and find a way to bring as many people as possible home alive. Santelmann’s role is that of a man who is clearly dealing with his own issues and unsure how to work with Captain Skar, but when he does make a decision that will make jaws drop, all the viewer can do is see it through!

Ellingsen as Ragnhild is stellar at her job and full stands behind the captain when hard decisions have to be made. When she comes up against Mork, Ragnhild makes it clear she will do her job but not participate in anything that will harm the ship and its crew. Ellingsen is a strong female character on a ship full of men and she knows the job refusing to tolerate anyone who attempts to bring her down. That is worth everything in this film as Ragnhild is smart, quick and they ships needs that.

Kudos to the rest of the cast for bringing in strong performances that are sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes rebellious but all brave. They include: Preben Hodneland as Lars, Adam Lundgren as Johan, Kristian Repshus as Evensen, Fredrik Stenberg as Martinsen, Tord Kinge as Isaksen, Jakob Fort as Bergvik, Jon Ranes as Sigurd, and Olav Waastad as Chiefen.

Writer/director Dahlsbakken says of his film, “World War II remains the most transformative event in world history. The human cost is appalling and touches me deeply, even after seventy-five years. The film depicts ordinary people without the prerequisites to stand in the middle of a war, who are forced to overcome the most inhumane stresses out at sea. The film is not interested in portraying archetypes but focuses on real people like you and me.”

He continues, “Nothing is black and white. Hence, it is precisely the gray areas that are interesting and make “the fog of war” a thematic title for the project. All the uncertainties, the coincidences, the lack of communication, and, not least, trust, are factors that were completely natural part of the war sailors’ everyday life. Lie at sea was merciless and brutal. The physical and psychological stresses are unparalleled. Not only did the war sailors have to deal with the risks that weather and wind brought with it, but the Murmansk convoys were targets for German aircraft and submarines, as they carried vital equipment to the Eastern Front.”

THE ARCTIC CONVOY is a strong film that tells the story of a group of ships putting their lives in jeopardy for the war effort. I enjoy stories based in reality as they have an opportunity to bring an audience to be entertained but leaving knowing something they may not have known before. The film is in the same vein as Tom Hanks’ GREYHOUND and strong in equal measure. THE ARCTIC CONVOY does exactly what director Dahlsbakken says, it focuses on real people who react as we would expect them too.

The film is epic in scope, smart in the telling and clever in the way of survival. That makes for historical story telling which Dahlsbakken has done extremely well. I was wrapped up in it all from start to finish which is what everyone wants from a film.

In the end – courage was their lifeline!

He Has THE BEAST WITHIN

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE is Everything!

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres this week from director Shawn Levy and Marvel Studios comes the film and story everyone has been waiting for with DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – everyone deserves a happy ending!

It is all About the RIDE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from director writer/director Jake Allyn and Well Go USA is the story of a family, life and the RIDE.

In Texas, John Hawkins (C. Thomas Howell) is financially struggling to help his cancer-stricken daughter Virginia (Zia Carlock). Getting her to the right hospital means Hawkins must do whatever it takes to raise the funds the hospital is asking for. Estranged wife Monica (Annabeth Gish) is a cop in their town and splits her time between her job and being with Virginia.

Arriving home is Peter (Jake Allyn) who has served his time in prison and is trying to find his way. He learns that Virginia is ill and Hawkins is trying to raise the money. Doing what he is good at, Peter enters a rodeo contest and butts heads with Hawkins after. Peter also has to deal with Tyler (Patrick Murney), a man no one dare cross and his own guilt.

When Hawkins and Peter are put up against it, Monica begins to suspect that the two are doing something that could put them both in prison. A robbery gone wrong means that the troubles they were feeling before are small compared to what they are about to face. In the middle of their personal struggles, the Hawkins family must decide what is most important in their lives.

Howell as John Hawkins is a good man in a bad situation. Struggling to find a way to get his daughter medical help, he comes up against the cost of trying to survive an illness. Howell plays a man who carries the weight of his life like a boulder and if he puts it down, Hawkins world would fall apart. His stunning portrayal is both intense and heartbreaking in equal measure.

Allyn as Peter carries the same duality of intensity and heartbreak in his character. Coming out of prison a very different man, he wants to do the right thing by those he feels he has wronged. The problem with that is there is always somebody who wants to make sure that doesn’t happen. Allyn gives his character a deep struggle to contend with and it is done well.

Gish as Monica is relying on Hawkins to make sure Virginia gets the medical attention she needs. Understanding the struggles her family is now going through and the return of Peter, being a cop means being suspicious of everything that seems to be happening. Gish gives a stern performance of a woman that is caught in the middle of family and the law.

Other cast include Forrie J. Smith as Al, Josh Plasse as Noah, Liz Atwater as Ana, Laci Booth as Libby, Tony Herbert as Tanner and Scott Reeves as Ross Dicksons.

Bonus Features include Interviews with the Cast – Annabeth Gish, C. Thomas Howell, Forrie J. Smith, Jake Allyn, Josh Plasse, Laci Kay Booth and Zia Carlock.

RIDE is a look at the family dynamics of how they once were, tragedies along the way and what lies ahead for their future. Howell, Allyn and Gish know their characters are put in a precarious situation and it is believable for the viewers especially to anyone who has ever had to deal with hospitals and the cost of treating illness.

Both Howell and Allyn’s characters are struggling with grief and life choices which shouldn’t keep them at odds but does. Chalk that up to the stubbornness of father’s and sons with a side dish of deep, dark guilt. These actors have the look and the feel of what can happen when all of it collides for Hawkins and Peter.

In the end – the toughest ride is redemption!

They are THE BIKERIDERS

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital, streaming on Peacock and soon to Bluray from writer/director Jeff Nicols and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the story of THE BIKERIDERS.

Danny Lyon (Mike Faist) is a photography student who wants to hear the story of the Vandals and speaks to Kathy. It is 1965 and a very lovely Kathy (Jodie Comer) is with friends at the Vandals Motorcycle Club. Not wanting to stay longer, she gets up to leave when she sees Benny Cross (Austin Butler) and is stopped in her tracks. Also watching her is Johnny (Tom Hardy), the leader of the Chicago based Vandals. When Kathy accepts a ride home from Benny, they are married weeks later.

Kathy finds herself caught up in the whirlwind of being a woman who is in the club. When Benny is beat up badly, she tries to convince him to leave the club but he is dedicated to the club and the members in it. Johnny has another way of handling things and it is dangerous and destructive but it is how the club handles anyone who hurts a member.

One day, passing through on a ride, a young man known as The Kid (Toby Wallace) sees the power in riding and wants to be a part of the club. Johnny doesn’t believe he has what it takes making it clear that he is not going to be a Vandal. The Kid isn’t about to be dissuaded in any way and decides his time will come and when it does, the Vandals will never be the same.

Hardy as Vandals leader Johnny is a leader that believes in action before talk. Hardy plays this character as one who is keenly aware of the responsibilities to the members but gawd help anyone that hurt one of his guys. Looking out for them is a full-time job and he looks to Benny to help keep everything together.

Butler as Benny is quieter than the Vandals leader if that’s possible. He finds love with Kathy but makes it clear that the club comes first which puts a strain from time to time on their relationship. Butler uses his longing stares and wicked smile to the role of a man who puts himself in harms way intentional or not and usually with consequences that don’t seem to change him.

Comer as Kathy has no trouble talking about her history with Benny and Johnny and where the club was when she started hanging out in 1965. She also has no trouble talking about her feelings regarding everything she experienced and the changes to the club that were inevitable. Comer is quick in this role and has moments where her accented sarcasm is so well done and suits the character absolutely.

Wallace as The Kid comes in later to the story but is important as he is the catalyst for changing everything on his terms with no apologies. There is a streak in this character that has even less fear that Benny and Johnny and that’s all it took, that one extra step of ‘no fear’.

Shout out to Michael Shannon and Norman Reedus! I’m happy anytime I see these two actors on screen. Reedus gets a chance to be crazy and back on the bike so I’m sure he jumped at the chance to play Funny Sonny.

Other cast include Boyd Holbrook as Cal, Damon Herriman as Brucie, Karl Glusman as Corky, Happy Anderson as Big Jack, Paul Sparks as Gary, Will Oldham as the Bartender, Emory Cohen as Cockroach, Beau Knapp as Wahoo, Michael Shannon as Zipco and Norman Reedus as Funny Sonny.

Exclusive Bonus Features include Johnny, Benny & Kathy – From the accents to the attitude, get to know the lead characters of THE BIKERIDERS. Hear from the cast and producing team on how they took the personalities and environments from a book of photographs and brought a narrative to the big screen, The Era of THE BIKERIDERS – Grab your leather jacket and gear up for a ride as we enter the era of THE BIKERIDERS, and Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Jeff Nichols.

THE BIKERIDERS is a story about those who rode their bikes and the troubles they got into for it. Growing up in the 1970’s, there were plenty of stories out in the world (yes, before the internet) about “biker gangs” and the havoc they were wreaking on society. Living in a small beach community, we had our own biker bar that had one window and gawd help the town if anyone tried to peek inside. The bikes were big (so were some of the riders) and the bikes were loud, that was all we needed to know.

That’s the feeling I got from this film, as if I took a step back in time. The look and feel of the film is truly amazing and nostalgic. This was a club of bad boys who just wanted to do whatever they wanted to do with no repercussions if someone tried to interfere. The women are second to the club and if you couldn’t cut that, well, then being a biker ole lady wasn’t (and still isn’t) something to be a part of.

The cast did a fantastic job of bringing this story from book to screen. The story is inspired by Danny Lyon’s photo-book THE BIKERIDERS. Lyon’s was himself a member of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club for a year saying, “I was kind of horrified by the end…realizing that some of these guys were not so romantic after all”. Soon after, Lyon’s turned to documenting the lives of inmates in Texas prisons.

In the end - outsiders become legends!

The Lesson is DANCE FIRST

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from director James Marsh and Magnolia Pictures is the telling of a life that reminds us to DANCE FIRST.

Samuel Beckett (Caleb Johnston-Miller) is a young boy living with over bearing mother May (Lisa Dwyer Hogg) and supportive loving father William (Barry O’Connor). Reaching his late teen years and hearing how everything affected only her, Samuel (Fionn O’Shea) decides that leaving is the best thing he could possibly do. His goal them becomes to meet the one writer that has affected him the most, James Joyce (Aidan Gillen).

Working with Joyce on translations, he has an amazing friendship with Alfred Peron (Robert Aramayo) and a love affair with Suzanne (Leonie Lojkine). Soon problems with Joyce’s family become dangerous and the war breaks out sending Samuel out to do his part with the French Resistance. After the war, Samuel (Gabriel Byrne) and Suzanne (Sandrine Bonnaire) work together to bring his work to the world.

When Samuel meets translator Barbara Bray (Maxine Peake) and a love affair begins as she brings reason to his work. Trying to live in a writer’s world, Samuel writes what he knows and looks back on his life riddled with questions. Suzanne wants to him live in a struggling world and pushes guilt as his writing finally brings awards. In his life, he knows the conversations that need to be had, but only within himself.

Byrne as the elder Samuel is absolutely stunning in this role. As a man who is dealing with his own inner demons, he has to take stock of where he came from and how it all finds its way into his work. Watching Bryne’s Beckett struggle with his own duality is a sight to see and his delivery of emotion is so strong that I was taken in immediately. What a challenge that he has taken on brilliantly.

Bonnaire as elder Suzanne has been with Samuel since the war and became intertwined in his work. As the years progressed, Bonnaire’s Suzanne became hard and he begins to see someone from his past reemerging. I’m not actually sure how I feel about this Suzanne but if it was to also see a familiar attitude then Bonnaire pulls it off.

O’Shea as Samuel is just so well done front his young man years until the change to Byrne. The following of Joyce, the craziness that almost cost him everything and the struggle of war, O’Shea sets the groundwork of his life and the words that come from it. Aramayo as Alfred, although a smaller role, is poignant in the life of Samuel Beckett. Clearly the friendship meant everything and the impact was strong. Aramayo’s portrayal of Alfred was so endearing.

Peake as Barbara is immediately struck by Beckett and feels strongly about his work. Wanting to help him succeed in the literary world, she is also someone key to his life. Peake’s character doesn’t rock the boat or insert herself but instead has a place in his life that no one can touch. I truly enjoyed the strong role Peake plays because she has a sense of herself that is powerful in its own right.

Other cast include Bronagh Gallagher as Nora, Caroline Boulton as Sylvia Beach, Grainne Good as Lucia Joyce, Andrew Hefler as Leon, Julia Szasz as Mania, and Szabolcs Kelemen as Prudent.

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.

DANCE FIRST is an absolute thrill of a film done in black and white that embraces the era of Beckett’s memory of his life. From the events of his childhood, interaction with his parents that caused him to make early life decisions, discovering those he admired had a magazine rack full of issues of their own to the price to be paid for fame is all brilliantly done in this telling.

Beckett’s emotions come through in so many ways and that is all thanks to O’Shea and Byrne. These two actors (and it’s not because I have an Irish background either!) seem to embrace the story of this writer with such intensity and longing to make things right. When the elder Beckett is given moments of reflection, no one else could have done it better than Byrne.

Samuel Beckett is most noted for Waiting for Godot, Molloy, Dream of Fair to Middling Women as well as the trilogy, non-fiction, novels, short prose, poetry, translation works, cinema, radio and theatre. Take a moment to look up his work and you will see that DANCE FIRST is a stunning look at an extraordinary life.

In the end – in life always dance first!

The True Story of MY PENGUIN FRIEND

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director David Schurmann and Roadside Attractions is the unbelievable story of an unlikely friendship of MY PENGUIN FRIEND.

On the shores of Brazil lives Joao (Jean Reno), a fisherman and his wife Maria (Adriana Barraza) live a quiet life after a tragedy. Joao has spent his years avoiding the villagers and staying to himself. One morning, as he is launching his boat to fish, he sees something floating in the water. Rushing out to the object, he discovers it is a penguin covered in oil.

Rushing the penguin to his home, he spends time feeding him fish and cleaning the oil off of his feathers. When Maria arrives home, she discovers oil everywhere in her house and a penguin in the bathroom! Seeing that it means something to Joao, she watches her husband continue to spend time bathing and feeding the penguin.

Weeks pass and the penguin becomes stronger and takes to wandering the village and back to Joao and Maria’s home. When the time comes for the penguin to go back into his watery world, the young Lucia (Duda Galvao) sees the penguin in Joao’s boat. Discovering he has no name, she offers up the name Dindim and it sticks, but Dindim staying away from Joao doesn’t.

When the season changes, Dindim returns to his nest miles and miles away. Also, there are biologists studying penguins and notice that Dindim is very different than the other penguins on the beach. When the tuxedo wearing penguin returns to Joao’s, the village is thrilled and it only takes one clip going viral to change everything.

Reno as Joao is so charming in this role, especially since most of the time he spends closed off to the people of his village. It takes a little penguin for him to remember what it is to love and care for someone other than himself. Throughout the film, Reno gives his character heart and a deep well of a soul and his portrayal of this man comes through beautifully.

Barraza as Maria isn’t thrilled to have a penguin in her home but seeing how her husband seems to be opening up makes it all worth it. Barraza gives her character warmth and a sense of herself and the village she lives in. I loved that about her and the scene where she and Reno are waiting for Dindim is just so lovely and loving.

Other cast include Rochi Hernandez as Stephanie, Nicolas Francella as Carlos, Alexia Moyano as Adriana, Ravel Cabral as Paulo, Wilson Rabelo as Marcos Mauricio Xavier as Oscar, Juan Jose Garnica as Miguel, Juan Queiroz as Pedro, Roberto Borenstein as Luis and Thalma de Freitas as Calista.

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.

MY PENGUIN FRIEND was shot on the beaches of Brazil as Patagonia is home to nearly a million penguins. I personally wouldn’t mind spending the day sitting on the beach surrounded by penguins but this is the next best thing. Telling this story of a penguin who travels stunning lengths to be with his friend is not only fantastic but will melt your heart.

The story is one of a unique friendship based on nothing more than two beings caring about one another for love, affection and understanding. Joao learns so much from his little friend and the acceptance of his comings and goings is what we should all strive for in friendship and letting the creatures of the earth live and let live.

I watched the film with my nine-year-old granddaughter who not only fell in love with Dindim but was thrilled at certain aspects (no spoilers here folks) of this unique penguin. Sharing it with her lets me know that MY PENGUINE FRIEND is truly a family film and an experience that can be talked about long after the film has ended.

In the end – this is an extraordinary friendship!

Revisit Growing and Feelings with INSIDE OUT 2

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD from

writer/director Kelsey Mann, Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Home Entertainment comes the growing up of INSIDE OUT 2.

It has been a few years since Riley (Kensington Tallman), Mom (Diane Lane) and Dad (Kyle MacLachlan) moved to San Francisco. Recently turning 13, Riley is making her way to high school. Tagging along with her still is Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Fear (Tony Hale), Anger (Lewis Black) and Disgust (Liza Lapira) who are eager to be a part of that transition. Joy, has even come up with a new idea in Riley’s mind that she calls the “Sense of Self” that holds the core of the young girl’s personality and shoots the negativity to the back of her mind.

Riley and best friends Bree (Sumayyah Nuriddin-Green) and Grace (Grace Lu) are thrilled to be invited to a hockey camp that could get them on the very well-known team called the Firehawks. That’s not the only fire coming as that night, Joy and the gang are alerted to a Puberty Alarm and their headquarters is barraged by workers and another new console. With that, four new emotions come into play – Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Envy (Ayo Edebiri), Ennui (Adele Exarchopulos), Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser), and a visit from Nostalgia (June Squibb).

Just in time as Riley finds out her besties won’t be going to the same high school and that sets the new emotions into action. Anxiety tells Joy that things are different now and that she isn’t capable of helping Riley succeed. Especially when her favorite hockey player Val (Lilimar) sort of takes her under wing but that leaves Bree and Grace out in the cold. When Joy makes it clear that it is hurtful what Anxiety is doing, well, they gang gets shot out of headquarters allowing Anxiety complete control.

Joy, Anger, Sadness, Fear and Disgust aren’t going to take it lying down! A plan is put into place to help Riley find herself again and put Anxiety into its place. It isn’t going to be easy and the gang is going to be put through the paces but Riley is their girl, they know who she is and what she is capable of refusing to let Anxiety decide who she is to be!

Other voice cast include Yvette Nicole Brown as Coach Roberts, Ron Funches as Bloofy, Yong Yea as Lace Slashblade, James Austin Johnson as Pouchy, Steve Purcell as Deep Dark Secret, Dave Goelz as Mind Cop Frank, Kirk Thatcher as Foreman, Frank Oz as Mind Cop Dave, Paula Pell as Mom’s anger, Pete Docter as Dad’s anger, Sarayu Blue as Margie, Flea as Jake, Bobby Moynihan as Forgetter Bobby, and John Ratzenberger as Fritz.

Disney entertainment includes Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and more. There are exclusive originals with new feature films, shows, short form content, documentaries, and actions series such as THE MANDALORIAN. For more information, please visit www.disneyplus.com.

Pixar Animation Studios is an American computer animation studio known for its critically and commercially successful computer animated feature films. These iconic films include the TOY STORY, MONSTERS INC., THE INCREDIBLES, NEMO/DORY, and CARS franchises as well as UP, RATATOUILLE and BRAVE. For more visit www.pixar.com.

Bonus Features include New Emotions – With Riley's imminent puberty, the story of Inside Out 2 always suggested that there would be a party of new emotions complicating Riley's world—and throwing a wrench into Joy's hard-won stability. But exactly what those new emotions could be was a big question mark. Casting the new emotions in Riley’s mind was a fun exploration into the shifting mindset of a teenager, and was also informed by some of the discarded scenes and characters from the original film. In this documentary we’ll discuss that process of creating Anxiety, Embarrassment, Ennui, and Envy—from narrowing them down from a long list of possible emotions, to the design, animation, and voicing of these new, hilarious, and strangely recognizable characters.

Unlocking the Vault – In a kind of visual commentary, a group of central creatives watch and discuss the scene “The Vault.” As they stop and start—and refer to various IP versions of the scene—we’ll hear about the inspiration for Riley’s repressed memories like Bloofy and Lance Slashblade, the development of the scene in Story, and the technical challenges of creating 2D characters that exist in the CG world of Riley’s mind.

Deleted Scenes include Cold Open – In this alternate opening, a now 13-year-old Riley awkwardly fumbles her way through an original song she wrote for a school audition.

Broken Joy – After momentarily being unable to drive the console, Joy worries that she might be starting to malfunction, Pool Party – After Riley tries too hard to be fun at an older teen’s party – resulting in utter embarrassment – her “Anxiety” becomes “Self-Loathing” who then ousts our hero emotions from headquarters, Puberty Park – After seeing their faces printed on “wanted posters,” Joy and the others rogue emotions race through a puberty-themed amusement park while being chased by mind worker cops, and Shame Spiral – At a lock-in with some cool, older girls, Riley and friends play a game of “Never Have I Ever” that goes a bit too far – wreaking havoc in Riley’s mind.

Oh my gosh, INSIDE OUT 2 is absolutely fantastic and I say this as a mom and grandmom! Seeing the film with my family, I was taken back in time in so many ways. Of course, I recognized the emotional change for myself at 13 (yes, I can remember that far back), but even more so laughed at things that reminded me of my grown-up daughter when she was that age. More importantly, my pre-teen granddaughter who is already showing signs of the “new crew” that is in the film.

That being said, the story touches on so many things that it is a roller coaster ride of emotions for the audience – exactly what it’s like to go through puberty. Having to see it through the mind of Riley is charming, hilarious, meaningful and may even help kids understand what is happening to them. Watching the film, I turned to my granddaughter and said with a laugh, “remind you of anyone?” and with equal laughter she said proudly and confidently – “yes, ME!”.

Recognizing it, I believe, makes the difference and, INSIDE OUT 2 is a perfect roadmap for us all actually. Understanding where the emotions come from and giving them a “face” as it were had the theatre in such a great place as the film was showing. Parents were actually talking to their kids in the lobby about it all. That’s amazing!

I absolutely adore Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust and, in a way at my age, I still welcome them as part of being so very human. Secretly I love Anger and his thought process always leaving me cracking up. That’s what INSIDE OUT started out being in 2015, a way for us all to process our feelings and understanding them but those emotions faces and voices. We can thank Pixar, Disney and an amazing cast for knowing exactly who to choose for each.

The new additions of Anxiety set a whole new pace (if you can keep up) but it’s one the original gang can deal with in their own unique ways and we are all there for it and for Riley!

In the end – make room for new emotions!

She is the DRAGONKEEPER

Jeri Jacquin

Coming this week to DVD from director Jianping Li, Salvador Simo and SHOUT! Studios comes the magical tale of a girl who is the DRAGONKEEPER.

Ping (Mayalinee Griffith) is a young orphaned girl who is living as a servant during the Han Dynasty in China and in a mysterious mountain place. Along with her furry four-legged friend, Ping takes it upon herself to deliver a basket of fruits and vegetables. Having to perform a rescue deep down inside a castle, Ping meets a beautiful pair of dragons who show her an egg and seem to communicate with her.

When the Emperor’s (Paul McEwan) men come for one of the dragon’s, Ping wants to help save the egg and the dragon Danzi (Bill Nighy). When Master Lan (Tony Jayawardena) captures the egg, Ping and Danzi make it their goal to find it before the Emperor uses it in a deceptive way.

It is a long journey but the two unlikely friends learn so much about each other and the importance of protecting the innocent!

DRAGONKEEPER is such a wonderful tale about learning who you are, the importance of friendship and loyalty, being responsible to those who need protection the most. These are so important to children who feel they don’t quite yet understand their place in the great big world. The story of dragons always captures the hearts of children (and let’s not forget adults because I count myself as one of them!) with their ability to be stunningly beautiful and imaginative.

Ping is charming and is not only high spirited but full of life in the way she sees her world. Once she begins to understand the awesome responsibility for a dragon egg, her purpose as a Dragonkeeper gives her motivation to do the right thing. I absolutely love the connection between Ping and Danzi with their rough edges and fierce energy.

Other cast include Anthony Howell as Diao, Sarah Lam as Lao Ma, Andrew Leung as Kwan, Anthony Luke as Walla, Jonathan Mellors as Hua Hua, Felix Rosen as Prince, Colin Ryan as Rat Face, Jacqueline Chan as Diao’s Mother, Beth Chamers as Lu Yu and Billy Bailey as Wang Chao.

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.

Viva Pictures Distribution Company, is a distinguished film production studio and distributor, committed to providing world-class family entertainment for global audiences. With its own animation studio based in the Canary Islands and a rich portfolio of animated films, Viva Pictures strives to captivate and engage audiences worldwide, fostering a love for storytelling across all ages.

DRAGONKEEPER is stunningly animated from start to finish with its rich colors and vivid scenery. The story is based on the 2003 fantasy novel by Carole Wilkinson published by Black Dog Books. There are seven books in the DRAGONKEEPER series and now my own granddaughter wants to read them all and its because of this amazing film.

There is so much to enjoy about the film and it is especially geared toward (and I highly recommend) families to see together. Experience the joy and the adventure in this truly wonderful story of a connection that goes far beyond the world she knows.

In the end – she learns about her own destiny!

There are KINDS OF KINDNESS

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital from writer/director Yargos Lanthimos and Searchlight Pictures comes an intriguing look at the life of a man when dealing with KINDS OF KINDNESS.

Robert (Jesse Plemons) is a man who lives his day-to-day life on a schedule. The man responsible for the mundaneness is Raymond (Willem Dafoe) who also controls what house they live in, car they drive and even their intimacy. When Raymond asks Robert to do the unthinkable a second time, Robert decides he has had enough of complying. Raymond them begins to bring his life to a level he can not control. That’s when he meets Rita (Emma Stone)!

Daniel (Jesse Plemons) is upset that he can not find his wife Liz (Emma Stone) who is missing at sea. When she is found, he immediately feels that there is something wrong with Liz. He watches her closely and confides in friends that there is something wrong. When a bizarre incident happens while on duty, Daniel is suspended and refuses to eat. Liz tells her father what is happening but Dad (Willem Dafoe) doesn’t care for Daniel. When she doesn’t get her dad’s support, she decides in order to save Daniel, she will do whatever he asks.

Emily (Emma Stone) is in a cult that is looking for someone who can bring back the dead, Andrew (Jesse Plemons) is her partner in the search with Omni (Willem Dafoe) as the cult leader and wife Aka (Hong Chau). Being a part of the cult, there is a test to confirm whether someone is pure enough to remain. When Emily and Andrew are out eating, a woman appears that Emily believes she saw in a dream who says Ruth is someone who should be tested.

When Emily goes home to visit her husband and child, an incident happens that causes Omni and Aka to turn her world upside down. That doesn’t stop Emily testing Ruth and it once again turns her life upside down in ways no one could possibly have seen coming.

Plemons as Robert/Daniel/Andrew manages to not only portray three very different characters in an effortless way but even the change in his appearances is very cool. I have always enjoyed Plemons performances and this film is such a fantastic opportunity to show an even wider range of his skills.

Stone as Rita/Liz/Emily portrays such strong performances in each of her characters as well. From the lovely doey-eyed Rita, to the monotone Liz and finishing with the laser focused Emily, Stone goes full steam ahead. These are unusual characters to portray for any film, let alone doing all of them in one film.

Dafoe as Raymond/George/Omni have one thing in common – they each try to control those around them. Whether directly or indirectly, Dafoe’s cast of characters don’t seem to have a care about right or wrong but instead control. Shout out to Chau as Sarah/Sharon/Aka because although her roles are small, they have a powerful impact on the story and add elements with a simplicity and disarming manner.

Other cast include Margaret Qualley as Vivian/Martha/Ruth/Rebecca, Hong Chau as Sarah/Sharon/Aka, Joe Alwyn as Appraiser/Jerry/Joseph, Mamoudou Athie as Will/Neil/Nurse, Hunter Schafer as Anna, and Yorgos Stefanakos as R.M.F.

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 a Featurette - It Takes All Kinds: The Vision of KINDS OF KINDNESS - Join cast and crew for a behind-the-scenes look at this unique triptych story written by Yorgos Lanthimos and Efthimis Filippou. See how the sets, costumes, cinematography and music amplify the film's themes, and discover — maybe — what RMF stands for, Deleted Scenes – Robert Ignores the SatNav and Liz Isn’t Recognized.

KINDS OF KINDNESS is a film full of recognizable themes if you look for them. The relationships of the three main characters are deep, disturbing, confrontational in the most mundane way but full of threat, and mind twisting gaslighting. Not bogged down by music to force feeling, each scene requires the viewers full attention and shock.

In the second piece, R.M.F. IS FLYING, when you get past the concept, is the deeper meaning of relationships and what one side will do for love and the other will do to get what they want for love. Then again, that’s what I see – but will it be what everyone else does? That is the interesting part of watching this film. It will bring about conversations in a way that only Lanthimos can accomplish.

KINDS OF KINDNESS is definetly a Lanthimos film and coming off the acclaim of POOR THINGS, also with Emma Stone. This film will come as no surprise to those who appreciate this director’s storytelling in his own unique way.

In the end – everybody is looking for something!

THE GARFIELD MOVIE Purrs Home on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital in time to enjoy for Labor Day weekend for the entire family from director Mark Dindal and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is an iconic cat with THE GARFIELD MOVIE.

Garfield (Chris Pratt) is sharing a little more about his life and how it all began for him. From the life of an abandoned kitten on the streets to discovering Jon (Nicholas Hoult) and his first pizza experience. While being comfy at home with his bestie Odie (Harvey Guillen) and having a midnight snack, they are kidnapped by Shar-pei Roland (Brett Goldstein) and whippet Nolan (Bowen Yang).

Taken to an abandoned building, Garfield hears a voice he recognizes, that of his father Vic (Samuel L. Jackson). But that isn’t who is responsible! An angry Persian cat Jinx (Hannah Waddingham) who is upset with Vic and used Garfield and Odie to get to him. Jinx agrees to forgive and forget if they get her the one thing she craves.

Off to Lactose Farms, they meet Otto who is the only one that can help Garfield, Odie and Vic get inside to get the white liquid gold. There biggest obstacle is Marge (Cecily Strong) and she has her own plan because security is everything. It isn’t going to be easy as father and son need to come to terms with the past because the goal is to get home!

Pratt as the voice of Garfield brings in a different vocal vibe with much more talking than most would be use to and at a faster pace. Going up against Jackson’s own brand of witty repartee, it is an interesting matchup. Jackson as dad Vic has his own backstory to tell but first cat-Dad has to get past a very stubborn son. Hoult as Jon is a loving pet-dad who endures more than most pet owners would but he wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Waddingham as Jinx is a total package, think the Siamese cats from ARTISOCATS but in the same fluffy English accented body and you have Jinx. She has a score to settle and Waddingham gets the chance to vocalize it. Rhames as Otto is the strong silent type, for a hot second, and when he finds a reason to shout orders – then the big bull comes out totally.

Goldstein as Roland and Yang as Nolan are Jinx’s henchmen who seem to enjoy their work. What they have going for them is that size doesn’t always play a factor in their scheme of things. Strong as Marge is dedicated to her job and has the set up to prove it. She is tough, smart, quick and isn’t about to let a bunch of animals get the better of her.

Total shout out to Guillen as Odie because, let’s face it, he stole the entire film. Of course, he satisfies every whim his buddy Garfield wants and he seems to know what Garfield needs before he needs it – a true friend. He had me laughing and recognizing that he is the smartest “person” in the film for sure.

Other cast include Dev Joshi as Liz, Luke White as Vito, Alicia Turrell as Ethel, Janelle James as Olivia and Snoop Dogg as the blue Maine Coon.

Special Features include a Gag Reel, Easter Eggs: Garnishes a la Garfield, Deleted Scenes – Animatic, featuring Hannah Waddingham, Indoor Cat Outdoor Adventure, Cast of Critters, How-to-Draw Garfield, Odie, Vic and More, Animation Reels and Gallery.

So let me get this out of the way, THE GARFIELD MOVIE is different from its previous makings. My favorite is the 2004 version GARFIELD: The Movie because Garfield is voiced by Bill Murray who had the right voice for it, attitude and twisted humor. It is also the version that sent my granddaughter into fits of giggles – two of my favorite things.

THE GARFIELD MOVIE is full of action, fun, laughs and charm which is important for parents who are looking for entertainment that kids can enjoy. Garfield is the most recognizable cat and is the creation of Jim Davis. He began publishing the comic strip in 1976 and went nationwide in 1978.

As families look for something to watch Labor Day weekend, this is a charming film for the entire family. Who doesn’t enjoy the antics of a lasagna loving cat and cat’s best friend Odie! Grab a big tub of popcorn, sit back, relax and giggle along with the kids for a good time. That’s what an awesome family experience at home together should be and our furry friends are happy to provide it.

In the end – he gets bigger!

He has THE SIXTH SENSE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from writer/director M. Night Shyamalan and Walt Disney Home Entertainment celebrating 25 years is the thriller of THE SIXTH SENSE.

Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis) is a child psychologist who is trying to save his marriage to Anna (Olivia Williams). Finding solace in his work, he begins to see Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment), a nine-year-old boy who is having difficulties and his mother Lynn (Toni Collette) is beyond worried. What she doesn’t know is that Cole is having experiences that even he doesn’t understand. When he finally shares with Malcolm that he is seeing people in another realm, Cole asks Malcolm to please help make it all go away. Believing that Cole may be suffering from schizophrenia, Malcolm debates on whether he should continue the case. There comes a moment when psychologist and patient connect and discover whether there is a way for both to find the answers that are just a life away.

Willis as Malcolm does what Willis has always done, embraces the role and makes it absolutely his own. A complex character dealing with a marriage he can not figure out, a past that haunts him and a boy who he feels like he is failing to help, Willis is extraordinary and iconically memorable. His career in action films speaks for itself but here, he gets a chance to really reach into our psyche and pull out our own fears.

Osment as Cole had me from the word jump. A massive talent wrapped up in a tiny little body of an actor that can make sadness so permeable that to this day I can instantly pull up his face of fear in my mind. It is such an intense, emotional and dark role for a child but Osment swings and knocks it totally out of the park.

Collette as Cole’s mother Lynn is doing her best to raise her son but knows there is something wrong that she can’t put her finger on. Try as she might, Lynn is unable to bring out of her the dark secret that he carries all by himself. What I love about this character is that even though she doesn’t understand her son, she doesn’t give up (even if frustrated) and makes it clear he is loved. Collete gives Moms a lesson in believing what you can’t see or understand but love all the same.

Other cast include Donnie Wahlberg as Vincent Grey, Glenn Fitzgerald as Sean, Mischa Barton as Kyra Collins, Trevor Morgan as Tommy Tammisimo, Bruce Norris as Mr. Stanley Cunningham, Angelica Page as Mrs. Collins, Greg Wood as Mr. Collins, Peter Tambakis as Darren, Jeffrey Zubernis as Bobby, M. Night Shyamalan as Dr. Hill and Olivia Williams as Anna Crowe.

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

The first time I saw THE SIXTH SENSE, I was riveted and walked out of the theatre with my jaw dragging behind me. That’s because Shyamalan wrote a story that no one could see coming and then directed it masterfully. That what we have come to expect from Shyamalan and even though there is only one film that I’m sort of meh on (no I’m not telling), the rest of his films always bring out conversations and twenty-five years later we are still talking about it. That’s the impression the film made.

It's dark tones and focus are very intense and, honestly, there doesn’t need to be a big cast to tell this big story. I loved and love the connection between Willis and Osment on screen because even when they aren’t talking, they are speaking loudly. Their performances bring an edge that twenty-five years later, the world knows the famous phrase, “I see dead people!”.

THE SIXTH SENSE and SIGNS, are available for the first time ever in stunning 4K UHD digital now, and 4K UHD Blu-ray disc on October 22. A special bundle opportunity will also be available at digital retailers on August 27 which includes: THE SIXTH SENSE 4K UHD, SIGNS 4K UHD and UNBREAKABLE 4K UHD.

In the end – not every gift is a blessing!

They See the SIGNS

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from writer/director M. Night Shyamalan and Walt Disney Home Entertainment is the reason we fear the unknown when there are SIGNS.

Graham Hess (Mel Gibson) is a widower and ex-episcopal priest who is raising his two children Morgan (Rory Culkin) and Bo (Abigail Breslin). Also living on their farm is Graham’s younger brother Merrill (Joaquin Phoenix). One morning, Graham is woken up to the screams of daughter Bo out in the middle of their corn field. When he reaches the children, they show him that the corn has been pushed down in a distinct pattern.

He calls Officer Caroline Paski (Cherry Jones) reporting the discovering thinking that it was the doing of local town boys with a history of causing mayhem. Not long after, the news is reporting strange things happening all around the world as Graham and Merrill try to keep the kids away from it all until, they truly know more. Morgan discovers that using a baby monitor might help them listen in on the strange happenings in the field but it is Graham who sees for himself.

That’s when the family goes into lockdown to not only save their home but each other from whatever has decided that the planet should belong to them – they are in for a big surprise!

Gibson as Graham is a loving father who is having a difficult time being a widow. Doing right by his children, he also struggles with his faith and shuts down when people mention it to him. Once he realizes there are beings out there, he has a new struggle in protecting his children and understanding why it is all happening. This was a strong role for Gibson and that is in the proof that his performance still stands.

Phoenix as brother Merrill lives in an ADU (before ADU’s were even a thing) and helps where he can. Once the mystery lands on their doorstep, he tries to find a meaning to it and does so in the children. Phoenix’s character has its own backstory that haunts him as well and now he has the opportunity to help his brother defend the farm.

Culkin as Morgan is the reader of the family and makes sure that at least one of the family members is informed by ‘experts’. Morgan is smart and doesn’t hesitate to jump into the unknown to find out all he can to help the family survive what is happening around him. Culkin’s performance feels as if he is the adult in all of this and I was with him every step. Breslin as Bo has a bit of her own way of seeing the world and no one is going to stop her from seeing it any differently. She is also very smart, loves her brother Morgan fiercely and isn’t afraid to say exactly like it is. I just love the character of Bo and the dance she does at the end still sticks in my memory. Jones as officer Paski is a bit quirky but has a past with Graham that even she can’t shake. Trying to help them solve the field mystery, she is also about to deal with something she has no answer for. I am a huge fan of Jones and have followed her career for a long time. She is just a wonderful presence on the screen, even in smaller roles and that says something about her ability to make herself memorable.

Other cast include Ted Sutton as Cunningham, Merritt Wever as Tracey Abernathy, Lanny Flaherty as Carl Nathan, Marion McCorry as Mrs. Nathan, Patricia Kalember as Colleen and M. Night Shyamalan as Ray Reddy.

SIGNS came into theatres in 2002 and my family and I were in line on day one. We love a good alien tale and this film is so much more than that. Yes, there are aliens to be sure but, this is also a film about a family dealing with grief, love, understanding and a fierce loyalty to one another. That is the part of the story that I truly

loved so much, the aliens are just a fantastic bonus. The film was such a success that it garnered nominations from the Online Film Critics Society and the Empire Awards and won an award from the American Society of Composers. The film was actually shot in different parts of Pennsylvania but an interesting side note in that the house and field are owned by the Delaware Valley University agricultural college. Shyamalan, once again, brings a stellar story to the screen, and now 4K Ultra HD, keeping the cast to a minimum and focusing on the family. Having his films as part of my home entertainment library means that when the family wants to have a thriller movie night, we go straight to the shelf that houses all of his films. That is what a fantastic family night with a big screen television and a sound bar can do!

In the end – it’s not like they didn’t warn us!

BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday is the long awaited and much anticipated film from director Tim Burton and Warner Bros. Pictures is the return of BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE.

Divorced Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) is now making her living by hosting a talk show about the supernatural called Ghost House. Boyfriend Rory (Justin Theroux) is helping Lydia by being the producer of the show. During the latest taping, Lydia thinks she sees someone frighteningly familiar! Right after, she receives word from Delia (Catherine O’Hara) that dad Charles has passed. Driving back to Winter River, Lydia and Delia pick up daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega) from school.

Not happy about Rory’s timing to propose to her mom, an already moody Astrid runs off only to meet young Jeremy (Arthur Conti) in a treehouse! Wanting to come back to life, he tells Lydia he can help see her dad who disappeared in the Amazon. When things go horribly wrong, Lydia has no choice but to say those three words bringing back the one person who has conditions to everything before agreeing to help. Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) says yes to help find Astrid but wants a few things from Lydia, all while avoiding ex-wife Delores (Monica Bellucci).

The twists and turns are insane as Lydia deals Jeremy, Delia deals with Rory, Astrid deals with everybody and Beetlejuice, well, he is going to do things his own way!

Keaton as Beetlejuice jumps into his role but seems a bit more sensitive this time. He doesn’t seem as vindictive but still has his motives for everything he does. The introduction of his ex-wife gives Beetlejuice a bit more vulnerability. That being said, Keaton is and will always be Beetlejuice who everybody loves so much. There is nothing about him playing this character that just isn’t amazing.

Ryder as Lydia shows a more grown up and now a mother herself. In the first film she was not afraid of anything and made it clear she was ‘strange and unusual’. The adult Lydia is a bit more passive but picks up the character of Lydia with ease. Ortega as Astrid fit the role perfectly but it seems that it’s her thing to play the strong-willed outcast who is angry at everything. It’s easy to see her playing this role as she already stunned in the role of Wenesday Adams. Both characters are dark so it makes sense.

O’Hara as Delia is still wacky in her own unique way. She is still and artist doing her own abstract pieces but takes the role of grandparent very seriously. Theroux as Rory is so weird and it is interesting to see him in this role. Think of the hippie in WONDERLUST and add darkness and you have Rory. Conti as Jeremy feels like the most interesting introduction to the film. He does an excellent job in taking us on the ride of his story in the film.

Other cast include Burn Gorman as Father Damien, Danny DeVito as Janitor, Filipe Cates as Vlad, Santiago Cabrera as Richard and Willem Dafoe as Wolf Jackson.

BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE is a film that fans have been waiting for since 1988. I won’t do the math because it will age me (as if I need any help with that). I remember taking my kids to see the film when the original came out and then we saw it again, and again, then bought the VHS (no laughing) then DVD’s and Bluray wearing all of them out watching the film. So, when I say the new film couldn’t have come at a better time, I mean it! Trust me also that I have not even talked about 3/4ths of what goes on in this film because I do not want to spoil it for anyone. Just know the excitement is real!

It is such a fun story staying true to its creepy, funny, family film roots. I can honestly say we are going to go back to the theatre to see it again. Part of the fun was the anticipation of seeing the film and dressing up accordingly. It is almost a moral imperative that one dresses up to see it. BEETLEJUICE has become so iconic and recognizable that you can be sure a lot of someone’s dress up like the character for Halloween.

Burton made sure that the film felt nostalgic with creatures from the original and meshing with a few cameos. On how he saw the new film, Burton says, “I tried to treat this movie like the spirit of the first movie where we had a script, but there was a lot of improve that went on. I waited so long because nothing ever clicked and I know it couldn’t have happened until now. For me, this became a very personal movie, like a kind of weird family movie about a weird family and it could only have happened for me after all this time”.

Oh, I’m sure I could nitpick about things here and there with the film but I won’t. Why? Because BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE is why a lot of us go to the movies. This is total entertainment that doesn’t ask anything else other than to be entertained, laugh, remember and embrace a character that is totally outrageous (and has seeped his way into our hearts permanently). Burton, Keaton, O’Hara and Ryder did that all those years ago and once again they remind us that it is okay to be ‘strange and unusual’ because there are more of us than the world cares to admit.

So put on your best Beetlejuice duds and gather up the gang to go have an absolutely blast at the theatre this weekend and remember – you have to say it three times with feeling!

In the end – he is the ghost with the most babe!

They Fight BEFORE DAWN

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from director Jordan Prince-Wright and Well Go USA is a look at war with young men with BEFORE DAWN.

Jim Collins (Levi Miller) is a young man from the Australian outback who has decided to sign up for war on the Western Front. His father is distraught about his decision but knows he can do nothing to change his mind. Finding himself in the trenches of France, he realizes that the Germans are as dug in as his battalion in.

Making friends is a necessity but also can be heartbreaking. Jim’s pals include Thomas Nickels (Travis Jeffery) and his brother Harry (Christian Dethlefsen), Bill (Aodhan Guy), Don (Ed Oxenbould), Ned (Jordan Dulieu) and all being watched over by Lt. Longhorn (Paul Walenkamp). As the bombs keep exploding around them night and day, with the mud seeping into every part of their being, Jim refuses to change who he is.

Trying to keep his friends safe, it sometimes causes Jim to come to the reality check that war does not care who you are, who your friends are or where the munitions land. Gone from home for almost three years, Jim is determined to follow all into battle so he can get home to the people that love him.

Miller as Jim is a young man who believes that joining the fight is something he needs to do. Finding camaraderie with other young man who signed up for the war, Jim, at moments, has difficulty relating to his fellow soldiers as he feels it is necessary sometimes to put himself in the fray. Miller does a superb job of portraying this character.

Jeffery as Thomas takes to Jim right away but when the unthinkable happens, the two soldiers try to understand that in war, nothing is guaranteed. Guy, Oxenbould and Dulieu finish out the friendship, looking out for one another can be difficult when someone is just across the way trying to end everything.

Shout out to Walenkamp as the elder soldier who knows what all of this means caught up between making sure the boys stay alive and doing his duty. Sometimes it clashes and Walenkamp portrayed the clash with strength.

Bonus features include a Behind-the-Scenes and trailer.

Other cast include Stephen Peacocke as Cpt. Beale, Myles Pollard as Sgt. Beaufort, Tim Franklin as Big Tooth, Lawrence Murphy as Charlie, Peter Williams as Roy, and Oscar Millar as Hammond.

Miller as Jim is the main focus of the story coming from a home deep in the outback with his parents and lovely girlfriend. Deciding to go to war is not something his father understands rather wanting his son to stay home. Once Jim is deep in the trenches of French mud, it feels as if he grasps what his father was trying to tell him. At the same time, surrounded by other young men, he finds comfort in the shared situation they are all in.

What moves me about the film is knowing that these young soldiers were from such a proud era in time fighting for something greater than themselves. Their fear comes through and made my heart hurt for what these characters were experiencing. That’s how you know the cast is one that melds together so well. Making a war film is difficult enough, especially when the story deals with human emotions and director Prince-Wright has taken that all into consideration. The conflict is not only what is outside the trenches, but sometimes also what is happening in the trenches.

In the end – leave no man behind!

The One and Only DIDI

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres, on Digital and coming to Bluray from writer/director Sean Wang and Focus Features is the coming-of-age story of a young man referred to as DIDI.

It’s 2008 and Chris (Izaac Wang) is a 13-year-old living in Fremont, California with mom Chungsing (Joan Chen), grandmother Nai Nai (Chang Li Hua) and irritating older sister Vivian (Shirley Chen). Chris’ father is in Taiwan working to support the family in America. Chris spends his time with friends Fahad (Raul Dial) and Soup (Aaron Chang) making funny YouTube videos of their antics around town. While the boys are having fun, Chris does have moments to swoon over his crush Madi (Mahaela Park) who he talks to on AIM (Google it kids).

His friends push him to take Madi out for a date and even though he YouTubes ‘how to kiss a girl’, he gets caught up in his nerves that makes it difficult on his date. Now Chris is nervous to talk to her again and he can’t seem to find his place in social circles as easily as Fahad and Soup. Already irritated, Chris easily flies off the handle when he and Vivian go at it during dinner which upsets Nai Nai leaving mom feeling defeated.

Trying to make things better, Chungsing focuses on Chris’ education since Vivian has already been accepted to UCSD. He isn’t in the tutoring courses a day before someone else is picking on him leaving him to feel like he is just not good enough. Meeting a new group, they want him to video their skateboarding and Chris sees a chance to fit in.

But it all starts crashing down as the stress of life hits Chungsing and Nai Nai, Vivian starts planning for her life and Chris has to come to terms with the fact that he must find a way to fix the things he broke relationship wise and find something that truly gives him joy because being a teenager isn’t for the faint of heart!

Wang as Chris must have channeled his inner teenager because he plays this role marvelously. He captures everything I remember as a teenager, everything I remember as a mom of teenagers and everything a grandmother of teenagers remembers. He is rough, arrogant, mouthy, sad, a bit funny, an antagonistic brother and lovelorn kid. Wang takes this role and runs so fast with it that his acting future is going to be absolutely amazing. Well done young man!

Chen as Chungsing is that mother who is trying her best to raise children and deal with an in-law that doesn’t seem to see good in her. She is bombarded constantly and can only react in a way that doesn’t make her feel as if she is losing her children. Like most mothers, Chen has portrayed the guilt a mother feels when wondering what would life be like if she had chosen a different path.

Chen as Vivian is an absolute vision of an older sister who enjoys taking on her younger brother. The dinner scene is one for the ages and, minus the language, I can recall watching the same interaction when my kids were teens. It is par for the course and, if you dare, will make one giggle a bit at the nostalgia. Hua as Nai Nai is an in-law who has sage advice like, “eat fruit because…” but she consistently undermines Chungsing and that causes a rift. She has a connection to Didi (meaning ‘younger brother’) and it is charming when she smiles.

Other cast include Chiron Denk as Donovan, Alysha Syed as Jade, Alaysia Simmons as Ellie, Tarnvir Kamboj as Hardeep, Joziah Lagonoy as Josh, Sunil Maurillo as Cory, Montay Boseman as Nugget, Georgie August as Georgia, Joshua Hankerson as Mack, Jayden Chiang as Max, Spike Jonze as Dead Squirrel, and Alaysia Simmons as Ellie.

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

DIDI is absolutely charming, infuriating, frustrating, memorable, nostalgic and a well written story that applies to everyone. Director Wang embraces all the mixed-up emotions of a teenager but also the struggles of a single mother, cultural beliefs, separation, guilt and the coming together of understanding in a family. In the midst of that, Wang re-creates a time when the internet was in its relative infancy, social media wasn’t even a title of things yet, and kids still ran around with their friends – you know - OUTSIDE

Chris’ relationships are complex, deep and rooted in ‘normal’ feelings with the added bonus of trying to find a slot in the world that he fits in. It is hard enough to be a teen without braces, acne and crushes running in circles around each other 24/365. The cast is absolutely stellar in their performances, even if they are teens themselves. Chen stands out even though she says very little and I know someone like Nai Nai and she is equally a hoot. The film is so relatable and that is what makes it awesome.

In the end – this is for anyone that’s ever been a teenager!

HOW TO MAKE MILLIONS BEFORE GRANDMA DIES

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – trust your Amah!

They are Living with SUBSERVIENCE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to EST and TVOD from director S.K. Dale and Vertigo Releasing is a look at life when the world becomes quicky automated with SUBSERVIENCE.

Nick (Michele Morrone) is a hard-working man in construction along with wife Maggie (Madeline Zima) and daughter Isla (Matilda Firth) and young son. When Maggie is taken ill, Nick knows he needs help and turns to purchasing a domestic SIM. Isla names her Alice (Megan Fox) and she immediately begins to take care of the house, cooking and helping with the children. Nick is impressed that so much pressure is taken off his hands and tells Maggie about it as they wait for her surgery.

Unfortunately, Nick soon learns that his construction job is about to be taken over by more SIMS, or “sparks” as others call them. Now his friends, Monty (Andrew Whipp), Donna (Manal El-Feitury and Lewis (Atanas Srebrev) are out of jobs and he doesn’t know how to handle that. At home, Alice tries to talk with him in a way that is comforting as she tries to understand human beings.

As the days go by, Alice ingratiates herself more and more into Nick life as Maggie returns home. Trying to pick up where she left off, it is difficult but Alice steps in. Almost overnight, Alice begins to change and what should have been a helper in the home is about to become the most dangerous SIM imaginable!

Morrone as Nick is a man that is in the middle of life’s messes. Trying to keep his job going to support his family, dealing with an ill wife and taking care of two children feels like an impossible task. Adding a beautiful SIM seems like his only answer but perhaps he should have stayed away from the ‘beautiful’ part. Morrone gives us a man dealing with a complex life and another log has been thrown on the fire. Well done performance.

Zima as Maggie in an ill woman who needs an operation as the clock ticks away. Wanting to be home with her family, when she does get to be home it seems things have changed in a way that makes her feel unwelcomed a bit. Zima takes on the role of the ‘other’ woman with the actual other woman not being a woman. Confused yet? It will be clear once you see Zima go!

Firth as Isla is a smart girl and she is excited to have Alice in the house. Understanding she’s just a young girl, the complications fly right over her head until she comes face to face with it all. Well done young lady! Whipp as Monty is aggravated that SIMS are taking over everything which means human beings are losing their jobs and a piece of their lives. Anger makes a person do strange things.

Shout out to Fox as Alice in her simple dress and shoes, straight hair, makeup and straight emotionless face. Playing a SIM can be a stretch because there shouldn’t be a lot of emotion from a SIM. Fox takes it a step further and plays the role with emotional emotionlessness or at least attempting it and still with a straight face and ulterior motives. Discovering that attempting to be human comes with a price, Alice is absolutely willing to pay it. Nicely done Ms. Fox!

Other cast include Antoni Davidov as Travis, JR Esposito as Kobol Supervisor, Ronak Patani as Clerk, Trevor Van Uden as Bartender, Kate Nicholas as Lyla, Kexin Wang as John, Max Kraus as Construction SIM and Ayden Howlett as Mason.

Vertigo Releasing is a leading independent Film Distribution Company in the UK, Ireland and other international territories. They have a reputation for crafting strong and exciting campaigns and have a unique instinct for creative and innovative release strategies. Theatrical releases have grossed over $100 million at the UK box office and have won multiple awards. Working with such incredible talent including Philip Barantini with BOILING POINT, director Babak Anvari UNDER THE SHADOW, Gareth Edwards with MONSTERS, Nicolas Winding Refn with BRONSON, Thomas Napper with JAWBONE and Taika Waititi with HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE you can see more of what they have to offer at www.vertigoreleasing.com.

The film did sort of remind me of the 2015 television series HUMANS with Gemma Chan playing Nita and that’s not necessarily a bad thing because I loved that show, with a twisted touch of THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE. SUBSERVIENCE is more of the darker side of SIMS and what happens when one goes ‘emotionally’ rogue. Fox gives a straight forward fright from beginning to end and the absolute chaos the family endures.

SUBSERVIENCE focuses on the family mainly with not much coming from the outside except for friend Monty. It is Nick’s roller coast of where his life is and the mistake of letting a total SIM stranger into the family dynamic. This is a fun/fright film for sure. Director S.K. Dale doesn’t try anything new here but instead takes a really good story, casts it well and lets us go on the AI ride none of us actually, really want to be on! Hang on to your sim cards!

In the end – don’t turn her on!

His Life is about SIGHT

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital from writer/director Andrew Hyatt, Angel Studios and Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment comes the true story of a man who learns about life through SIGHT.

Dr. Ming Wang (Terry Chen) has a practice in Nashville as an eye surgeon who takes on the tough cases. Along with his surgeon partner Dr. Misha Bartnovsky (Greg Kinnear), they have a wonderful success rate in helping children see. Sister Marie (Fionnula Flanagan) has brought them a case with the young Kajal (Mia Swaminathan) who had her eyesight taken from her in the most brutal way.

Studying her case and trying to find answers, Dr. Wang is almost broken hearted when, along with Dr. Bartnovsky, things don’t go according to plan. Trying to understand what is happening in his life, Dr. Wang sees someone from his past that is bringing up memories that are difficult. Along with his parents, Dr. Wang grew up in China during a difficult time in the country’s history. Both his parents were learned and wanted the same for their son.

From food insecurity to the closing of schools, Ming (Ben Wang) had to work very hard to learn the best he could and find his way to university. His best friend Lili (Sara Ye) was a big part of his life and with that a memory he can not seem to contain. All of this comes flooding back to a grown-up Ming and it is causing him to have doubts about his abilities as a surgeon.

When another case comes his way, Dr. Wang immediately steps away not understanding what is happening to him. Dr. Bartnovsky tries so hard to understand his friend’s difficulties that seem to be growing by the day. Then, it is one little girl’s warmth and kindness that helps Dr. Wang find his way back to his true calling!

Chen as Dr. Ming Wang plays the true-life role of a man that has seen the world through a different set of eyes. His growing up was difficult with its cultural challenges and striving hard for his education. Chen gives his role such heart, strength and beauty that this story truly moved me. His struggle is heartfelt and portraying someone’s real life is daunting enough but Chen does so with such grace.

Kinnear as Dr. Misha Bartnovsky is portraying a man who clearly loves what he is doing and the partnership with Ming comes across as effortless as they both want to help those less fortunate. Even when the friendship is tested by something Misha has difficulty understanding, he never gives up on his friend and Kinnear does so in such lovely form.

Wang as the teen Ming absolutely drew me into the story. Watching this young man who hungered for learning, had to struggle with the breakdown of his country that was going through struggles of its own. That being said, it did not stop young Ming from pushing forward and Wang is absolutely stunning in this role. Ye as Lili is sharing in what is happening to the teen yang as it affects her as well. My heart immediately went out to her and I am left wondering what happened to her.

Swaminathan as Kajal is such an adorable, charming and accepting young actress to take on this role. She truly is a small girl with a huge light that shines through it all. The character she plays is one that might break most people but then again, Kajal and Swaminathan are not most people. Flanagan as Sister Marie carries all her hopes with young Kajal and she, along with Dr. Wang, learn so much from the young girl – more than they could have ever expected. I love Flanagan and every time she is on the screen I smile!

Other cast include Natasha Mumba as Ruth Tarik, Raymond Ma as Zhensheng, Wai Ching Ho as Alian, Garland Chang as Yu Wang, Donald Heng as Zhensheng (30s), Leanne Wang as Alian (30s), Jeffrey Pai as Lao Bin, Kelvin Luo as Yu, Natalie Skye as June Bartnosvsky, Peter Chan as Gao, Danni Wang as Anle and Jayden Zhang as Ming (8-years-old).

Angel Studios is a new kind of movie studio that produces and distributes award-winning titles from independent creators. Covering genres including Christian films, comedy, drama, documentaries and kids shows, these are just some of the projects they include. For more of what Angel Studios has to offer, please visit www.angel.com.

Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment has new titles that include Grace and Pedro: Mission Impossible with the voices of Susan Sarandon, Brooke Shields, Alicia Silverstone and Billy Nighy; World War I action-epic Before Dawn; Scandinavian crime-thriller WHAT REMAINS starring Andrew Riseborough and Stellan Skarsgrd; sweeping bipic Cabrini from director of the smash-hit SOUND OF FREEDOM; and the all-female cast drama TELL THAT TO THE WINTER SEA. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.kaleidoscopehomeentertainment.com.

The film SIGHT was awarded ICVM Crown Awards for Best Picture for producer David E. Fischer and director Andrew Hyatt, winner of the Silver Crown for Best Cinematography for Michael Balfry, and a Bronze Crown for Best Actor for Terry Chen. The Heartland International Film Festival gave SIGHT Best Premier, Narrative Feature to director Andrew Hyatt and producer David E. Fischer.

This is truly a family that the entire family should see. It is not just about sight; it is about the world we have seen and how it affects the world we live in now. Everyone has a past, everyone has had struggles but this film shows us that it is how you deal with those struggles that either keeps you in the dark or helps you shine even brighter. The cast brings this story through the entire range of human emotion and that is what grabs the heart. Director Hyatt knew the story he wanted to tell and how to bring it to life – and he does so with perfection!

In the end – there is more than one way to shine your light!

Remember to SPEAK NO EVIL

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres today from writer/director James Watkins and Universal Pictures is a tale of strangers and terror in SPEAK NO EVIL.

Louise (Mackenzie Davis) and Ben (Scoot McNairy) along with daughter Agnes (Alix West Lefler) are on holiday in Italy. While there, they meet Paddy (James McAvoy), wife Ciara (Aisling Franciosi) and son Ant (Dan Hough) and they all hit it off immediately. When the family returns to London, they receive a postcard from Paddy inviting them to come spend a holiday with them at their farmhouse.

Thinking they need a change of scenery and helping Agnes with her issues, they gather up and take the long drive out. Almost immediately, Louise feels as if something is off with Paddy and Ciara’s behavior toward their invited guests. Told that Ant was born with a condition that doesn’t allow him to speak properly, Agnes does enjoy his company. Paddy invites Ben and Louise to a special dinner near the shore cooked especially for them. The evening goes smoothly until Louise feels that Paddy is being passive-aggressive towards her.

Ben does nothing which Louise later addresses but it is more unnerving later in the evening causing her to let Ben know that they are leaving right away. Quietly making their way out, their drive down the road is halted because of Agnes anxiety forcing them to return to Paddy’s home. After a bunch of apologies, Louise, Ben and Agnes stay for a while longer. That extended time allows Ant to explain why his father and mother behave the way they do.

Now it is all about survival.

McAvoy as Paddy is absolutely, positively and stunningly terrifying from beginning to end. The way he speaks is charming until it’s not and gawd help you when it’s not. There is something about McAvoy playing a total psychopath that is just fantastic to watch. Most of us know he has that capability if you think of his 2016 performance in the film SPLIT. In this film he gets the stunning opportunity to remind us that Paddy is not to be played with and absolutely fears no one or nothing. He is powerful in every sphere and there is one line in the film that sums up the character of Paddy, but unfortunately, I can’t tell you because it has to be seen to be believed.

McNairy as Ben just drove me insane. The character of Ben is weak, has no mind of his own, is easily persuaded and, to be honest, has no spine what so ever. Of course, someone like Paddy is going to spot all that a mile away and have fun with it. If the role called for all of this, then McNairy nails it. Davis as Louise has an outspoken character but is also weak. I thought, ‘oh good, she’s going to be at least on the side of her family” and then she failed and failed miserably. I give Davis points for recognizing danger but she loses points for being a sucker.

Franciosi as Ciara seems a kind person, but that wall of kindness starts to show cracks until there is nothing that can stop it. She has a story to tell but it does not change who she has become and is loyal to Paddy. Franciosi is charming till the end. Lefler as Agnes has her own issues which is probably why she is so warm with Ant. The character obviously inherited the inability to realize danger until its too late but hey, like daughter like parents. Hough as Ant is the winner here and you will definetly understand why by the films end.

Other cast include Kris Hichen as Mike and Motaz Mulhees as Muhjid.

Universal Pictures has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience in 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.

Blumhouse Productions is known for producing horror films such as PARANORMAL ACTIVITY, INSIDIOUS, SINISTER, THE PURGE, THE GIFT, GET OUT, HAPPY DEATH DAY and SPLIT. The films from Blumhouse have become instant classics and they continue to give us something to scream about! See more at www.blumhouse.com.

Okay, this is going to get messy so here it goes. This film had me at the highest level of pissivity and frustration. I don’t know if that was director Watkins intention but both my daughter and myself were basically shouting at the screen (it was easy since we were two out of the four people there and they were hollering as well). I believe the ‘wtf’s were flying out our mouths every five minutes. In between that was the ‘oh my gawd’s and ‘you have got to be **** kidding me right now!’.

My problem is I have a hard time with characters that seem to be moving about without a brain and kids who are just being ridiculous. I had to bury that emotion and get past them but, as my daughter kept reminding me, “the characters aren’t real Mom”. Good thing or the film would have only lasted ten minutes!

Without spoiling anything, let me just say that McAvoy and Hough had us at hello and the ride was intense, thrilling, and worthy of shouting at the screen. By the end of the film, we were just absolutely exhausted from the roller coaster ride. That didn’t stop us from talking about it for about another hour and a half. This is a thriller of a very visceral reactive kind for sure so go with it. This is a remake of the 2022 Danish film SPEAK NO EVIL and I’m going to give that a look-see as well!

In the end – beware of strangers!

The HBO Hit Series SUCCESSION Comes to Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray is the massively successful HBO hit series for fans who want to revisit the family of SUCCESSION: The Complete Series.

The Roy clan owns a media conglomerate called Waystar RoyCo. headed by the family patriarch Logan Roy (Brian Cox). The family also includes son Kendall (Jeremy Strong), daughter Shiv (Sarah Snook) and her husband Tom (Matthew Macfadyen), son Roman (Kieran Culkin), son Connor (Alan Ruck) and nephew Greg (Nicholas Braun). At a family party, Logan sends shockwaves through his family by announcing major shake ups and changes to the company. When Logan collapses, emotionally entitled son Kendall rushes to make deals but learns from general counsel Gerri Kellman (J. Smith-Cameron) that not everything is as it seems.

As Kendall shifts and twists with maneuvers, Roman and Shiv have other ideas along with Frank Vernon (Peter Friedman). He is not the only one that can play the conglomerate game. When things don’t go according to plan, meaning Logan is not one to be toyed with, Kendall is left in the cold but has plans of his own to go up against his own father. In England, a wedding is happening but that doesn’t stop Logan and the family from as the family is dealing with affairs, hostile takeovers, relapses and cover ups – more than usual for the family.

Back in the states, the family gathers again in the Hamptons as Logan tries to get an honest opinion from his family about the company. Shiv learns of her fathers plans but so do Logan and Kendall who are trying to find a way to deal with Logan. Connor has decided to run for president much to the amusement of his family. While all of this is happening, Logan rehires Frank and wants to go after a rival media company but finds out that someone has been telling a writer about his personal life history and is furious.

Logan and Kendall off a price to PGM, the media company they want but during the meeting, a gun shot rings out. Keeping the meeting going, Greg and Tom are going at it in a blackmail way while Roman is having a freak fest with Gerri. That doesn’t slow down a deal with PGM and Kendall is back on his self-destructive tour. Thinking they are celebrating a deal; the Roy’s learn of a potential scandal that could destroy everything. But, as with the Roy’s, there is always juggling happening. Tom is dealing with the investigation; Logan believes his daughter has not been loyal and Shiv suspects that another woman is trying to sabotage her plans.

Over in Dundee, Scotland, Logan is celebrating 50 years at Waystar and Shiv isn’t going to let anything get in her way. Gerri tells her that there is a whistleblower about the cruise rumors and Shiv finds a way to put all the blame on someone else. At the Senate hearing, things become a bigger disaster as Tom can’t string two believable sentences together. Escaping to the Mediterranean, its time for each to try and smooth over the problems plaguing the Roy family. Logan decides who will be the fall guy for the cruise ship disaster but there is one person that is not going to let that happen.

Logan makes changes in his inner circle sending Roman, Gerri and Shiv are back in New York and thinks about who will temporarily take over. Kendall decides it is time to re-vamp and re-create his public image with the thought of still going after his father and trying to convince his siblings to join him. Shiv has other plans and if she can wait it out, things might just go her way. In the meantime, Logan has made it clear he will not help the Department of Justice in anyway wanting the President to favor him. Kendall is still on a tear and his aim now is to his sister Shiv in the most brutal way forgetting that she can be just as lethal as he is.

Dealing with Stewy and Sandi, Shiv manages to find a way to keep Waystar functional while Logan recuperates from an illness. Kendall decides to go to the DOJ against his father but things don’t, once again, go as he plans. In Tuscany, Italy, the siblings learn their mother is engaged but Kendall decides to use the moment to once again attempt family to his side to no avail. In the meantime, Logan wants to meet the CEO of GoJo Lukas Matsson (Alexander Skarsgard) to obtaining the streaming service but Roman wants a way in. Soon Roman discovers that business is a more brutal and unforgiving business than he could have imagined for himself.

As the siblings decide to fight Logan using a small piece of information, they are equally shocked when it is discovered that Tom was not on their side. As time passes, Kendall, Shiv and Roman decide they want to purchase PGM and rival bid against their father. Returning to New York, Logan and Matsson seem to be on a high of their own but Logan isn’t done playing the siblings against one another. At a very gloomy gathering at Logan’s apartment, the fight once again takes on sibling form were once together, now at cross purposes with each other.

Making separate decisions, it all comes to a head with Matsson causing senior management to make a crucial decision about Waystar. Shiv, Roman and Kendall can’t seem to get out of their own way but only one thing is going to save them – a lie that is not coming out of their mouths. That doesn’t take care of their problem with GoJo, especially with election night happening as everyone is running around insane trying to control every little event. Once again, the siblings are against one another as there is a made scramble for power and even more lies are being told and betrayed against one another.

No one sees how it is all going to end!

Cox as Logan Roy is a powerhouse that I have always admired as an actor. He has a stellar presence and a voice that forces you to listen whether you want to or not. As Logan, he has spent his life making deals and crushing anyone that gets in his way – including his own family members. I loved watching him play this role and it seemed to much fun to do. There is something to be said about playing a devious character and Cox absolutely nails it.

Strong as Kendall is a hot mess who can not seem to get it right. He fights against his father and it is like hitting a brick wall again and again. He definetly doesn’t seem to have the ability to understand why there are problems instead of recognizing that he IS the problem. Strong plays this role masterfully and has left an impression on his ability to chose such a complex role. Snook as Shiv is exactly like Logan Roy with her attitude. She wants something from her father that he dangles in front of her like a pot of gold continually and she tries to find ways around him to get it on her own terms. Shiv is such an amazing character and the Snook makes it every bit hers and the show would have a huge void without her.

Culkin as Roman is a character with a magazine rack full of insane issues. One minutes he is just the wisecracking son enjoying the rich life and the next he shows that he has potential to be a leader and then he switches it up again. Culkin may be the ‘comic’ relief of the show but his penchant for bizarre behavior is stunning. Macfadyen as Tom knows which side his bread is buttered on but that doesn’t mean he isn’t going to try and get a slice of bread all on his own. He is insecure for sure and not someone I’d tell a secret to, but he makes it work in his favor in the oddest and most unexpected ways. Well done, Macfadyen! Ruck as Connor is that family member that people know about but don’t expect anything from. In this case, it is absolutely true. The family basically keeps him out of everything and when he does silly things like running for President, they say, “that’s great” out loud but privately they are rolling their eyes and laughing.

Smith-Cameron as Gerri is a keeper of secrets, keeper of keys to the vault of family lies and deceptions and most of all, the most loyal to Logan Roy. Watching her always remain calm is the most stunning performance in the four seasons of this show. Smith-Cameron is always the strongest person in the room and spins lies into truth with precision. Braun as Greg is slightly under equal footing to that of Tom. He brings a childlike presence who seem oblivious to the real world, cannot be trusted with company secrets (or private family ones for that matter). He had me slapping my head consistently with his inability to read the room but Logan keeps him around anyway. Alexander Skarsgard as Matsson comes in to be the final adversary in the show. He is sleek, charming and a bit ditzy, but when it comes to what he wants for his company, he is enjoying the game of who is going to get what in the end. Skarsgard stands out and watching his performance is sharp, sly and enjoyable to watch.

Other cast include Hiam Abbass as Marcia Roy, Natalie Gold as Rava Roy, Rob Yang as Lawrence Yee, Dagmara Dominczyk as Karolina Novotney, Juliana Canfield as Jess Jordan,Arian Moayed as Stewy Hosseini, Justine Lupe as Willa, Scott Nicholson as Colin, David Rasche as Karl Muller, and Fisher Stevens as Hugo Baker.

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Special Features include Over Two Hours of Bonus Content, Including INSIDE THE EPISODE Featurettes, Character Recaps, Cast and Crew Interviews, and much more!

This is a family that is brutally verbal from the first scene to the last and I absolutely loved it. SUCCESSION is an absolute four season joy no matter how you slice it. This is a family that is loyal to no one yet loyal to who ever is on their side till they are not on their side – you follow? The games they play with each other and their thought process should be on someone’s psychology curriculum because they are all a hot mess in the grand scheme of things. Speaking of schemes, there are plenty, an absolute plethora of them which means there is never a boring episode or break in the game they are all playing.

I watched the series when it ran on HBO but trust me when I saw I spent most of my time stunned at the performances. Being able to revisit the complete series on Blu-ray, I had the opportunity to remember why I feel SUCCESSION was one of the greatest HBO shows ever. I once again cheered for my favorite characters and boo’d those who tried to take them down. The family one-liners are still my favorite and the cutting way they interact with each other reminds me that my family isn’t so bad after all.

As summer comes to a close and we spend more time indoors, get your own copy of SUCCESSION: The Complete Series and let the heat from the Roy family keep you warm.

In the end – take what’s yours!