What's coming up in theatres!

The Story of SATURDAY NIGHT

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and currently on Digital from director Jason Reitman and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the story of the beginnings of SATURDAY NIGHT.

It is October 11th, 1975 and Lorne Michaels (Gabriel LaBelle) is attempting to pull off something revolutionary for television in the NBC building. Bringing together young comedians and writers to pull of a comedy show is not as easy as it may sound. Ninety minutes before the show goes live, Michaels is trying to coral his players consisting of Chevy Chase (Cory Michael Smith), Gilda Radner (Ella Hunt), Dan Aykroyd (Dylan O’Brien), Laraine Newman (Emily Fairn), Garrett Morris (Lamorne Morris), Jane Curtin (Kim Matula) and John Belushi (Matt Wood).

When not dealing with their antics, he is wrangling the talent of Andy Kaufman (Nicholas Braun), Billy Preston (Jon Batiste), Jim Henson (Nicholas Braun), and George Carlin (Matthew Rhys). Keeping him moving forward is wife Rosie (Rachel Sennott) and Dick Ebersol (Cooper Hoffman) and the later is up against David Tebet (Willem Dafoe).

Fighting the clock, Michaels deals with Belushi and his dramatics, Morris who brings up his existential problem of “why am I here?”, Jim Henson and puppet issues, writers who think going up against the censor is a sport, Carlin who has his own opinion of what Michaels is trying to do, Milton Berle (J.K. Simmons) taking on the youngsters, and Johnny Carson having his own input.

Michaels learns that the jokes are on him when Ebersol comes clean with what NBC really had planned for the show. Having a meltdown, he finds a second wind of belief in what they are all trying to accomplish with the show and because of that, every Saturday after that, the world waits to hear LIVE FROM NEW YORK! IT’S SATURDAY NIGHT!

Labelle as Michaels runs through this film from start to finish putting out fires and dealing with drama from the big wigs upstairs to the little guy laying bricks on the stage. There is barely a scene that Labelle isn’t in and by the end I was absolutely dog tired even though I never left my seat. He gives us a fast-paced look at the first show and it is absolutely stunning with Labelle at the head of a shaky ship. Sennot as Rosie is Michael’s partner in the madness and she’s the one running around with a bucket of water for most of the fires.

Smith as Chase is charming and the biggest wise cracker of the bunch. That all comes to a stand still when confronted the likes of Milton Berle. Hunt as Radner is giddy to be a part of the cast, Fairn as Newman wonders where she fits in between Radner and Curtin, Matula as Curtin is quick and is willing to try anything to get the laugh. Morris as Morris is trying to fit in and that’s difficult when he sees himself as an Italian opera singer! O’Brien as Aykroyd must have study his character because I fell into his portrayal swiftly and made me laugh.

Braun gets the opportunity to play both the roles of Andy “Here He Comes to Save the Day” Kaufman and Jim “they are messing with my puppets” Henson. How fantastic that he does both and does them exceedingly well. Rhys as Carlin is playing one of the most iconic funny men of the time. Hoffman as Ebersol tries to keep Micheals on track but also knows something that he doesn’t and struggles with it.

Shout out to Willem Dafoe as Tebet and Simmons as Berle are both absolutely amazing in the film. Dafoe as the kind of slick haired smooth talker for Michaels but has an ace up his sleeve. Simmons is perfection as Milton Berle and his confrontation with Chase, Simmons gives us an Uncle Miltie that is jaw dropping.

Other cast include Finn Wolfhard as the NBC page, Ellen Boscov as Mrs. Kaufman, Andrew Feldman as Neil Levy, Leander Suleiman as Anne Beatts, Taylor Gray as Al Franken, Mcabe Gregg as Tom Davis, Abraham Hsu as Leo Yoshimura, Corinne Britti as Valri Bromfield, Rowan Joseph as Jim Fox, Kirsty Woodward as Audrey Dickman, Kaia Gerber as Jacqueline Carlin, Robert Wuhl as Dave Wilson, Drew Scheid as Bob Pook, Tommy Dewey as Michael O’Donoghue, Catherine Curtin as Joan Carbunkle, Josh Brener as Alan Zweibel, Paul Rust as Paul Schaffer, and Brian Welch as Don Pardo.

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

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

Special Features include The Making of the Movie of The Show That Almost Never Made It, Filmmaker Commentary and more!

SATURDAY NIGHT is a fast-paced film that delves deep into the opening night of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE. It is a fantastic film and a wonderful way to learn about the beginnings of a show that still runs today – fifty seasons later! For my generation, there was nothing better in the world than gathering up friends, having a potluck, everyone bringing their favorite drink and sitting together on a Saturday night to laugh ourselves onto the floor. We understood the jokes, the underlying censor-pass humor, Land Shark!, Julia Childs aka Dan Akroyd bleeding vigorously and John Belushi in a bee costume.

That’s what made this show and continues to make this show exciting, fun and a bit daring at times. Seeing how the first night came to be is just so amazing and Reitman, along with writer Gil Kenan, left no brick unlayed with the antics of the crew, the cast and those slinking around it all looking for a reason to pull the plug. SATURDAY NIGHT is a lesson in believing (especially in barrier breaking comedy) and how an idea can still resonate 45-years later. Hopefully friends are still gathering, potlucking and byob’ing.

In the end - the revolution begins at 11:30 p.m.!

The Fear of NOSFERATU Comes to Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – succumb to the darkness!

It is A REAL PAIN

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They Become THE QUIET ONES

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and digital from director Frederik Louis Hviid and Magnet Releasing is the biggest heist on Danish soil pulled off by THE QUIET ONES.

Kasper (Gustav Giese) is constantly boxing training but doesn’t seem to be rising up in his sport. Taking care of wife Aaliya (Camilla Lau) and young daughter Sara (Dagmar Halse), he has to find a way to earn. Realizing that his dream is being buried by his losses, Kasper enlists Slimani (Reda Kateb) with an idea for a robbery. Putting together a team they can trust causes immediate problems since one of their partners, Hasse (Christopher Wagelin) doesn’t care for Kasper.

Maria (Amanda Collin) is a security guard that is looking for her own success. Responsible for her family, she stays on top of what she needs to do to get the job done. Once Slimani and Kasper work out the details of the robbery, each step is meticulously planned and prepared for. They also enlist the help of Joppe (Jens Hulten), Mo (Granit Rushiti) and Warsame (Amin Ahmed) to get the job done.

When the time comes, Kasper gears up with the others knowing they only have minutes to grab and go. Even the perfect crime isn’t so perfect when things begin to slowly fall apart but the group has a contingency plan for that as well. What they don’t expect is to see Maria and a spit decision might be the downfall of them all!

Giese as Kasper portrays a boxer who just can’t seem to find his punch. Not a loud or abrasive person, he gives us the most unlikely criminal. As he brings a plan to Slimani, we see that Kasper has thought out the robbery clearly. Giese gives us a character that is desperate to take care of his family but clearly doesn’t fit the killer mentality that his cohorts do.

Kateb as Slimani is just vicious in the way he looks, talks, and behaves. He has no problem taking out anyone who gets in his way, including Kasper. He is clear that his goal is to rule everything and get his hands on the money. Kateb is excellent in this role that is quite the opposite of Kasper. He gives us dark and dangerous down to the depths of Slimani’s dark heart.

Wagelin as Hasse is just a large man with an even larger attitude. He is going to do what he wants when he wants and god help anyone who stands in his way. Wagelin has the right amount of swager to bring his character a fearlessness necessary to be in the middle of Kasper and Slimani.

Collin as Maria is actually a very underdeveloped character. I have to say I was geared up to see her be more a part of the film so I think this was a missed opportunity. That being said, Collin is clearly a woman trying to show what she can do where her job is concerned and, when the time came, showed no fear and a stubbornness I respected absolutely.

Other cast include Ida Rasmussen as Pumpkin, Mohammed Abbas as Mohammed, Sandra Stojiljkovic as Elin, Victor Ivan as Josef, Anders Hove as Olaf and Anastasios Soulis as Juventus.

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 Cassavettes’ 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.

Director Hviid says of the film, “THE QUIET ONES is about the pursuit: the pursuit of money. The pursuit of a dream. The pursuit of respect and a place in life. This pursuit is essential. Whether you follow the young bank robber with a promising talent for boxing, the Moroccan man who pulled all the strings behind a veil of lies and deceit, or the security guard who trusted in her instincts and ended up uncovering and bringing down a group of international criminals. The pursuit of something greater was shared by them all”.

He ends with, “we will witness a piece of criminal history. My ambition is to place the audience in the middle of the chaos and bring them into our group of hardened criminals.” Well, that is exactly what Hviid does. We are to pick apart each of their reasons for what they do, not excusing their acts, but focusing on the reasons for their criminal act and making it the biggest in Danish history.

It is a slow-paced film that took the characters planning step by step. There was no need for a backstory for the other robbers because their presence was enough that no one in their right mind would ask questions. It is Giese’ Kasper that is out of place in the group yet it doesn’t stop him from inserting himself in the plan and carrying it out. It is after the robbery that things get dicey and a little bit like 1991’s GOOD FELLAS. Once the crime begins, so does the action and the result of what the men have done.

In the end – it was the largest heist in Danish history!

Prepare for DEAD BEFORE THEY WAKE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and coming to Digital from directors Andy Crane, Nathan Shepka and Shepka Productions is a race to save lives before they become DEAD BEFORE THEY WAKE.

Alex (Nathan Shepka) is a bouncer who always seems to find trouble happening around him. Keeping to himself, a man named Danny (Graeme MacPherson) comes knocking on his door with a job that pays a lot of money. There is a young girl missing and thought to be in the hands of sex traffickers and a political figure will make it worth his while to find her. The only place to even start is with a prisoner who might know about such a ring.

He learns about Amar (Manjot Sumal) and his family owning businesses and real estate where this kind of nefarious business could happen out of sight. That doesn’t stop Alex from searching, especially when he questions Amar’s associate Ryan (Wam Siluka Jr.) in his own unique way. He slowly discovers who is involved in hurting young girls. Alex tells his girl Gemma (Grace Cordell) what he is doing and she insists that once he finds the girl, he must get all the girls free.

That is going to take some doing but as Alex’s anger grows, he knows the only way to stop the likes of Amar and his men is to take them one full force!

Shepka as Alex is a man who mainly keeps to himself. When called upon to help discover what has happened to a young girl, he finds himself mixed in a world that has no humanity. Shepka gives his character a sense of needing to seek out the injustices because he knows the law won’t. Tracking down those responsible doesn’t go without its dangers and repercussions but Shepka’s Alex can take a beating and it not going to stop him from doing what’s right.

Sumal as Amar is the flesh peddler who doesn’t take no for an answer about anything. Sending out his crew of men to find young girls to kidnap, Amar answers to only one person while raking in the money. Sumal gives his character a dastardly look and feel with no conscience about what he is doing or who he is hurting. One thing is clear, it is all about his own survival. Siluka Jr. as Ryan knows what he is doing and when confronted by Alex, finds himself in a precarious position of either giving up information or deal with a bouncer with an attitude.

Cordell as Gemma is a working teacher by day and a dancer by night trying to make ends meet. She is also someone important to Alex and that puts her in danger but not enough that she doesn’t want to help any way she can. MacPherson as Danny is the man who started it all believing that Alex is the right man for the job.

Other cast includes Kareen Nasif as Ghadir, Sylvester McCoy as Evan, David McCallum as Taylor, Michael Laughlan as Jason, Emily Crawley as Chloe, and Patrick Bergin as Holden.

Shepka Productions is a Scottish film production company that specializes in horror and action thriller movies. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Glasgow. Shepka Productions also produces and consults on films and create horror and action thriller movies such as THE BABY IN THE BASKET.

Shepka says of the film, “We wanted to base the film on real events and researched how UK sex trafficking gangs operate to give the film a grounded sense of reality. It is important to highlight what goes on every day and can often be ignored by the mainstream. We don’t feel any studio would have taken on the story in this way, it is likely to be a divisive and controversial portrayal. Ultimately there still has to be a pay-off for the audience; the film culminates in a brutal revenge-driven showdown.”

DEAD BEFORE THEY WAKE has a bit of a 2008 TAKEN feel about it in that the character of Alex, although the money doesn’t hurt, sees that doing the right thing helps more than one person. The destruction along the way is disheartening but it doesn’t stop the character from the ultimate goal – saving lives at all costs.

The story is a solid one with a cast of characters that each hold their own whether they be a good guy or bad. Bergin as Holden shows why he can still play both sides of a character and it is good to see him on the screen. The story begins slowly but that is important in its telling and adjusting to where the scenes take us. I don’t want to say too much because there are so many twists that writing about one thing leads to another to another so let’s just say the plot continuously thickens!

In the end – what the law can’t do, he will!

The Heart of it is GREEN AND GOLD

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Anders Lindwall and Fathom Entertainment is the story of hope, music and the love of football with GREEN AND GOLD.

Buck (Craig T. Nelson) is a farmer who does things his own way in the farmland of Wisconsin who also happens to be a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan. Jenny (Madison Lawlor) is his granddaughter who is about as headstrong as he is. The two butt heads occasionally because Jenny loves her music and playing it for others to hear while Buck sees it as a dream that she should pursue. Watching the two clash is Buck’s wife Margaret (Annabel Armour) who sings in the church choir and helps around the farm.

Jenny learns that the famous Billy Reed (Brandon Sklenar) is in town and she decides to make a tape of one of her songs. When she meets him, Billy talks about his love of places like Buck’s farm and promises to give Jenny’s song a listen. Returning home Jenny she sees banker Jerry Moncton (Tim Frank) leaving but Buck won’t talk about it. Farmhand Aaron (Ashton Moio) has a bit of a crush on Jenny and loves the life on the farm.

Jenny is surprised when Billy makes his way to the farm and comes to dinner where Buck doesn’t seem all that pleased to see him but Margaret is happy her granddaughter has a friend. After a trip to town with Buck, Jenny learns that the farm is close to foreclosure and only then does she realize that she truly loves the farm. When Jerry makes a joke that he will give Buck a year to fix his finances if the Packers make it to the Superbowl, he is surprised later when the offer is accepted.

Thinking they have a chance; Jenny is even happier when Billy calls to come and talk about her music. That doesn’t stop Buck, Jenny and even Aaron from cheering every Sunday (church permitting) for their beloved team as they edge closer and closer to the big day. When tragedy strikes several times, Buck begins to lose hope but Jenny knows that there is always a way. Taking to the local airwaves, now everyone knows how special Jenny’s wide-open piece of heaven is and how close they are to losing it all!

Nelson as Buck is a man who is stuck in his ways and totally in love with the land. He sees granddaughter Jenny following in his own daughter’s path and it causes him so much hurt. Focusing on the land, he is contentious when the banker shows up as he deals with how quickly it can all be taken away. Trusting in his beloved Packers, Nelson gives his character hope that the team can save his farm. Nelson has the ability to give us a strong parental, in this case grandparent, figure but sometimes that strength comes across as arrogance. It will take several blows for Buck to realize the true meaning of his life.

Lawlor as Jenny is equally as stubborn to the point where she doesn’t listen to one thing that isn’t about what she wants musically. Singing for the crowd and writing her own songs brings her joy that she hopes fills an emptiness that she struggles to define within herself. Once she begins to understand what is truly important, Lawlor jumps in with both feet and sticks the landing about life, love and family that loves the land.

Armour as Margaret watcher her husband be stubborn and her granddaughter try to fly and she supports them both. Choir singing lady who cooks a mean supper, Margaret is truly the glue that has held and continues to hold the family together. Moio as Aaron clearly loves the land as much as Buck but with a slightly more enjoyable attitude. He sees value in how Buck runs the farm and is supportive of Jenny as well, even if he has to put his own feelings aside.

Sklenar as singer Billy Reed has something Jenny wants, a chance to sing music that matters. Sklenar is a quiet musician who sees the farm as an inspiration and Jenny as a prolific song writer. Finally, to Walsh as Scotty, in his final film performance, he gets to be what feels like an uncle to Jenny and a life long friend to Buck. He sees the divide and knows the reason for it and cheers Jenny on full force.

Other cast include Charlie Berens as the Radio Host for the ball games, Shaun Graves as Pastor Bridges, Bill Kalinak as Brozo and M. Emmet Walsh as Scotty.

Fathom Entertainment is delivering a wide variety of programming and experiences to U.S. and global cinema audiences, Fathom is the largest distributor of documentaries, faith-based and inspirational content as well as being at the forefront of bringing anime, performing arts, and classic films to moviegoers worldwide. Audiences can count on Fathom to curate and deliver exclusive entertainment at their local movie theater, allowing fans of any genre to share unique and memorable experiences on the big screen. For more please visit www.fathomentertainment.com.

GREEN AND GOLD won awards at the Heartland International Film Festival including the Lifetime Achievement Award and Audience Choice Award. It was the Official Selection at the 2024 Austin Film Festival.

The film reaches into hearts and rattles us all around with the grandfather-granddaughter relationship. They are both stubborn and for exactly the same reason! Buck is trying to hide the feelings associated with his daughter and Jenny is trying to find her place knowing she has the same gifts as her mother. Buck is trying to hold onto his farm with everything he holds dear and Jenny thinks leaving the farm will change her life. Both of them once again are in the same boat fighting over a paddle with stubbornness.

I loved watching Nelson’s grumpiness and Armour as a wife knowing that’s exactly who she married and it made me chuckle a bit. Lawlor gives a musical performance that is so lovely and heartfelt. She may be a fiery young lady but when it comes to her music, that is where her emotions truly show themselves. Now you add football in the mix and, of course, it becomes something to cheer about on so many levels. The film is beautifully done with the final lesson of never lose hope – the one thing we sure could use reminding of right now.

In the end – sometimes you gotta bet the farm!

Return to the Island with MOANA 2

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Digital and coming to 4K, Bluray and DVD from directors David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, Dana Miller and Walt Disney Animation Studios come the next big adventure with MOANA 2.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – find the way!

The Story of Why I’M STILL HERE

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – she will fight the injustice!

To Protect and Serve is DOG MAN

Jeri Jacquin

Coming this Friday to theatres from writer/director Peter Hastings, DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures is the one and only DOG MAN.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Universal Pictures has amazing films in their library. There are films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.

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

First of all, DOG MAN is one of my granddaughters all time favorite books to read and she can not get enough of them. When I told her that Dog Man had been made into a film, she was thrilled beyond belief and made sure that I took her to see it. Her favorite character is Petey and she was so happy from beginning to end.

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

Decompressing from the rush of the holidays, DOG MAN is the perfect family film to go to the theatre, grab popcorn and laugh together without the stressors. It is so well animated, colorful, fun and full of laughter from start to finish.

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

It is Time to Fly Once Again with WICKED

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD this Friday from director Jon M. Chu and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes the much-anticipated film WICKED.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elphaba - I give a nod for her basket bike riding skills. By the way, when did the Wizard get a side-kick? Not sure what a prince has to do with the story but I guess I’ll maybe find out in Part 2? The story is created from a screenplay by Winie Holzman and Dana Fox but the stage musical was by Stephen Schwartz and Holzman and is “loosely” based on the 1995 story by Gregory Maguire. Now I have to go read the book!

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

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

In the end – everyone deserves the chance to fly!

VIETNAM: The War That Changed America

Jeri Jacquin

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

accounts of VIETNAM: The War That Changed America.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other episodes include Mutiny, Homecoming and The End Game.

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

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

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

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

Next week – review of Episodes 4-6

The Take on the INVASION

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from director Bobby Boermans and Well Go USA is the story of those who sacrifice everything to stop the INVASION.

Off the coast of Curacao, the Coast Guard is on the tail of smugglers who think they can outrun the law. Finally catching up, the soldiers are surprised to get a call to come back to the ship. The new is that there is an attack by a rogue nation on Curacao and plans must be made. On the shore, three Marines are in the middle of training as one soldier believes that he is on his way to leaving military service. Word comes down that every man is needed to get the enemy under control.

Attacking civilians and the military, the soldiers realize they must do whatever is necessary to protect the people and keeping Curacao from being taken over. When the base is overrun, those in charge realize that a prisoner is the reason for the attack and now they must get him out of the line of fire.

Each step they take brings them all closer to either dealing with the invaders or buying time until more help arrives. These aren’t just any Marines; they are soldiers willing to do whatever it takes!

The cast includes Tarikh Janssen, Gijs Blom, Ortal Vriend, Jasha Rudge, Fedja Van Huet, Gijs Scholten Van Aschat and Raymond Thiry.

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 story is one of friendship, courage, leadership and the fight to do what is right protecting those who cannot protect themselves. Director Boermans takes on a mixture of all of these and facets them into an action film that stretches the full 90 minutes. Taking it from the perspective of the ship at sea, those affected and the soldiers pushing the interlopers back, nothing is left to chance.

As the military does what it can, they are not helped much by those in government as they can’t seem to get it together one way or the other. It is the soldiers who know what needs to be done and how to do it. I am a fan of action films and INVASION gives plenty of that from beginning to end. The cast bring the story to fruition and as an ensemble make the story work seamlessly.

In the end – every war becomes personal!

I LOVE YOU FOREVER

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – romance is a challenge!

The Mystery of THE GORGE

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – who knows the secret below!

BRIDGET JONES: Mad About the Boy on Peacock

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Peacock from director Michael Morris and Universal Pictures is the next installment on the life of BRIDGET JONES: Mad About the Boy.

Bridget Jones (Rene Zellweger) is finding her life at home with son Billy (Casper Knopf) and daughter Mabel (Mila Jankovic) a challenge without Mark. Oddly, she does still have a friendship with Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) who is still up to his old-dog-no-new-tricks ways but the kid like him. Keeping Bridget in check are her most reliable friends Shazzer (Sally Phillips), Jude (Shirley Henderson) and Tom (James Callis).

Taking the kids to school seems like a chore and meeting the new teacher Mr. Wallaker (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and his whistle is daunting enough. Feeling more insecure than ever about herself, family physician Dr. Rawlings (Emma Thompson) gets a chance to put her two cents in and tells Bridget to basically get over herself and get on with life. Deciding to take a small piece of her advice, she gets back to work as a producer for television after hiring Nanny Chloe (Nico Parker). Happy to have her back are colleagues Miranda (Sarah Solemani) and Una (Celia Imrie).

Getting the kids out of the house, Bridget finds herself up a tree – literally, and being rescue by the young and handsome Roxster (Leo Woodall). A giddiness takes over Bridget and so does a summer months fling that everyone finds out about in the usual “Bridget” way. Returning to school, Mr. Wallaker senses that something is wrong with Billy and Bridget is back to trying to understand her life. It takes an outing for her to realize that she needs to rethink choices, understand her children and let go!

It is amazing how life changes when you make a few small changes.

Zellweger is back as Bridget Jones and it doesn’t feel like she missed a beat. A little older and a tad wiser, she still is a bumbling mess trying to feel her way around life. That is part of the Jones charm, a lot of the complexities most of us keep on the inside, Bridget Jones has no filter showing hers on the outside. Still charming in the midst of her crisis’s, still a strong in her friendships (even with Daniel) and when push comes to shove – she figures it out in her own unique way. Zellweger does all of that and more bringing out beloved Bridget to the screen because we love her – just as she is.

Grant as Daniel is also up to his old tricks, even with Bridget, but seems to have embraced the role of uncle to her children. A slight jaw-drop in the way he does it but the kids love him for it and the adults just roll their eyes and then laugh. I’m so glad he came back to see Daniels story through. Woodall as Roxster is a young man who has a fancy for the ‘slightly’ older Bridget. He is fun, charming and easy on the eyes, just ask all Bridget’s friends! He shows up at a time when Bridget seems to be more open about moving on in that part of her life and Roxster is happy to oblige.

Ejiofor as Mr. Wallaker is a stern and whistle-strict teacher who can’t seem to get out of his own way. He says what he means and it isn’t always well received. Going toe-to-toe with Bridget isn’t an easy task either but Ejiofor manages to do quite well. His role feels like a bit of a LOVE ACTUALLY feel and I don’t mind that one bit. Knopf as Billy is a young boy who is very much like his father and doesn’t always understand his mom. Knopf’s performance is so sweet. Jankovic as Mabel is like mom in her thinking process about things. This is one adorable little girl who knows how to use a pot and spoon.

Phillips, Henderson and Callis just had my heart as Bridget’s friends return to support her in their own unique white wine guzzling way. They love her, support her and want what’s best in her life and have been there for, let’s just say, 25+ years. We should all be so lucky to have friends like that.

Now, for the elephant in the room – Firth as Mark. I’m absolutely going to start tearing up here because I am a Firth-fan from way back. When I learned in 2001 that he would be playing Mark Darcy in BRIDGET JONES DIARY, I basically shouted to the rafters. Not only is he the films Mark Darcy, but the Mr. Darcy of my heart in the 1995 BBC series Pride & Prejudice. Here, he makes his role plain in the story and I’m leaving it at that but have tissue at the ready.

Other cast include Isla Fisher as Rebecca, Neil Pearson as Richard, Ian Midlane as Paul, Jane Fowler as Henrietta, James Rawlings as Huge, Ruth Gibson as Jane, Claire Skinner as Magda, Mark Lingwood as Cosmo, Dolly Wells as Woney. Cameos include Gemma Jones as Mom Pamela, Jim Broadbent as Dad Colin and Colin Firth as Mark Darcy.

The film is based on the book by Helen Fielding Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy and also wrote the screenplay with Dan Mazer and Abi Morgan.

Peacock, is an American subscription streaming service owned and operated by Comcast through its entertainment division NBCUniversal. Universal Pictures 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.

BRIDGET JONES: Mad About the Boy had me a little wary I don’t mind saying. It is extremely hard to get the band back together time and time again and the last time was in 2016 with BRIDGET JONES’S BABY. That being said, it works and man does it take a toll emotionally with scene after scene reminding us how it all started. There is no reinventing the wheel here but instead, soft reminders of why the film was a success in the first place.

Bridget Jones reminds us of the craziness of this life and when you wade through all of the mess – there we find those who support, cheer and love every messy moment right alongside us. Is there really anything more wonderful than that?

In the end – she’s starting a new chapter!

MUFASA: The Lion King Comes Home

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital platforms from director Barry Jenkins and Walt Disney Home Entertainment comes the story of two brothers and one MUFASA: The Lion King.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MUFASA: The Lion King is a must-have for any Disney home entertainment library sitting right next to THE LION KING on the shelf. The small lions are charming and it’s nice to see Pumbaa and Timon again as they are still as wild and silly as ever. The adult lions show the relationships between prides, being a stray, brotherhood, belief, and what can happen when power corrupts absolutely.

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

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

In the end – from orphan and outsider to King!

They are a Family UNBROKEN

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres from director Beth Lane and Greenwich Entertainment comes the history of a family that refuses to be UNBROKEN.

Beth Lane takes on the story of her family who deals with the struggles of Nazi Germany and how they survived a war-torn Germany. Starting with grandfather Alexander who starts out life in Germany and eventually moves to Hungary where he meets his wife, Lina. They began their life with a difference as Alexander was Catholic and Lina was Jewish but in a bold move, he converts to Judaism.

Moving to Berlin, Lane looks for trails of her grandparents through her Uncle Alfonse’s’ letters providing a vague guide where to look into the family history even more. In Berlin, Lina has her own business repairing stockings. Her daughters Bella and Ruth have their memories of that time in Berlin. They recall wearing the star on their clothing. Soon after, Alexander is arrested and sent to a camp as Lina fought for her husband. World War II has begun and so did the deportations. Lina helped those fleeing and Alexander knew hos dangerous it was for the family.

Then Lina is arrested and as all the children are taken away. Arthur Schmidt, a local grocer and his wife Paula take the children to Worin, Germany and their farm. The children live in fear, hunger and isolation in a very small room. Schmidt tells no one and the Mayor of Worin tells no one of the children’s presence. While this is happening, Alexander renounces his Judaism to be able to work and feel his children while waiting for news of Lina.

Alexander takes the children back to Berlin only to have the family suffer an intense air raid while staying in the Schmidt’s’ basement. When the children are again taken by the Joint Distributions, Alexander pleads with them to stay together. The children experience hardship and more suffering as they arrive in Munich. Spending time at a convent, they are eventually put on the SS Marine Flasher boat but Alexander cannot follow them.

The children arrive in New York and make headlines as the “7 Orphans” (Alfons, Ruth, Senta, Gertrude, Judith, Renee and Bela), making their way to Chicago and the Jewish Children’s Bureau. It is there that the children discover to their shock that they can not keep their word to Alexander. Alexander tries again and again to get to America while the children begin new lives but away from one another. When Alexander does finally arrive, he starts over without the children.

As each of the children grow up, they become part of their new families but there is so much they cannot forget – including each other. In 1986, the children, now adults, finally get together. This is a family that came from love and war but never forgot where they came from and how seven children created a huge family of their own!

Greenwich Entertainment, founded in 2017, is an independent film distribution company specializing in narrative and documentary feature films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.greenwichentertainment.com.

The film has garnered recognition from the Heartland Int’l Film Festival for Best Documentary Premiere, Audience Choice Best Doc from the Julien Dubuque Int’l Film Festival, Best First Time Filmmaker from the Hot Springs Women’s Int’l Film Festival, Audience Choice Best Doc from the Berkshire Int’l Film Festival, Madelyn’s Choice Award from the Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival and Runner Up Audience Choice Best Doc from the Orcas Island Film Festival.

Beth Lane says of her film, “Making UNBROKEN has allowed me to embrace how wholly Jewish I am. And I am very proud of it. My life doesn’t revolve around my Judaism, but this moment in history – this horrible period of antisemitism has brought out the Mama Bear in me that is fierce and ancient. My birth grandfather was tortured by Nazis and then they murdered my birth grandmother. My mother and her siblings barely survived. I had never considered that I was the recipient of intergenerational trauma until I started exploring my mother’s past.”

UNBROKEN is a stunning story of family during a time when their country was falling apart. Surviving day by day through their trauma during way and more trauma being separated for so many years, director Lane follows the painful path and the story that shaped them. It is heart breaking to see how a beautiful beginning based in love becomes the beginnings of trying to survive. The children experienced things no child should ever have to and its almost unthinkable today.

Yet, they managed to find their way back to each other which brings it all full circle back to love. Only the seven children knew the whole of their story and only the seven could relate to each other’s pain and feeling of abandonment coming to a strange new world. The most wonderful part of this documentary is seeing them together to feel safe enough to remember it and share it with Lane. That’s what it takes to talk about such trauma, safety in the presence of those who understand it all from Germany, their parents, living in basically a closet, shuffled to another country and starting over.

In the midst of all that is the one thing that could never be taken from them and that is the blood flowing through their sibling veins and the ache to reconnect. That is such a powerful force and the “7 Orphans” found a way to be together once again. This is an amazing documentary and Lane does her family proud in every way bringing it to the screen for us all to experience.

In the end - always stay together!

It is Time for A SLOTH STORY

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from directors Tania Vincent, Ricard Cusso and Blue Fox Entertainment comes the remarkable tale with A SLOTH STORY.

After a destructive storm tears through the restaurant of the Flores sloth family and it is not safe to rebuild, it is time for them to move on. Papa Luis (Benjamin Gorrono) and Mama Gabriella (Olivia Vasquez) are sad to have to leave but when they build a food truck called Gordito and move to the big city to seek their fortune. Laura (Teo Vergara) is the fastest of the sloth family and is excited for the chance to experience it all along with brother Mani (Facundo Herrera).

Laura tries to explain to her family that preparing food is done too slowly and people want it fast. She also quickly makes friends with the local children who are so thrilled to have her as part of their team. She also comes up with the idea to create an assembly line in the food truck in order to get the food out faster and mom Gabriella agrees as long as they continue to use the family recipes. The food is almost immediately a success and the people are loving it!

Someone who is not loving it is Dotti Pace (Leslie Jones), a fast-food business that is having its own problems. She is also hearing the buzz around the awesome Gordito food truck and it is frustrating. Pace believes she can solve the sloth problem by buying out their family recipes but Luis and Gabriella aren’t having it. Laura becomes upset because she can’t join her friends and play cricket while Pace sees it as a chance to worm her way in and destroy the Flores family.

What Laura learns is that her family is much more than a book of recipes, she slows down and begins to understand what her parents have been trying to achieve all along.

Vergara voicing Laura is a young sloth who moves faster than those around her. That swiftness is a problem because it is more about impatience than speed. She wants a so much for herself and trying to help her family gets muddled between being a kid and helping her family succeed in a new place. Vasquez as Gabriella is a mother who just wants to keep her family book close and be successful at slow cooking. She and Laura have their conflict as all mothers and daughters do.

Gorrono as Luis is a father who loves everything around him. He also wants what is best for the family and creating a food truck is his way to find not only a way for them to be together but also take care of one another. Herrera as Mani is a typical brother who wants to help the family and yet not much bothers him. That doesn’t mean he isn’t all in for the family because he most certainly is.

Jones as Dotti Pace is a character that gets more and more frustrated as her business doesn’t seem to be getting better. Realizing that the Flores sloth clan has something everybody wants, Jones gives her character an all-out badness because now she wants it all for herself. The Flores sloth family (and a few friends) are not about to give up something that is precious to their family in so many ways.

Other voices include Dan Brumm as Chief Furbank, Remy Hii as Platy, Matteo Romaniuk as Arlo and Andrew Cook as Coach Jerry.

Blue Fox Entertainment is a global film distribution and sales company specializing in connecting filmmakers to audiences and buyers in the United States and around the world internationally. For more of what Blue Fox Entertainment has to offer please visit www.bluefoxentertainment.com.

A SLOTH STORY has so many wonderful meanings to it from a family struggling, a family history, generational divide and a young girl trying to find her own way. When their home is taken by mother nature, it takes only a brief moment before the family picks themselves up and finds a way to make it work. It doesn’t happen right way but with a bit of time, a lot of creativity and a bit of love, these sloths realize they can’t be successful without one another.

The film itself is wonderfully colorful and it adds such a richness to the story. The characters have their own personalities that are charming, well, maybe except for Dotti Pace. That being said, she is a spotty villain and Jones gives her character a slyness that doesn’t help Laura at all. Laura herself is a girl who has a hard time containing her emotions as she wants to help her family, she wants to have friends and the divide between the two are difficult for a kid.

A SLOTH STORY is an amazing film and I so recommend that families come together to experience it for themselves. After it is over, the story offers a wonderful opportunity for the family to talk about the story and how each can relate to it. I have a sneaky suspicion that we all have the Flores family in us.

In the end – fast food cooked slowly is the sloth way!

THE STORY OF CHI

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lionsgate is a global leader in motion picture production and distribution for theatres, television, home entertainment and more. Theatre franchises include THE HUNGER GAMES, and DIVERGENT along with JOHN WICK. Now, adding this film to its 16,000-motion picture and television titles you can see everything coming soon as well as available now at http://www.lionsgate.com.

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

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

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

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

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

The Intense Story of SEPTEMBER 5

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Prime from director Tim Fehlbaum and Paramount Pictures comes the true moments of terror on SEPTEMBER 5.

It is Munich, Germany and the 1972 Summer Olympics covered by ABC Sports and Mark Spitz wins his gold in swimming. Marvin Bader (Ben Chaplin) is the head of operations and is overseen by the president of ABC Sports Roone Arledge (Peter Sarsgaard) who knows just how to spin the win. As the crew continues their work, translator Marianne Gebhardt (Leonie Benesch) and Jacques Lesgards (Zinedine Soualmen) hear startling sound coming from the Olympic village.

Back in the control room, Geoffrey Mason (John Magaro) receives a call asking if there is anything going on outside. The look on the faces of Marianne and Jacques when he asks about it, lets him know the answer. A terror attack has taken place as Israeli athletes are taken hostage by a group called Black September and they want Palestinian prisoners released in exchange. Arledge decides to take over the sports spot to bring in live what is happening. It is the creativity of the crew that gets the shots and listens in on what is being planned and conveyed to the public by sports anchor Jim McKay and Peter Jennings.

Negotiations are being handled by the Germany government but it seems as if everything is being handled haphazardly. The police even raid the station demanding that they cut off all feed but it doesn’t stop the crew as everything moves quickly and the world is stopping to watch it all unfold. When the terrorists demand to be flown away with the hostages, Mason sends Marianne to the military airfield with a camera crew to cover the event.

What happens next changes the court of Olympic history forever!

Magaro as Mason is put in a position of keeping the crew focused on bringing the story and making tough decisions. From the beginning of the attack to the end, Margaro’s character has immediately gone from covering sports to an event that changes the world. Taking his ques from Arledge, every moment brings in a new way to get the news out and Mason makes it happen. I was absolutely riveted by Magaro’s performance to the point where I forgot I was watching a film!

Sarsgaard as Arledge also sees the need for the crew already in place to cover the story. He continues to tell everyone that they need to “follow the story” and his push brings so much importance to what they bring together. Sarsgaard’s character is a fighter behind the scenes by refusing to release the story to those on the other side of the world. I loved that fight because, if nothing else, Arledge was right and Sarsgaard is totally believable.

Chaplin as Bader is a man who is unsure of how to handle the coverage of this unusual event. He is cautious and worries how it will be portrayed and the effect of what they are doing. Chaplin gives his character the conscience on the shoulder of the control room and attempts to keep it on the right track. Benesch as Marianna is a young woman who quietly does her work until the moment comes when her voice needs to be heard. She translates for the crew and helps them keep the most up-to-date information available. Benesch is a strong presence and brings her character to the front without pushing her way in. Marianna has something important to contribute and Benesch is stellar.

Other cast includes Georgina Rich as Gladys Deist, Corey Johnson as Hank Hanson, Marcus Rutherford as Carter Jeffrey, Daniel Adeosun as Gary Slaughter, Benjamin Walker as Peter Jennings, and Rony Herman as David Berger.

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

SEPTEMBER 5 won Best Editing for Hansjorg Weilbbrich from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and the Independent Spirit Awards, and AARP Movies for Grownups Award gave Peter Sarsgaard an award for Best Supporting Actor.

First of all, let me say that this film should win whatever is out there for ensemble cast because they are stunning together. There is not a character that pulls focus from the film and that made the film more intriguing to watch. Entirely in unison and in movement, SEPTEMBER 5 wraps us all around the story not allowing for a moment of rest. It is compelling on so many levels of emotional and jaw-dropping moments that compelling seems too small a word.

Using broadcast footage and a control room of the era brings authenticity which, once again, makes the film so believable and is all done to capture our attention. Written to captivate, Moritz Binder, Tim Fehlbaum and Alex Davis have brought a complexity to a story that changed the way we came to see the world and the media to this day.

In the end – the world sees the terror unfold!

He Was A COMPLETE UNKNOWN

Jeri Jacquin

Nominated for 8 Academy Awards including Best Picture from director James Mangold and Searchlight Pictures comes the story of A COMPLETE UNKNOWN.

It is 1961 New York City and a young Bob Dylan (Timothee Chalamet) arrives with one goal – to meet his musical hero Woody Guthrie (Scoot McNairy). Finding Guthrie in a hospital room, he also meets Pete Seeger (Ed Norton) who encourages Dylan to play a song for the ill musician. Learning he has nowhere to stay, Seeger offer Dylan a place to stay and introduces him to the folk music scene.

At one of the events, Dylan meets Sylvie Russo (Elle Fanning) and their romance begins. He also meets Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro) and industry exec Albert Grossman (Dan Fogler) who takes Dylan as a client after hearing the music. Dylan begins writing songs about what is happening in the world and the social unrest. Skyrocketing to stardom, Dylan begins to feel the pressure and expectations of the record label and others around him. He begins to rebel and Seeger sees the stress.

Feeling pushed towards performing the older music instead of the new work, there is a breakdown between he and Baez in front of everyone. Things aren’t going well with Silvie either and now Dyland is alone but the music isn’t. Pushing to use more than his guitar and harmonica, Dylan explores using electric guitars and a rock sound. The one most unlikely person to push him forward with a new sound is fellow musician Johnny Cash (Boyd Holbrook).

It only takes a push to change everything!

Chalamet as Dylan allows his character to go with the flow of the times. It is clear Dylan is not like other folk singers and has a way with words and music. That captures listeners then the way it continues to today. Chalamet gives us the full-on cigarette smoking soft spoken Dylan hiding behind his sunglasses. Behind those sunglasses is a man with a bit of a mysterious past, a man hiding his emotions and a man of few words other than what he sings to onstage and Chalamet lets us ponder all of that.

Norton as Seeger felt like I was watching Seeger himself. Another soft-spoken character that just wanted folk music to endure and stay pure at its heart. Nortons Seeger believed and supported Dylan with a moment of flashing heartbreak and this actor nails it all. Barbaro as Baez is a strong woman who knows her own mind and music. Her involvement with Dylan becomes complicated which is all his own doing.

Fogler as Grossman sees Dylans magnetism in his work and knows how to expand his following. Dylan tests his patience as much as he does everyone else but Grossman is the one picking up the pieces. Fanning as Sylvie is an artist herself but spends a lot of time supporting Dylan. Fanning shows that Sylvie follows her own dreams but also that heartbreak can be pushed to its limits.

Shout out to McNairy as Guthrie for an emotional performance that, in the final scene, absolutely broke my heart. Also, Holbrook as Johnny Cash and even though his role is small, like the man in black himself, he is a big presence and I loved it.

Other cast include Joe Tippett as Dave Van Ronk, Eriko Hatsune as Toshi Seeger, Peter Gray Lewis as Frank, Reza Salazar as Tito, David Alan Basche as John Hammond and James Austin Johnson as Gerdes M.C.

Bonus Features include The Making of A COMPLETE UNKNOWN – The Story, Timothee Chalamet as Bob Dylan, The Supporting Cast, The Design, and Audio Commentary by James Mangold.

A COMPLETE UNKNOWN falls into the bio-pic category and I admit that I love them. Here, Chalamet takes on the role of one of my absolute favorite artists and I first heard him when I was in elementary school. Of course, back in “the day” it was hard to learn about singers and songwriters and as the years went by musical tastes changed, evolved and life kept me busy. Through all that, Dylan was/is a constant and I think most Dylan-ites would agree that his music was a centerpiece.

The film finally gives us a glimpse of his beginnings, a few questions answered as well as more than a few surprises to Dylan’s life. Added to that the amazing costuming which absolutely took me back. The music truly had me thrilled with such songs as “Song to Woody”, “Blowin’ in the Wind’ The Times They Are a Changin’, Mr. Tambourine Man, Highway 61 Revisited and so many more.

Chalamet leads the cast in the beautifully done story of music, relationships, fame and the pitfalls of it all. The ensemble weaves a tapestry as each character related to Dylan differently in an attempt to understand a man who refused to conform but instead chose to create.

In the end – this is a ballad of a true original!

Holding on to His LAST BREATH

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – make every breath count!

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

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is the PANDA PLAN

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

Now the chase is really on!

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

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

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

Bonus Features include English Language Available and Trailer.

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

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

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

In the end – never mess with a baby panda!

The Life of NADIA

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is the LAST SHADOW AT FIRST LIGHT

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – remembering is better than forgetting!

She is Part of SEVEN VEILS

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres this week from writer/director Atom Egoyan, XYZ Films and Variance Films comes the story entwined with the SEVEN VEILS.

Jeanine (Amanda Seyfried) has been asked to direct a theatre production of the opera Salome. Excited to be bringing her own vision to the story, she announces that there will be very small changes from her mentor Charles own production. Having a call with her young daughter and husband Paul (Mark O’Brien) to celebrate her mother’s birthday, Jeanine becomes leery of the caretaker Dimitra (Maia Jae Bastidas).

Her production plate becomes even fuller when Johann (Michael Kupfer-Radecky), who is playing John the Baptist, is becoming a headache but so are the requests made of her by management. They are questioning her ‘changes’ in the show and making it clear that she is being watched. Not allowed to have a Directors Statement in the program as well adds to her shock. Instead, she is being told to do a dairy of her thoughts of the play that can be posted on a website.

Amber (Ambur Braid) who portrays the role of Salome has personal issues with Johan that flows into Clea’s (Rebecca Liddiard) props and mask-making department. It is even more uncomfortable since Clea once had a relationship with Amber but is now currently with Rachel (Vanessa Antoine) who is Amber’s understudy. The drama has a lid on it slightly as Janine tries to get her players to truly understand the roles they are playing in thought, emotion, deed and reaches to Johann’s understudy Luke (Douglas Smith) from their younger years in theatre.

There is also a struggle with Janine as she deals with memories that come flooding in and out about her own past. From her father to her mentor Charles, it all becomes garbled as she tries to keep it from interfering with the opera. The stress is intermingled with the show, management, what is happening at home and the memories that refuse to fade yet the show must go on.

Seyfried as Jeanine is thrilled to be directing the story of Salome and to be able to showcase what she can do. The problem becomes the entwining of her past, demands from others and her own feelings about it all. Trying her best to keep things compartmentalized, it becomes difficult and overpowering at times. Seyfried handles her role brilliantly attempting to juggle it all as a woman fighting her past, her cast and what she can do for opera in the future.

Liddiard as Clea is working with Jeanine to bring the right props and tone to the opera. She finds herself in a difficult position with a past love and a present one with a connection that no one would want for either. Antoine as Rachel is a studious understudy with dreams of one day having her moment and Clea wants that for her. Smith as Luke is Johann’s understudy who has the same dream as Rachel.

Kupfer-Radecky is, well, a diva of the worst kind. Believing himself to be beyond reproach, he wreaks havoc in the sinister of ways. O’Brien as Paul is a husband who is supportive in a way that makes him feel good about himself but Jeanine begins to see through him. Bastidas as Dimitra is a caretaker but one of the worst kind.

Other cast include Lanette Ware as Beatrice, Maya Misaljevic as Lizzie, Ryan McDonald as Harold, Lynne Griffin as Margot, Tara Nicodemo as Nancy, Joey Klein as Charlie, Aliya Kanani as Kathy, Alex Halliday as Cappadocian and Michael Schade as Herod.

XYZ Films is an American independent film production and sales company founded in 2008 by Aram Tertzakian, Nate Bolotin and Nick Spicer, and is based in Los Angeles. It focuses on international genre films, including THE RAID: Redemption, THE RAID 2, and ON THE JOB. For more on what they have to offer, please visit www.xyzfilms.com.

Variance Films is a privately held film distribution company founded in 2008 that uses an innovative model of self-distribution combined with select elements of traditional theatrical distribution to allow filmmakers to achieve quality theatrical releases for their films. Their offerings include BREATHE, ROSARIO and TAYLOR SWIFT: The Eras Tour. For more of what they have to offer, please visit www.variancefilms.com.

Atom Egoyan directed the opera, Salome, in 1996, the first opera in what would be many to come over his career. Best known as a prominent film director since the 1980s, Egoyan has proven he is a master of both mediums. Egoyan was interested in exploring what the production of Salome would mean in our current culture. This interest led Egoyan to write the script for SEVEN BEILS, about a remount of Salome that he filmed at the same time the opera was on stage, using the opera singers from Salome in the film.

Egoyan says of the opera and film,“Salome is a production I’ve done a number of times so when I knew that the Canadian Opera Company was remounting it, I thought this would be an ideal time to fuse the opera singers I knew they had booked with the script I had written. I wanted to explore how the themes of Salome could weave with the story of remounting this particular production. It’s not really an opera movie, it’s just using the world of the opera as a workplace like any workplace. We see the characters as they float in and out of scenes dealing with the preparation of the opera.”

The director has done exactly that with SEVEN VEILS. It is a stunningly beautiful film that mixes the human frailties in the story of Salome with the same human frailties as those portraying the characters. Keeping the staging simple allows us to immerse into the roles that each play and decipher for ourselves where each scene will take us. The final production presented is breathtaking with images I had never imagined in a production such as this but understand it completely.

In the end – life has its own tragedies!