What's coming up in theatres!

They Are SINNERS

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – dance with the devil!

TOMBSTONE Returns on 4K Digital

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – justice is coming!

MULAN PRINCESS WARRIOR

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to On Demand from director Leo Lewis Liao and Level 33 Entertainment with the story by Roger Chen bringing the animated MULAN PRINCESS WARRIOR.

Mulan (Kim Mai Guest) is a young girl who has disguised herself as a man in order to join the army and save her family. Becoming a skilled soldier with a sword, she can hold her own in combat with her unruly nature. Chosen to go on a mission, the goal is to bring about the ending of someone Mulan is told is a danger to the country. When she discovers who the intended person is, Mulan also meets Arke (Alan Lee), a stable boy who wants what she wants – adventure and justice.

Someone else to be on the watch for is Lone Wolf (Vivian Lu), another woman who is equally skilled at fighting. She and Mulan are locked in a battle of their own but there is mutual respect in the midst of it. The one constant is Arke, the stable boy, who not only irritates Mulan but also challenges her like no other. The shock comes when they both realize that the Commander (Matt Yang King) is not who he appears to be and can divide the country even more than Mulan could have ever realized.

Strength and honor for their country!

Other cast include Joe Ochman as Mulan’s Father, David Pak as Asung, Greg Chun as Advisor and Chris Niosi as the Prince.

Los Angeles based Level 33 provides innovative sales, marketing and distribution services for feature films and entertainment content, delivering a flexible and transparent distribution solution for all platforms including Theatrical, Home Entertainment, On Demand, Broadcast and OTT. For more information, please visit www.level33entertainment.com.

MULAN PRINCESS WARRIOR is the story of Mulan, a young girl doing what she believes is right for her family. Putting herself on the line for her country, she is brave, strong and a bit headstrong. What makes this an absolute fun watch is the colorful animation and the twists and turns the story takes on. Most know the story of Mulan but this telling is very different and I enjoyed that the most.

Having films that uplift girls/women are very important in today’s world and this film falls wonderfully into that category. Mulan is a powerful example of what confidence in yourself and doing the right thing can bring about. I watched the film with my granddaughter and she absolutely loved the concept of the film. When I asked what part of the film she enjoyed the most, she said the relationship between Mulan and Arke in that they both wanted the same thing but went about it in different ways.

The story is action packed and so well done. The attention to detail and the actor providing the voices of the characters adds a rich layer to the film from beginning to end. MULAN PRINCESS WARRIOR is family fun that needs to be a cuddle-on-the-sofa-together kind of film time, with popcorn of course. It is also a story that can be talked about together as it relates to family, friendship and defending those who need it the most!

In the end – she fights for honor!

RICK AND MORTY: The Anime on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Bluray and DVD from Adult Swim, Takashi Sano and Warner Brothers Home Entertainment is a series that is out-of-this-world with RICK AND MORTY: The Anime.

The Galactic Federation is attacking and the Smith household has unwanted guests. Rick is taken and isn’t going quietly. In a more colorful place, the real Rick is living his best life. All the while, Morty is busy with a VR game given to him by Rick. The young girl Elle meets Morty in the simulation but only for a brief moment. In a flash, another Rick shows up with coward Frank. Then, Rick is having a rough trip home running into multiple Ricks and Summer sees the problem calling on Space Mom. Rick meets a younger Rick as Space Mom goes all John Wick on a mutant space ship until rebel back up arrives. Space Mom and Tammy get a chance to hash things out but its only for the moment.

Morty wants to find Elle but instead finds Rick. The Galactic Federation is all shades of angry when they realize that Morty and Rick are related and that Elle can foresee the future. What they don’t see is Morty and Elle joining the rebels against the Federation. Rick is in another Ricks reality and he is not happy about it at all. At the Smiths, Dad Jerry is busy baking a special cake but it is all interrupted by a Space Mom pick-up. When Rick and Morty are captured, the joe is on the Galactic Federation and the kid decides to join the Federation. Jailed on a chicken nugget charge, Morty takes on everyone.

Morty wants Rick to make his dad a superhero. So when Dad Jerry and hero Jerry get together, a sword is what is causing problems and people are looking for it. The rough necks have been sent to the Smiths to retrieve it. Rick and Morty are on the case to try and stop any chaos Jerry might cause in the anti-verse. Tammy is trying to get away from her world and is taken by the Federation. She meets Elle and sees what she can do. Morty and Elle are in school together much to the joy of the kid. Space Mom thinks that Elle is up to something but also knows the girl has saved more than one Smiths life.

Rick and Elle talk past and futures. Space Beth has been captured by the Federation and Rick is going to find her. Morty and Elle follow wanting to help as well. What none of them know is that the prison ship is a set up but who is setting up who? The prisoners are taking their chances to stop the Federation. The Smiths are trying to avoid the Federation because of something a different Rick created. Rewind Rick has created something that can destroy all the worlds. Space Mom and Sunny are headed out to space to take on their enemy. Jerry is loaded to protect the home while Rick and Morty do what they can to save Elle. Summer is proving she is built to be a warrior in her own right. Rick monologues about Elle and the devise another Rick created.

The battle rages on at the Smiths home and hero Jerry arrives to help. The secrets are slowly coming out about Elle. Rick makes it clear that either the universe survives or Elle does. The Federation doesn’t see the rebels as a threat but, as always, they are sadly mistaken. Morty also learns he is a revered hero among the rebels. Rick and Rick take a moment for a philosophical debate while Marty has a meltdown. That’s okay though as Summer has the battle well in hand. As the family sits back for an after-battle meal, Morty is tending to his broken heart. Rick gives him a helmet that allows him to be with Elle and a whole lifetime together. The problem is the headset is stuck so now Rick and Summer have to track down what universe Morty is in!

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

Adult Swim is the leader in adult animation and #1 destination offering critically acclaimed, award-winning series that also include Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal, The Eric Andre Show and so many more. For more of what Adult Swim has to offer please visit www.adultswim.com.

The episodes include The Girl Who Manipulated Time, Fighting Mother, Alien Elle, Memories, Family, Free Will, When We Meet In Our Dreams, Feel Don’t Think, Her Innermost Wish and A Pain in the Back.

The cast include Joe Daniels as Rick/Jerry, Gabriel Regojo as Marty, Luci Christian as Elle, Donna Bella Litton as Summer, Patricia Duran as Beth, Shawn Hamilton as President/Goldenfold, Brandon Hearnsberger as Nimbus, Katelyn Barr as Tammy, Greg Cote as Toby, Andrew Love as Story Lord, Brittney Karbowski and Ty Mahany as Frank.

RICK & MORTY: The Anime is work of visionary director Takashi Sano and he does not disappoint. I spend the entire Bluray laughing myself silly and having my memory consistently tested as to which Morty and Rick was the Morty and Rick at the Smiths house and how far into the multiverse do they go and when was Summer allowed to be Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley? I have so many questions in the middle of cracking up. I absolutely loved the jokes, I love the sarcasm, I love the situations and, just saying, I loved all of it.

The animation and creations are really so well done and it is clear why so many people I know are completely obsessed with RICK & MORTY. Adding this Bluray to their home anime collection is an absolute must. This summer we have already planned a Rick & Morty party and show RICK & MORTY: The Anime on our outdoor screen for all our guests to enjoy together. It is always fun to laugh together with other obsessed fun fans!

In the end – this is Rick and Morty’s multiverse!

Prime Asks for ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Prime Video from director Paul Feig is the return of two women who have a history but not afraid to ask for ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR.

It has been five years since Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) brought down the sly Emily Nelson (Blake Lively). Since then, she has written a book about what happened and is at a book signing when in walks a haute-couture laden Emily. Stephanie is surprised to see her and is informed that her case is on appeal. What does she want you might ask? Well, Emily wants Stephanie to be her maid of honor with upcoming nuptials in Capri. Her intended is Dante Versano (Michele Morrone) a very tall, handsome and mysterious man that Stephanie is suspicious of.

Hopping a private plan to Capri, Stephanie brings Vicky (Alex Newell) along just to make sure that Emily doesn’t decide to take revenge on her. On the trip, Emily tries to convince Stephanie that she has no ulterior motive for wanting her to be there, just that she is someone Emily can trust. Arriving, the first uncomfortable guest they meet is Sean (Henry Golding), as the two women realize that a drunk Sean is a troublesome Sean. The first event is a lunch as Stephanie meets Dantes disapproving mother Portia (Elena Sofia Ricci) who has a surprise of her own for Emily. Her Aunt Linda (Allison Janney) and mother Margaret (Elizabeth Perkins) have arrived and so is the trouble that they can cause.

That’s when things begin to go horribly wrong but, as shocking as that is, Emily and Dante are not about to stop the wedding for anything. That also doesn’t stop more horrible thing from happening and now Stephanie is once again in the middle of it all. Being held, Stephanie knows that its time to kick into true-crime solving mode in order to get herself out of the mess she is in. She believes that her mother might hold the keys to some of the answers and its time to do her best sleuthing before she ends up behind bars.

Being friends with Emily has its moments!

Kendrick as Stephanie is dealing with the low end of success from the book she wrote about the mess with Emily. Everyone has an opinion about what happened and Kendrick’s Stephanie does her very best to live with all the mess. When Emily reenters her life, Stephanie makes it clear that she ‘isn’t as nice” as she used to be. Her wit is sharper and her mistrust is on high alert. That’s what makes watching her this time around so much fun – the fact that she’s onto Emily. Wit for wit, watching Kendrick with the comebacks is like watching a ping-pong tournament, take your eye off the ball once and you might miss the good stuff.

Lively as Emily makes a huge comeback and, as with the five years earlier, does everything big – big entrance, big hates, big presence – and makes it look good. I just love how Lively handles the back and forth with Kendrick and makes it clear to all of us watching that we will never know for sure if she’s serious or not. She is full of mystery and sly fun and I am absolutely here for every bit of it. Casting Lively along side Kendrick was a stroke of genius in 2018 and bringing them back together to do it again with a script that works is brilliant once again.

Morrone as Dante is the mysterious man Emily is marrying and it is clear that they are close. Protecting his lady against ex-husbands and irate mothers, Morrone does a grand job until he doesn’t. Well done. Ricci as Portia is the mother-in-law from hell who is not happy about her son’s marriage and isn’t about to go down without a fight – and she has the weapons to make that happen. I just loved her to pieces because she is a spectacularly dressed crazy mom.

Janney as Aunt Linda is another crazy lady who happens to be in charge of her sister who also falls into the category of a crazy lady. She is sharp and I just love the fact that Janney’s career has brought so many different characters and she has performed each one superbly, if you can’t tell, Janney is one of my favorite actresses. Perkins as Margaret has spent most of her life swimming in a bottle and it is clear that Emily is not happy about either family member being at her wedding. Perkins is funny and full of information.

Golding as Sean returns as a man who has found the bottle as well and being in the same room with both Stephanie and Emily just brings out his own warped humor. He did enjoy the luncheon show so that’s something. I just love that he returned to his role of Sean. Newell as Vicky is just happy to be vacationing in Capri and being ringside to all the insanity of it. She sees another book and her career improving with the madness that happens when Stephanie and Emily get together.

Other cast include Joshua Satine as Miles, Aparna Nancherla as Sona, Kelly McCormack as Stacy, Diletta Jayne as Lulu, Ian Ho as Nicky, Lorenzo de Moor as Matteo Bartolo, Bashir Salahuddin as Detective Summerville and Andrew Rannells as Darren.

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

ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR is a fun, twisted, mysterious, and sharp-witted film that doesn’t have a moment of boredom. I will admit to being hesitant to watch the film as sequels don’t have a wonderful track record but I can honestly say this film is completely outrageous in the best way possible. The story is so well written, the snappy one-liners are going to be used by me no question, the setting is lavishly big like Emily’s personality and full of who-dun-it that Stephanie loves.

This is exactly the type of film you want to sit back with a good glass of wine, a charcuterie board and some pals who are looking for a night of laughs. Expect the unexpected, prepare for jaw drops and figure out the mystery because there is more to the story than meets the eye.

In the end – every friendship has its twists!

DUNE: Prophecy Brings Season on to 4K Ultra HD

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray, DVD and currently on Digital from Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment, Legendary, HBO and creators Diane Ademu-John and Alison Schapker is DUNE: Prophecy.

It is ten thousand years before the Kwisatz Haderach when sisters Valya (Jessica Barden) and Tula (Emma Canning) Harkonnen join the Sisterhood. The women are trained to be Truthsayers to the Great Houses of the Imperium. Valya (Emily Watson) eventually becomes Mother Superior and works to solidify Emperor Javicco Corrino’s (Mark Strong) bloodline while at the same time dealing with Arrakis and spice. Soldier Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel) has caused a disturbance for Truthsayer Kasha Jinjo (Jihae) while Princess Ynez (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina) is being rebellious in her own way.

Empress Natalya (Jodhi May) is making claims against Duke Ferdinand (Brendan Cowell) and Valya uses Sister Lila (Chloe Lea) to reach out to a deceased Mother Superior. Constantine tells Richese (Laura Howard) the truth about Ynez husband and it is clear that Desmond is a force that no one can control as he moves like a ninja through the politics. Valya realizes that he wants to totally destroy the Sisterhood and attempts to subdue him. Valya’s past has much to do with her history with the Atredies and her sister Tula (Olivia Williams) but both are dealing with it still in the present with Lila.

Valya is now the truthsayer to the Harkonnens yet Desmond tells Javicco to remove them from the Landraad. Tula uses acolytes and their dreams to learn about Shai-Hulud but also, Lila wakes from her deep sleep. Using Theodosia’s (Jade Anouka) ability to shapeshift, Valya tries something unusual. Once Javicco makes Desmond a Bashar, he wants to find a way to catch Valya for her hand in the spice and after a raid, she gets Mikaela (Shalom Burne-Franklin) to Arrakis. Javicco decides to send Constantine (Josh Heuston) to Arrakis to quell problems.

The shock becomes who Desmond is and each of the pieces in the game change up but not before Valya, Keiran (Chris Mason) and Ynez arrive on Arrakis!

Watson as Valya is just perfection in that she is exactly how I would see a Bene Gesserit looking. She has the amazing ability to do the most underhanded things with a straight face and a glare in her eye. Her performance is intense, and adds to the mystery of the story that is constantly in flux. Williams as Tula and Valya’s sister means there is a lot of family drama to unfold in the package. Learning what she has done and what she plans to do is equally as intense as Watson and Williams make the perfect pair.

Strong as Javicco is an actor that I have followed for so many years. Each performance and character he brings to life will either be full of sympathy or wrath, Javicco is a hard package to unwrap but I am here for every second of it. Lea as Sister Lila doesn’t realize what she is in for with the Harkonnen sisters who seem to be on their own path. Then again that is true for any of the characters that get in their way.

Fimmel as Desmond, oh my gosh have I missed him on screen. He left us all emotionally stranded after the A&E series VIKINGS and he did television series work with RAISED BY WOLVES and BLACK SNOW. When I learned he was to be in this serious, I have to admit that it pushed me toward the show even more. As Desmond, he is a man on a mission even if others don’t know what that is or why. I am thrilled to see what his character is capable of next, as are the 15+ million viewers.

Other cast include Edward Davis as Harrow Harkonnen, Faoileann Cunningham as Sister Jen, Aoife Hinds as Sister Emeline, Barbara Marten as Sister Avila, Camilla Beeput as Reverend Mother Dorotea, Cathy Tyson as Mother Superior Raquella Berto-Anirul, Hannah Khalique-Brown as Sister Farouz, Tessa Bonham Jones as Lady Richese, Charlie Hodson-Prior as Pruwet Richese, Sam Spruell as Horace, Karima McAdams as Sister Nazir, Mark Addy as Evgeny Harkonnen, Polly Walker as Sonia Harkonnen, Earl Cave as Griffin Harkonnen, Milo Callaghan as Orry Atredies, David Bark Jones as Vergyl Harkonnen, Archie Barnes as Albert, Tabu as Sister Francesca.

The episodes include The Hidden Hand, Two Wolves, Sisterhood Above All, Twice Born, In Blood Truty, and The High-Handed Enemy. Also included are over an hour of bonus content, five extended featurettes including Building Worlds and Behind the Veil, and one all-new-bonus features exclusive to the 4K UHD, Bluray and DVD.

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

Legendary Entertainment is a leading media company with Legendary Pictures, Legendary Television and Digital Media and Legendary Comics divisions dedicated to owning, producing and delivering content to worldwide audiences. Legendary has built a library of marquee media properties and has established itself as a trusted brand which consistently delivers high-quality, commercial entertainment including some of the world’s most popular intellectual property. For more please visit www.legendary.com.

HBO Home Entertainment brings critically acclaimed and groundbreaking programming throughout the world. Releases include the global hit Game of Thrones, True Detective, Girls, The Sopranos, Sex and the City, True Blood, The Wire and Entourage. The company's catalog contains hundreds of titles including Big Little Lies and Band of Brothers. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.hbo.com.

DUNE: Prophecy is inspired by the novel Sisterhood of Dune written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. The series is a stunner or “fire” as the kids say now. As a fan of the original 1984 film, it was always a question of history for me. How and why did the Bene Gesserit start, what was their goal and why? These are just very basic questions because I actually have two sheets of paper with more. For fans of the story, they also have questions about the Bene Gesserit that I probably haven’t even thought of.

Not to mention, there are lines from the film that have found their way into every day life, like when someone says to you, “who does the/she think he/she is?” the reply would be, “he is the Kwisarts Hatarak!” and DUNE: Prophecy is well on its way. When someone asks you about today’s political climate, the response is “The Imperium is a circus of fear and rumor”. That is one way to know that your audience is being reached effectively!

DUNE: Prophecy has amazing cinematography that is absolutely part of the story. This is a world put together with the brushstrokes of a masterpiece and details that are unforgettable. To say it is a dark tale is pretty much an understatement as every character is twisting and turning the story at their own whim. As a fan of intrigue and the war of houses vying for supremacy, this series needs, honestly, more than six episodes for a season. You listening HBO?

The patriarchy thinks they are in charge and the sisterhood is fine with letting them think so because it offers them a chance to do what they want in shuffling their world. It brings about the supernatural world that each character is trying to control and bend for their own reasons. Each step is choreographed by one of the characters and in lies the intrigue and juicy scheming that audiences crave in their series viewing. The bonus to all this is the excellent casting choices that bringing all of this together in a bow of perfection. Congratulations all around and with a second season coming, DUNE: Prophecy on 4K UHD, Bluray and DVD is a great way to rewatch and catch things you might have missed!

In the end – power lies in the shadows!

PANDA BEAR IN AFRICA

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from directors Richard Claus, Karsten Kiilerich and Shout! Factory Kids is a tale of friendship and loyalty with PANDA BEAR IN AFRICA.

Pang the Panda (Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing) and best friend Jielong (Georgina Verbaan) the dragon are the best of friends. Spending their days playing games and waiting for Jielong to learn to fly, they are living the hometown life. When the two get to spend the season together, there is so much more to do! That is until an unexpected visitor reaches their shores and takes Jielong away.

Where? In Africa, the young prince lion Ade (Namisa Mdalose) is told by his uncle Malume (Silas Lekgoathi) that a special present its way. Pang is not about to let his best friend disappear and finds Xing-Xing (Thom Hoffman) the orangutan to take him across the sea where he meets Jojo (Maurits Delchot) the talapoin. The goal is to have Jojo lead him to where the lions are and get Jielong back.

Ade is surprised when he learns Jielong What Pang doesn’t expect is to meet the very sweet Niala (Candice Modiselle), the spotted hyena who has a history with Ade. There is a secret that is keeping the lions and hyena’s from sharing the same space. Now Pang and Jielong each do what they must to get free, save Niala’s family, Ade’s kingdom and get back home. That’s a lot for Pang and Jielong but they will not stop until they are home.

Other cast include Sthandile Nkosi as Kabora, Thulani Nzonzo as Mpho, James Weebo as Darius, Charles Ouda as Abu, Angel Orugbo as Camel, Joyce W. Musoke as Mrs. Python, and Adriana Pang as Kang.

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.

The DVD includes the Special Features of a Featurette, Selected Scenes from PANDA BEAR IN AFRICA and Theatrical Trailer.

PANDA BEAR IN AFRICA is the very charming animated film that any family who loves a little sofa cuddle time are going to enjoy. There is so much to offer here with a story of friendship between the young Pang the Panda and Jielong the dragon. They have an amazing friendship of fun, adventure and loyalty to one another. When someone scary happens to one, the other jumps in and does everything possible to help. That would be an amazing story in itself.

Yet, in this film, there is also the story of the animals in Africa and the dilemma they find themselves in. Jielong sees what is happening in the lion kingdom and Pang learns about the secrets in the hyena world. There is a conflict on both sides and little do they realize that two animals from another place on earth can help in the most heart-warming way possible. That makes the story even more wonderful to watch with the family. As a family, it is a chance to talk about everything the film offers and that is so important.

The animation of the film is colorful, fun, lively and brings about so much joy. The cast bringing their voices to each of the characters had me and my family laughing so much. What I love about such films like PANDA BEAR IN AFRICA is that it is also a bit of a teaching tool about animals around the world. My granddaughter was thrilled to learn about them and is now interested in researching them even more.

This is a story of wildlife with lions, pandas, hippos, lions, dragons, gorillas and meerkats. So, grab the family, cuddle up on the sofa and prepare to take a trip into friendship!

In the end – bravery knows no size!

Friendship Begins with A TOOTH FAIRY TALE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital platforms from director Michael Johnson, Automatic Entertainment and Shout! Kids is the animated story and A TOOTH FAIRY TALE.

Young Van (voiced by Booboo Stewart) is a young fairy who is learning the ways of being a fairy which his father doesn’t really see. His Mom on the other hand wants her song to succeed and is willing to help. She explains that his magic just needs time and patience. On the first night out to deliver coins to the children who have lost teeth, his dad presents him with a very special wand. He soon discovers that someone has beat him too it!

Getting back to the other fairy’s, he explains what he found but no one seems to believe him. On the second night out, he meets Rupee, a small troll who is more than happy to help Van. Going through a secret space in the rocks, Van finds another world that is far from his home. There he finds Gemma (Larkin Bell), a goblin who warns him that fairies are forbidden there yet they learn from one another.

Quickly, Van and Gemma discover they have something in common – parents! Gemma takes Van around her world and shows him how they live. They also discover that the stereotypes on both sides are not correct. When Gemma discovers that fairy dust in her invention will allow her to go out into the daylight, she and Van feel like they are free to enjoy each other’s company in the sky. Someone who wants either fairy or goblin a certain widow, Queen Mortina, (Fran Drescher) in the dark.

Now, Van and Gemma have to find a way to be together before what lies in the dark ruins everything!

Stewart lends his voice to Van, a young fairy who is learning the ropes of getting a tooth and leaving a coin. His parents are trying to understand his difficulties and its even made more difficult when Dad is the trainer of the new fairy’s. Van is different, he sees the world as something to be explored, learned about and discovered. That might be his biggest problem that even his friends don’t understand. Bell as Gemma has the same problem. She is a smart goblin who examines and learns about everything and is creative enough to invent things but doesn’t always fit in. She and Van realize fairly quickly that they both are on the outside but with each other they get it.

There only problem happens to be a very dark Queen and Drescher gets to be that eight-legged fright in the night. Her character is one that both the fairies and the goblins have fear of and that would be the one thing that they need to come together on for the sake of their children. That doesn’t stop Drescher from giving us a wicked and snappy character that made me giggle.

Other cast include Jailen Bates, Mary Deaton, Maz Jobrani, Paty Lombard, Jon Lovitz, Tony Nation, Zachary Rice, Presley Ryan and Vivica A. Fox.

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 along with releases such as WALLACE & GROMIT, FERNFULLY, SHAUN THE SHEEP and so many more. For more of what SHOUT! Kids has to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

Automatic Entertainment is a Los Angeles based independent motion picture distribution management company. Collaborating with content creators to develop and produce movies that appeal to a global audience, they work closely with theatrical distributors, television networks and film festivals around the world to secure distribution that promotes movies and series to the widest possible audience.

A TOOTH FAIRY TALE is really a wonderful film all around. The animation is so well done, colorful and dark at the same time. It gives us three different worlds which means three ways to use animation skills to show it to us all. I loved all three worlds as it shows the ways that one side misunderstands the other through outdate beliefs and stereotypes. That’s what I found most interesting, the stereotypes that Van and Gemma talk about made them both willing to be understanding. That is an important issue that kids can truly relate to and apply to their own life.

The story is so well done I just love Van and Gemma. This is a film that families can enjoy together, have some laughs, learn from and truly embrace from start to finish. I really do love when a film can be shared and the subject offers teachable moments. Films are so powerful in general but when you can tell a story such as this through animation and a good story, I can’t help but recommend it to anyone I meet – especially those with children.

Characters such as fairy’s, trolls and goblins are always of interested because they hold such mystery. Bringing them all together in a film with their own story to tell is so beautiful and worth the time to view again and again. So, cuddle up, grab some popcorn and spend a night at the movies with A TOOTH FAIRY TALE!

In the end – their friendship can save them all!

He is the STRIKING RESCUE

Jeri Jacquins

On Bluray from director Siyu Cheng, writer Guo Haiwen and Well Go USA is an intense story of revenge and action with STRIKING RESCUE.

Bai An (Tony Jaa) is a man grieving and angry at the loss of his family that he is being blamed for. The anger is aimed at He Yinghao (Philip Keung) believing that he is not only responsible but part of underhanded dealings. He decides to go after him through his daughter He Ting (Chen Duo-Yi). It begins by learning where she goes to school and learning about the driver Wu Zheng (Eason Hung). Making his move, he assesses the situation discovering that is a little friction between He Ting and Wu Zheng.

At home, Ting is not happy with her father who she believes doesn’t understand her. Trying to help is Lu Ping (Peng Bo) who is Yinghao’s right hand person in the company and has compassion for the young girl. The next day, on their way out, their cars are attached and Yinghao is captured almost immediately, the assailants now attack the car with Tingting in it and Wu Zheng is fighting anyone coming near. Bai An sees what is happening and intervenes swiftly taking Tingting away.

Out of control bad guy Clay (Michael Mao) wants Yinghao to sign a control giving up control of shipping for his own nefarious purposes. He knows the only way that will happen is by finding Tingting. Now, the word is out on every corner that there is a bounty for Tingting and it wouldn’t hurt if they took out Bai An either. What they don’t know is who they are up against as Bai An become close feeling the need to protect the young girl from anyone who might hurt her.

Against his anger, Bai An must make a decision on who to trust and protecting the daughter of that man he considers his enemy.

Jaa as Bai An is remarkable in this film. He comes in as a man bereft at the death of his family with a plan that is aimed at one person. In the process, he is put in the middle of something he hasn’t had time to figure out because he is running for two lives. Jaa gives his character everything one would expect but so much more. There is even a bit of a joke in the film by Tingting, but listen carefully because it goes by pretty quick. Jaa truly does make the film a ride to watch from start to finish and I was in it every minute.

Duo-Yi as Tingting is a teenage girl who has issues with her father. Of course, the moods and feeling unheard are par for the course. When Bai An comes into her life, it is something she would never have expected. Violence, stories of her father and trusting a stranger are something that she can not avoid. Duo-Yi plays of Jaa extremely well and makes her presence clear when she gets the chance to be a bit tough herself. Keung as Yinghao is a father determined to figure out how to fix the relationship with his daughter which might prove to be difficult. His dealings in business are what started everything and it has the possibility of ending badly for all.

Hung as Wu Zheng has had it up to his eyeballs with Tingting’s attitude but knows his place with Yinghao. When things start going badly, he goes on the hunt for Bai An as he also needs to understand what is happening and who is responsible. Hung gives us sly and resourceful but is he a good guy or not? Find out for yourself. Mao as Clay is just as vicious of a character as he wants to be. I mean out and out vicious! He has a plan and no one, and I mean no one is going to stand in his way. I’ve seen bad guys in film but this one is bad to the bone and Mao will give anyone watching – chills!

Other cast include Junjia Hong, Tianqi Zhang, Bolin Yu and Zing Yu. The film is in a mixture of English and Mandarin.

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.

STRIKING RESCUE is a fast paced (which is surprising since its running time is 111 minutes) and doesn’t have a second of downtime. The game becomes who do you trust and who do you know to be lying with every word that comes out of their mouth. It seems the person who is wanted by the cops may be the only one any of them can trust and that’s saying a lot. The characters are so well played by each actor as Jaa leads them down the path of destruction to get to the truth.

There are fantastic martial arts from both men and women which I enjoyed very much as well. I mean why should the guys have all the fun. This film has so much intensity and action, it is an assault on the senses in the best way for fans of this genre. Director Cheng makes quick work of what writer Haiwen put in the script and these two have brought a visual and story high of a film and they should be extremely proud of it. The action sequences are fast and pretty darn fantastic to watch as the pace of the film might have you holding your breath so make sure to exhale!

In the end – a father’s fury in unleashed!

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: The Final Reckoning

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Christopher McQuarrie, Erik Jendresen, Bruce Gellar, Skydance and Paramount Pictures is the mission of all missions with MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: The Final Reckoning.

Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is on the trail of Gabriel (Esai Morales) and the AI known as The Entity that is attempting to control the world. Gabriel wants it so that he can shape the world as he sees fit but when Hunt comes in contact with the Entity, he learns what it wants and how to get it. What it wants is the drive aboard the sunken submarine Sevastopol. Hunt, along with Benji (Simon Pegg), visit Luther (Ving Rhames) who has created something that could stop The Entity.

Gabriel is several steps ahead, as Hunt adds Paris (Pom Klementieff), Degas (Greg Davis) and Grace (Hayley Atwell) and they make a intense plan to stop the madness. One person who can destroy the plans is Kittridge (Henry Czemy) who will stop at nothing to nail Hunt along with Briggs (Shea Whigham). When Hunt is before President Sloane (Angela Bassett), he makes it clear that his one goal is to get what The Entity wants and asks for trust. Going against her counsel, President Sloane realizes there are only three days and places her trust in the man no one else trusts. The team makes there way to the coldest part of the world and with countries on high alert of one another, they know that The Entity is trying to gain control of nuclear weapons all over the world.

Each person on the team realizes that every step they take brings them closer to two possibilities of destruction and a slim chance of stopping it. Weaving between the two options with Gabriel and The Entity in the mix means Hunt is pushing everything to the limits as the seconds count down.

Cruise as Hunt definitely puts himself into this film. He has taken this role, beginning in 1996, through so many twists, turns and action to keep audiences riveted. Each has brought this Final Reckoning and Cruise has cemented this character in the sense that you can’t say Mission Impossible without Cruises’ name being mention. In this film, Cruise continues with the danger and action that will not disappoint.

Atwell as Grace is back with her five finger discount abilities and support of everything Hunt has planned – even if its frightening. She has shown her own abilities to be a strong member of this ‘outlaw’ team. Whigham as Briggs sees what Hunt is trying to accomplish and also supports it and willing to put himself in the middle of it all. Whigham gives his character strength and power needed to be on the team.

Pegg as Benji is seen by Hunt as a leader when there needs to be one and he understands him without having to say much out loud. I just love Pegg no matter what but was thrilled when he became part of the Mission Impossible franchise. Rhames as Luther is the mad genius behind what could be the answer to stopping the madness. Again, having Rhames on board is another character the franchise has counted on and he never disappoints.

Klementieff as Paris might not have a lot to say but she speaks volumes with her eyes. When the need arises, Paris isn’t about to let Gabriel off the hook for what he has done to her. Czemy as Kittridge has always irritated me and that’s what makes his performance so cool. He has managed throughout each film to be the thorn in Hunt’s side and it reaches the audience as well. Bassett as President Sloane is under the gun to try to save as many people as possible in the midst of the chaos. When it comes down to it, she puts her trust in Hunt down to the last second. I am a huge fan of Bassett and as she bounces between film and television, she does so flawlessly.

Morales as Gabriel is a twisted smile character that even when things go wrong, he doesn’t let it slow down the pace of the characters madness. There is a certain touch of lunacy that Morales brings to this character mixed with a grudge against the IMF and Hunt. He makes his plans very clear and Morales does a fantastic job of freaking me out.

Other cast includes Tramell Tillman as Captain Bledsoe, Mark Gatiss as Angstrom, Katy O’Brian as Kodiak, Tommie Earl Jenkins as Col. Burdick, Charles Parnell as Richards, Hannah Waddingham as Admiral Neely, Nick Offerman as General Sydney, Janet McTeer as Walters, Holy McCallany as Serling, and Pasha Lynchnikoff as Captain Koltsov.

Shout out to Rolf Saxon as William Donloe and Lucy Tulugarjuk as Tapeesa.

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: The Final Reckoning is a film that doesn’t let off the gas! The beginning is Hunt hearing what is happening world wide and even with people after him, he is asked to do what he does best. It is a crazy duality placed on this character as one who people want to stop for their own personal reasons (mainly jealousy to my way of thinking) and wanting him to succeed at the missions.

Another aspect of the film is that each of the characters has such a tremendous story of their own to tell within the big picture. From the Commander of the carrier to the Commander of the submarine, watching the chain of events and those who go against the grain to help Hunt’s character added such layers to the story and action. There are easter-eggs here and there that were very cool and that’s all I will say about that.

Clocking in at two hours and forty-nine minutes, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: The Final Reckoning didn’t drag at all. It is difficult enough to keep an audience’s attention for that long and this film did it seamlessly. I never look before seeing a film at the running time because I want to be taken for a ride with no expectations. It is as if the film starts out at a deliberate pace and then grabs as if to say, ‘hang on, this is going to get good’ and I was all for it.

Well done cinematography, well done story and well-done action and adventure. That’s why we go to the movies in the first place right? We want to be swept away into a suspension of disbelief and Cruise and cast does exactly that with the words ‘our lives are the sum of our choices’. Every choice, every mission, has all led to this. Experience the most epic chapter yet of Ethan Hunt’s journey, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, on the largest screen in @IMAX for the ultimate adrenaline rush.

In the end – trust him one last time!

Continue the Journey with OUTLANDER: The Complete Season 7

Jacquin

Coming on a Collector’s Edition Bluray, Bluray and DVD from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the continuation of OUTLANDER: The Complete Season 7.

As Jamie (Sam Heughan) and Ian (John Bell) try to get to Claire (Caitriona Balfe) who they think is in prison, don’t realize she has been taken to a ship to help a captain’s pregnant wife. That doesn’t mean the murder charge hanging over her head is forgotten. Tom Christie (Mark Jones) is keeping an eye out for Claire and her whereabouts as he promised Jamie on the road when Claire was taken. Back home, Roger (Richard Rankin) is still about his ministry as Brianna (Sophie Skelton) is close to giving birth to their second child.

Tom Christie decides there is only one way to save Claire and sends her back to Jamie. Once home they begin to pick up the pieces of their homelife but it doesn’t last as the family must make the sacrifice to send Roger, Brianna and their children back through the stones. Soon after, there is a horrifying arrival in Frasier’s Ridge that brings Claire and Jamies world upside down again. That is when Jamie decides it is time to keep his promise and take Ian home to Scotland. Now in Scotland, Brianna and Roger open a chest that has been closed for over 200 years.

Not making it to the ship home, Jamie is called up to the Continental Army as all three head to Fort Ticonderoga. Also nearby is William (Charles Vandervaart), Jamie’s son who is a British soldier and now father and son are on opposite sides of a war. Back home in the future, Brianna finds a job as their son Jemmy (Andrew/Matthew Adair) and daughter Mandy (Rosa Morris) find creatures around their home. Their parents find it amusing in a way but are more concerned about the letters they are reading from Claire and Jamie about the battles and caring for the wounded. Jamie is also dealing with his cousin Brig. General Simon Fraser (Angus Macfadyen) who he has to fight. Claire has help from Dr. Hunter (Joey Phillips) and his Quaker sister Rachel (Izzy Meikle-Small) who actually helped William when he was wounded.

Roger is feeling a bit out of sorts seeing Brianna working but is offered an opportunity at Jemmy’s school to teach Gaelic to those who want to learn. Rob Cameron introduces himself as one of Brianna’s employees and invites himself to dinner. Right before the dinner, Roger finds Buck (Diarmaid Murtagh) from 200 years ago in his yard! They work out both situations and Buck begins to understand what happened to him going through the stones. Again, there isn’t much time to breathe when Rob (Chris Fulton) takes Jemmy and no one knows why. One thing is for certain; it has something to do with the Spaniards that Jamie and Jemmy only know about. Now Roger and Buck must go back through the stones to find them.

In the past, Jamie is fighting on the field again and when it is time to stop, a request is made that will allow Jamie and family to head to Scotland and they are thrilled. Ian has become fond of Rachel and asks her to take care of his dog until he returns not knowing that William also has eyes for Rachel. In Scotland, they arrive just in time as Ian’s father Ian Sr. (Steven Cree) needs him as does his mother Jenny (Kristin Atherton). Jamie decides its also time to make amends with his own past. Claire receives a letter from their friend John (David Berry) that his nephew Henry Grey (Harry Jarvis) needs surgery and can she come quickly. Jamie encourages her to go and he will join her as soon as he is finished in Scotland. When she arrives, she performs the life saving surgery only to be under suspicion by the British later. Receiving bad news, Claire falls into a grief that cannot be explained and has to make a decision in order for she and her family to avoid the British. When Jamie returns there are fights to be had, disagreements that are made difficult, Jamie and Washington, Brianna and Mandy deciding to find Roger and Jemmy. That means Claire and Jamie must deal with more trials before they see Fraser’s Ridge again.

Balfe as Claire continues her role and it continues to tug at the hearts of fans. At the end of last season, it looked as if Claire was not going to get past what happened to her at the hands of kidnappers. Fans know that she might be down for a moment but will get back up and handle what ever is to come in the time she now calls home. At the end of season 6, she is taken away from Jamie once again and for something she didn’t do. The character of Claire means Balfe gives us a look at the deep strength her character has and continues to give under circumstances we can’t even wrap our heads around in this day and age. Balfe is our collective Claire and the final season means our questions might be answered about the Fraser future.

Heughan as Jamie is a guy’s guy and does not hesitate to do what he must for his family and his newly adopted country. It might not always be a decision that will make Claire happy but when he makes his beliefs known, Jamie is the guy you want on your side. Heughan has taken Jamie from a young man into a wiser man with a purpose and that is his family first (which is extensive), neighbors and country (both Scotland and the Americas). The fact is, as much as Claire is the person you want on your side, Jamie is also someone you want in your corner. He makes the hard calls and won’t ask anything of anyone he wouldn’t first do himself. That’s what makes him perfect for Claire, she is exactly the same way and they know that about one another.

Rankin as Roger gives us a bit of faith but doesn’t hesitate to stretch that and doing things that might not exactly fall into a religious’ category. He has such a good heart and loves his family as well. Rankin gives Roger such heart and soul that is so strong in his character that I can’t imagine anyone else playing this role. He doesn’t always do the right thing but it manages to work itself out and I love that. Skelton as Brianna is just as strong willed as her mother and she doesn’t care if they are living 200 years in the past, she is going to make it work her way. She has seen her mother struggle and it has made her stronger. Skelton gives us a perfect mash then and now.

Berry returns as Lord John and refuses to let political differences get between his friendship with Jamie and Claire. It is a fine line and it does get crossed momentarily but it is done because John believes he owes Jamie more than he can ever repay. That is also because of Vandervaart as William, a young man just beginning his military career and learning the lessons of war can change a person and the lessons of love can be just as disappointment. He knows about the Frasers and the friendship with his father Lord John, but he’s about to learn more than he could have bargained for. Jones reappears as Tom Christie with a tale of his own to tell and his heart still aching for a love he can not have.

Murtagh as Buck makes an appearance at Roger and Brianna with his own story of the stones to tell. Once he realizes how it works and where he fits in it all, he wants to help make things right when Jemmy disappears. Cree returns as Ian Sr. and he gets the opportunity to reconnect with his son again, Native American appearance and all. Atherton as Jenny is thrilled to see her family again and explains to her son why he needs to return with Claire to the new life he created for himself. Jarvis as Grey puts shock in his uncle’s way of thinking and I cheered for his decision. Phillips as Dr. Hunter is surprised to see what Clare is capable of medically and keeps an eye on his sister Rachel. Meikle-Small as Rachel is a young Quaker woman who is about to defy her faith by falling for someone her brother doesn’t believe will be accepted by their faith.

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.

The Bluray and DVD Bonus Materials include Four Outlander Untold Scenes, Blooper Reel and Deleted Scenes.

The episodes include A Life Well Lost, The Happiest Place on Earth, Death Be Not Proud, A Most Uncomfortable Woman, Singapore, Where the Waters Meet, A Practical Guide for Time-Travelers, Turning Points, Unfinished Business, Brotherly Love, A Hundredweight of Stones, Carnal Knowledge, Hello Goodbye, Ye Dinna Get Used to It, Written in my Own Heart’s Blood, and A Hundred Thousand Angels.

OUTLANDER: The Complete Season 7 is a run from start to finish. Each episode brings the life of Jamie and Claire to a full-on race to the final Season 8 (which I’m patiently waiting to see). Beginning in 2014, fans have been following their adventures (or misadventures depending on your outlook) and now, eleven years later, Season 7 sets us up for what it to come in the final season and I’m already teary eyed. All good things must come to and end, right?

This season meshes a 200-year difference and how they connect and it’s so complicated that you might want to get a pen and paper out to make a chart. Okay, so it has to be a really long piece of paper because the stories have taken us on quite a ride. Jamie and Claire have carried this series to places of heartache, love, friendship, family, torment, periods of time, countries, and have had their hearts torn for being a trusting and loyal couple. Once again, we are taken into their story of war, destruction, two-sides, and pain. Through all of that, these two characters have interconnected with others fans have come to love like Roger and Brianna, the duality of who people can be like Ian and unrequited love like Tom Christie and Lord John.

OUTLANDER has never once disappointed fans and Season 7 is no exception. So, gather up a group of Outlandians and prepare to binge. Once the story starts, there is no waiting to see what happens next!

In the end – our history is now!

LILO & STITCH

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Dean Fleischer Camp and Walt Disney Studios is the live action story of LILO & STITCH.

Lilo (Maia Kealoha) is a young Hawaiian girl who lives with and is being raised by older sister Nani (Sydney Agudong) since their parents’ death. Lilo has a tendency to find trouble where ever it may present itself and sometimes is brings Nani the same number of problems. Catching attention about it all is Mrs. Kekoa (Tia Carrer), a social worker who does understand that Nani is struggling to raise her little sister. After a home visit, Nani is informed that a supervisor social worker, Mr. Bubbles (Courtney B. Vance) will be visiting in a week so its time to get things together for both Lilo and Nani.

In another part of the unknown universe, Dr. Jookiba (Zach Galifianakis in human form) is in trouble with the United Galactic Federation for creating a monster called 626 as the Grand Councilwoman (Hannah Waddingham) makes it clear that neither the doctor nor the creature are welcome and are banished. Well, 626 has other plans and manages to escape! There is no other choice than to send creator Dr. Jookiba and earth “expert” Agent Pleakley (Billy Magnussen in human form) after the creature.

Back on earth, 626 has landed and made its way to the local animal shelter where no one is sure quiet what is in a cage! Following closely behind are Jookiba and Pleakley who have now chosen human forms to start the search. Lilo meanwhile has had a bit of trouble with dancing, school, other girls her age and finds solace at the local animal shelter where she meets and falls in love with 626. No one can believe she would want him but – she does! Nani isn’t the least bit happy about it especially since neighbor Tutu (Amy Hill) encouraged it.

Having to take Lilo to work with her new friend, even fellow surfer David (Kaip Dudoit) isn’t quite sure what the creature could be classified as. After a night of craziness, Nani is back looking for a job and Lilo meets Mr. Bubbles who shows an interested in the newly named Stitch. In the bushes lurking are Jookiba and Pleakley who are under pressure from the Grand Councilwoman to catch Stitch. Lilo has found kinship with Stitch and she does her best to teach him what its like to have family and how to try to fit in on earth.

As things become more chaotic, Lilo and Nani realize that there is no way they can live without the one and only Stich!

Kealoha as Lilo is a very charming little girl that plays amazingly opposite of the blue screened creature name Stitch. It does look like she is having a wonderful time and, as a kid, who wouldn’t! Her smile and laugh light up the screen and even when giving Stitch side-eye, she does so like a pro. Agudong as Nani is a sister who is missing out on her own life goals as a Marine Biologist but wants to be responsible for her sister and all that comes with it. Trying to work and take care of Lilo is really difficult for an adult, let alone a girl who isn’t even out of her teens yet. Agudong is also sweet in the role of a girl feeling she has to make a choice and neither one is good in her eyes.

Galifianakis as Dr. Jookiba takes on a human form once he is on earth. Wanting to go after Stitch for his own selfish purpose, he is under the control of the United Galactic Federation to come up with the goods. His frustration comes when he realizes that Stitch is smarter than even he thought. Galifianakis gets into stitches of trouble and it is pretty funny. Sidekick Magnussen as Pleakley is the earth “expert” comic relief of the two. Watching him embrace everything on earth, he wants to make sure that it stays exactly as it is without Jookiba blowing things up every chance he gets. These two actors together are comedy on their own!

Vance as Bubbles is a social worker in disguise on the lookout for strange happenings – and that includes Stitch. Vance is calm and cool, even when things get a little crazy. Carrere as Mrs. Kekoa the social worker seems to understand Nani’s predicament and is empathetic but still has to do her job. Carrere was actually the voice of Nani in the animated version of LILO & STITCH. Hill as Tutu is the funny neighbor that has her own way of doing things. She looks out for Nani and Lilo as she can and wants the best for them. When weird things happen, Tutu is the one that doesn’t seem to think any of it is strange!

Finally Stitch – well, let’s just say we think he’s worth every moment of fun!

Shout outs to Chris Sanders as the voice of Stitch. A bit of trivia for everyone, Sanders created the characters and directed the animated LILO & STITCH along with Dean DeBlois. Also, the luau manager is played by Jason Scott Lee who was the original voice of David in the animated film. Waddingham as the voice of the Grand Councilwoman makes it clear that Stitch can’t be allowed to go willy-nilly causing a ruckus.

Walt Disney Studios 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 please visit www.movies.disney.com.

LILO & STICH as a live action is still charming, funny and will make a nice night at the movies for the family. There is laughter, color, outrageousness and everything the 2002 animated film had to offer. It is another live-action that Disney deemed necessary to reboot in another way. Families will have no problems having a good time and those who are fans of the animated version will see a few changes and recognize a few voices quite easily.

In a theatre full of kids there is something to note that I wonder if Disney ever considered. When the scenes became maudlin or scenes dragged out with topics that aren’t fun, the kids lost interest quickly which makes it hard to get back (as anyone with kids will tell you). The kid enjoyed the fun, the antics, the fun and that’s what they want to see. That’s what we all want to see which is what makes the Disney animated versions of all their releases amazing. Yes, there are serious moments but they only last a moment and then on with the laughs and charm. Something to consider there Disney!

It is a holiday weekend and with families getting a chance to hang out together for an extra day, might be just the time to gather up the kids, grandkids, oh well even the kids at heart and popcorn up for LILO & STITCH!

In the end – hold on to your coconuts!

The Thriller of THE WOMAN IN THE YARD

Jeri Jacquin

On Bluray and Digital from director Jaume Collet-Serra and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes a tale of death and shock over THE WOMAN IN THE YARD.

Ramona (Danielle Deadwyler) is the mother of Taylor (Peyton Jackson) and Annie (Estella Kahiha) as they are grieving the loss of her husband David (Russell Hornsby). Healing from her own wounds, she finds herself struggling to get back into life. During breakfast, Annie notices a woman sitting across the street from their home, just sitting. Taylor wants to be the first to question her but Ramona grabs her crutches and tries to converse with the woman dressed in black (Okwui Okpokwasili).

Not getting any answers from the woman, Ramona returns to the house and tells the children to stay away from her and starts locking down the house. Then the woman moves closer to the house and Taylor feels the need to get rid of the woman. Ramona is becoming frustrated with him as the boy pulls up a chair and watches the woman outside. Also, outside is the family dog Charlie who senses danger.

Unable to go for help herself, the tension inside the house grows as the woman gets closer and closer. Taylor has had enough and confronts the woman only to discover that it is Ramona keeping secrets from her children. That’s not enough to help the family as they struggle to find a safe way out but will it come in time to save them?

Deadwyler as Ramona is a woman dealing with the loss of her husband and all that goes with it. Her wounds are not only physical but emotional that causes her to detach from the children that need her. Deadwyler gives a strong performance showing the struggle of it all and not realizing that she causing her family more pain. There is a fusion of what she knows is true and what lies out in their yard and it is painful for her.

Jackson as Taylor is a teenager who thinks he knows everything. Angry at his mother for her finding respite in sleep, he lashes out, is hurtful and thinks he is doing the right things no matter what she says. I’m not a fan of teen angst so if the idea was for me to dislike the kid, well, he did a great job of making that happen. Kahiha as Annie is a sweet little girl who is also dealing with the loss of her dad and is sad seeing her mother becoming a shell of a person. Yet, she is also a strong little girl who refuses to give into what ever is trying to break her family up. This young actress is just amazing from start to finish.

Okpokwasili as the Woman is frightening as she sits in a chair covered in a black dress and veil. I can’t even imagine how anyone would deal with seeing this figure appear out of nowhere and mystically move closer to a home. What a chance to play a mysterious figure and keep us all waiting for that veil to lift!!

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.

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

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

Bonus Features include Making THE WOMAN IN THE YARD and Beneath the Veil.

THE WOMAN IN THE YARD is a thriller that will leave people guessing from one scene to the next. The twists and turns are made even more so because the film is located in one specific and isolated place. I enjoy the kind of film that keeps me locked into that space because it begins to feel as if there is no way out of that wide open space. In fact, it is mesmerizing watching Taylor just stare out the window as the woman moves closer and closer.

The drama is full on intense and the secrets are subtle in trying to understand what this family is going through. It is a look at sadness, grief, hurt, secrets and what that can bring into a home trying to force a mother and her children apart. The anger that surrounds them fogs the real issues that they are facing and more importantly, blinds them to the answers outside their own front door.

Keeping the cast basically inside the house, there is nowhere to hide as Deadwyler, Jackson and young Kahiha provide every human emotion possible in the one hour and twenty-eight-minute run for their lives. Turn out the lights, cuddle up on the sofa with a fluffy security blanket and settle in for a story that lives in the darkness right along with you.

In the end – don’t let her in!

She Believes JANE AUSTEN WRECKED MY LIFE

Jeri Jacquin

Currently in theatres from writer/director Laura Piani and Sony Picture Classics comes a story write out of a novel with JANE AUSTEN WRECKED MY LIFE.

Agathe Robinson (Camille Rutherford) works in the Shakespeare & Co. bookstore in Paris with best friend and snog-partner Felix (Pablo Pauly). Her days are spent surrounded by stories but the one author that she relates to is Jane Austen. She is also a closet writer who cannot seem to finish the stories she begins. While Felix is a habitual dater, Agathe is looking for something deeper and that moves her soul. In the meantime, she loves being with sister Mona (Alice Butaud) and her young song Tom (Roman Angel).

That is until she receives a letter from the Jane Austen Writers’ Residency in England inviting her for a two week retreat so that she can write. The surprise is that Agathe didn’t even apply discovering that Felix did it for her after reading her latest works. After the excuses fail to impress her loved ones, she finds herself on the road to the residency. Picking her up is Oliver (Charlie Anson), who now is the one surprised. After introductions, the road trip turns into one small disaster after another and she finds him to be rude and a bit arrogant.

Finally arriving, Agathe loves the surroundings but finds the other writers a bit intimidating. Each day brings a new happening that sends Agathe into a bit of a tailspin and she must decide what it is she truly feels and wants for her life – and she may find that in the ruins!

Rutherford as Agathe is absolutely stunning and full of emotion that just oozes from every pore even though her character tries to hide it. She is in command of the film with a writer’s awkwardness that all writers experience which makes her role extremely relatable. As she looks for the perfect time to write, writers know there is no perfect time and I love this about Rutherford’s portrayal. As the character struggles, it takes one phrase from the man who sort of annoys her to provide the spark she is looking for in so many parts of her life. Just lovely.

Anson as Oliver gives Mr. Darcy vibes absolutely and, I must confess, I adore Mr. Darcy in every iteration he is shown in films. Oliver is the mirror image of Agathe which is why she steps back while he steps forward. Both of them are awkward but Oliver seems confused by his uncomfortable feelings whenever he is in close proximity to her. To save fans the time to wonder ‘where have I seen this actor before”, well, Downtown Abbey would be what you are looking for as he played the unlikeable character Larry Grey. I enjoyed his portrayal of Oliver so very much.

Pauly as Felix is the best friend/snogger who also works in the bookstore with Agathe. He is a habitual came player in relationships and seems unaffected by it all. To be sure, Pauly gives us a charming man who obviously gets away with a lot but Agathe isn’t the one as she is well aware of all his tactics. Crowther as Beth clearly loves running the residency and is so sweet that she made my heart go ‘awwwww’ with her care and compassion, especially for husband Todd played by Alan Fairbairn who is dealing with issues of his own.

Butaud as Mona just wants her sister to find happiness in what ever form that may be. Angel as young Tom obviously loves his Auntie very much and he’s so dang cute. Shout out to the other residency writers Laurence Pierre as Rosemarie, Lola Peploe as Olympia, and Rodrigue Pouvin as Sybil. Finally, to the lovely Frederick Wiseman for his reading of the final poem that is beyond heart wrenchingly and hauntingly beautiful.

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.

JANE AUSTEN WRECKED MY LIFE is not just the title of the film but, for some, it completely explains why we are the way we are. Austen wrote some of the most iconic stories about women to be found in all literature that are filled with the complexities, quirks, and, dare I say, anxieties of discovering who they were meant to be, both men and women. Well, if that isn’t the day to day for most people, I don’t know how else to explain it all.

The connection between Agathe and Oliver made me smile, giggle, and wish for them what I wished for Ms. Bennet and Mr. Darcy. More than that is watching scene by scene waiting to see if Agathe will begin to understand where her heart lies just in life in general. Director Piani doesn’t disappoint on any level and provides the perfect setting and cinematography to make this Austen’s heart hate when the movie ended, just as I hate when the past page of an Austen book glares at me in bold print. Thank goodness for re-reads and re-watchings which is absolutely what I intend to do.

A modern period piece in every sense brought to film in a unique, powerful and charming way that I will not likely forget for a very, very long time.

In the end – we all want our Austen moment!

KARATE KID: Legends

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Jonathan Entwistle and Sony Pictures is the story of a boy and two men who want to help the KARATE KID: Legends.

Li Fong (Ben Wang) is a young man studying Kung Fu with Shifu Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) in Beijing. Mom (Ming-Na Wen) is a doctor about to be transferred to New York City much to the dismay of Li who doesn’t want to leave the wuguan or Mr. Han and is still dealing with the loss of a family member. Once in New York, Li and his mother try to settle in and within a few hours he has his first friend Mia (Sadie Stanley) who works in her father Victor’s (Joshua Jackson) pizza joint.

His first days at school provide to be difficult as well when Connor Day (Aramis Knight), the local karate champion, decides to test Li’s ability to defend himself. Mom is none to pleased with what has happened having made Li promise not to fight. She refocuses Li’s attention to his studies by getting him an S.A.T. tutor in Alan (Wyatt Oleff). Li plays along but also makes time to hang out with Mia and making friends with her father. Victor was once a fighter of another kind and now wants to do it again to pay back a debt. After seeing what Li can do, Victor wants Li to train him up!

When things start to go badly, Mr. Han arrives in New York just in time to see that Li is having a difficult time. That’s when Mr. Han sees a flyer for a tournament and knows it will help the young man in so many ways but – he needs help. Flying to Los Angeles, he meets up with Daniel La Russo at the Miyagi-do and explains that he was once very good friends of Mr. Miyagi. Daniel is pleased to hear that his former teacher remembered him fondly to Mr. Han. Now, Mr. Han wants Daniel to do for Li, what Mr. Miyagi did for him.

Now, Li has a chance to mix Kung Fu with Karate and not only show what he is capable of but also the possibility of reconciling his fears – but can he do that?

Wang as Li is a very charming young man with a contagious smile and wonderful sense of humor. Dealing with the past, he agrees not to fight for his mother’s sake but the streets of New York have other ideas. Almost immediately he is defending himself and others around him but the one person who preys on his weakness is the one he must fight in a tournament. He also finds himself with a bit of a crush on the pizza guys daughter. Wang takes up the kid’s mantle and does it proud.

Chan as Mr. Han has a sense of humor and shows that even at the ripe age of 71, he has moves and isn’t afraid to show them. He gives his character the dedication in helping Li knowing what weighs heavy on his heart. Reaching out to another who can also understand the boys’ feelings, Chan is equally as funny and plays up his part and I loved every minute of it. Chan may not have the box office draw as in his early career, but this role was made for him to play and I am thrilled people will see what he has to offer in the Karate Kid franchise (and it erases the 2010 fiasco).

Macchio returns as LaRusso and although happy to meet Mr. Chan, doesn’t believe that he can help Li in a tournament. Yet, LaRusso finds himself on a rooftop explaining karate to Li and training him to fight his biggest adversary – Connor Day! Macchio’s character is so iconic that it seems only fitting that he be there for Li and the support he gives reminds us that in 1984, the same training and support was given to him. He understands the young man and that proves to be so important, especially when it is LaRusso who comes up with the gameplan (which may be familiar as well). Macchio seems to embrace the fact that he is forever superglued to the character of LaRusso and he makes it look so easy. That might also be the fact that he has spent the last six years being part of the Netflix series COBRA KAI (another of my family’s favorites) and returning to the film franchise works so perfectly.

Stanley as Mia is a young girl who is going through something similar as LaRusso’s young love Ali back in the day. She works with her father and finds herself surprisingly attracted to Li. It must be said they are cute together and it works on the screen. Stanley’s character worries for her father and when she begins to understand what Li is doing, joins the support team. Jackson as Dad Victor has a sense of humor and his character wants what is best for his daughter. A friendship also blooms between Victor and Li which was so lovely to see. Jackson gives a nice go-between character of the boxing world and a little bit of kung fu which stuns in the ring.

Knight as Connor is a kid with issues and trusting the wrong person to train him. His bully tactics may work on others but Li refuses to let it stand. Oleff as Alan is a character and made the audience laugh many times. He may be tutoring calculous to Li, but he’s becoming more of a friend than he expected. Wen as Li’s Mom is a doctor who wants her son to stay out of trouble and study to be able to go to college. When she discovers Li is fighting, “Mom’-ness kicks in and she is not happy. She has her reasons for being afraid for Li to get involved in fighting and tournaments which is revealed in the film.

KARATE KID: Legends is more than I expected! First of all, it is so nostalgic, especially for this mom who took her kids in 1984 to see THE KARATE KID and after that nothing was safe in my house. My sons immediately wanted to take karate lessons and that lasted for some time. There was something about the character of LaRusso that was so relatable to kids then and now he is a familiar character that is delightful to see as an adult. Most of us grew up with Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi to the point where lines from the film have become part of our lexicon. “Wax on, wax off” is a prime example and I have seen people try to catch a fly with chopsticks just to see if it was possible.

In this film, the new Daniel is Li Fong and between Mr. Han and LaRusso, Fong gets the best of both worlds and in the process have found a new Shifu and Sensei at the same time. But they aren’t the only friends Li makes. A new kid on the block, as it were, find friendship in Mia, Victor and Alan quickly and it works. The story moves at a fast pace and follows the 1984 formula and I’m not mad about it. It worked then and it works now and yes, it’s probably for nostalgia’s sake that it does and there is nothing wrong with that. KARATE KID: Legends is fun, charming, a bit brutal, and takes on the themes of friendship, life, sad events and loyalty to the love of martial arts.

For all those who long for the simpler times and a film that probably caused them to try and chop a piece of wood in half, then get to the theatres this Friday and find that kid again. Embrace two cultures, a kid with martial arts talent and two men who believed in him. Prepare to have a grand time at the movies this weekend.

In the end – when masters unite a new legacy begins!

Netflix Brings SURVIVING BLACK HAWK DOWN

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Netflix, Ridley Scott and director Jack MacInnes is the intense and harrowing story of the men who lived and talk about SURVIVING BLACK HAWK DOWN.

It is October 3, 1993 and Dave Diemer (US Army Ranger) sits in a diner to talk about that time in Somalia. Why? Because he was there. U.S. Special Forces were being sent to Mogadishu, Somalia looking for those rebels who were loyal to their leader Gen. Mohamed Farah Aidid. The day is the Battle of Mogadishu but it is also known to American soldiers as Black Hawk Down.

Randy Ramglia (US Army Ranger) recalls the day that started out relaxing at the military base in Mogadishu. At the beach, soldiers were enjoying the sun until they are gathered up and returned to base to ready themselves for a mission. That mission? To get in, grab their targets and get out. Brad Thomas (US Army Ranger) recalls his life before the military and his visit to a recruiter office seeing a video of the Army Rangers.

After joining, in July of 1993, the men’s training is halted and soldiers are quickly sent off to Somalia. The country is in the midst of a civil war and, then, President Clinton orders help for the poorest in the region. Diemer, Ramglia and Thomas experience their first night on base of hearing mortar rounds and realize the extent of the danger. They also learn that Aidid was responsible for killing the country’s people and Americans at the embassy and it was no longer going to be ignored. Now, they military is targeting officials of Aidid’s regime if not Aidid himself. The ranger unit wasn’t the first to go in, it was the Delta Force team that took the lead.

Tom Satterly (Delta Force) was part of that force and their mission was Aidid. After getting the information they needed, Delta Force and the Rangers board Black Hawks and fly to the target. They were not on the ground long before being fired on. Everyone in Mogadishu knows the United States military is there. Capturing it is Somalian Ahmed “Five” who speaks of how his country changed from a normal, nice life to one of war. He became a war cameraman and documented the devastation.

In 1992, Operation Restore Hope brought Marines and the UN to help the poorest people of Somalia. At first the people seemed happy to see them but as the strict pressure began to happen, the people turned on the Americans. Then a mission, seen from the ground and Ahmed’s camera provide more anger in Mogadishu and it still haunts Ahmed today. It also led to the change in attitude of the people of Somalia.

On October 3rd, the plan was shown of the mission to go after Aidid’s lieutenant. The ground convoy and Black Hawks head out. What the soldiers don’t know is the people on the ground were ready to start firing on them – and they did. During the fire fight, three words are heard – Black Hawk down! It is now a rescue mission for the soldiers and a hunt for the angry Somalians.

Larry Perino (US Army Ranger) is monitoring it all and realize the rescue mission has to happen and the soldiers decide to all meet up at the crash site. The Somali’s are also running to the site to capture and/or kill the soldiers. Chaos ensues as roadblocks are stopping rescuers, the Rangers and Delta Force inch forward. Michael Durant (US Pilot) brings in helicopter support for the troops on the ground. Brad Halling (US Ranger) was suppressing fire for the troops on the ground. In the meantime, the Casualty Convoy is still trying to get back to base. As more helicopters go in to help in the fight, another fateful Black-Hawk-down is heard. Rebels are running to that crash site and the soldiers at the first crash site are trapped.

As morning breaks, the second Black Hawk has survivors, pilot Durant is severely injured and captured. Armored convoys are back at the base but it is a quick turnaround. The soldiers want to get back quickly and help those trying to stay alive. Durant is being interrogated but he too just waits hearing the convoy go by. That same morning, Ahmed starts recording at the crash site and it quickly gets back to the soldiers at the base and they are horrified. Then President Clinton makes it clear that hurting any soldiers will not be tolerated and a deal is struck for the return of Durant.

The soldiers who put their lives on the line are angry. Diemer, Halling, Ramglia and Thomas all have an opinion of it until this very day and honestly, who can blame them.

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

The episodes include This Is Not New York, A Wall of Lead, and No Way Out.

SURVIVING BLACK HAWK DOWN is an intense documentary about one of the most intense firefights. In 2001, Ridley Scott along with Jerry Bruckheimer brought the story to the big screen with the film BLACK HAWK DOWN. The film was, in itself just an assault on the senses but this series allows the viewers to learn the history of what led up to the day in October. It also allows us to hear from the men who decided to be a part of the US Army Rangers, their mission and even surviving is sometimes a day-to-day struggle with the memories.

The series also delves into the Somalian perspective of their country’s civil war, the hope when the UN arrived and what events occurred that changed how they felt. Each Somalian experienced something as well during the Battle of Mogadishu and as much as hearing what the rebels had to say is difficult, it is important to hear.

These first-hand accounts are unfiltered and are recounted in the strongest of terms and feeling. It is so important to dive deeper into this event because it was not just based on the military going in for no reason. Aidid, like other leaders, used propaganda to create a civilian army and that meant emotions running high, so high that the military could never have expected the rebel firefight that happened. Out of it all, the pain and suffering was and is still plaguing all those who lost something that day – the civil war in Somalia still continues.

In the end - this is the story told by the soldiers who survived it!

THE RITUAL

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director David Midell and XYZ Films is the haunting tale of THE RITUAL.

Father Steiger (Dan Stevens) is a priest of a small community in Earling, Iowa at Saint Joseph’s in 1928. Dealing with a family crisis, he is approached by Bishop Fabian (Patrick Fabian) notifying him of request regarding Emma Schmidt (Abigail Cowen), a young woman who has been dealing with unexplained issues. She has been suffering issues that psychiatrists do not believe are mental so Father Theophilus (Al Pacino) has stepped in to do an exorcism. The church has decided that it will be done at St. Joseph’s much to Father Steiger’s surprise. Also unhappy about the request is Mother Superior (Patricia Heaton).

When Emma arrives at the church, she is met by Sister Rose (Ashley Greene) and taken immediately to her room. Sister Sarah (Meadow Williams), Sister Camila (Maria Giraldo) and others are curious at to what is happening and what Emma is like. When Father Theophilus arrives, the rituals begin almost immediately and they will all begin to see and experience things they never could have imagined.

When Father Steiger begins to question Father Theophilus, it causes each of them wonder what is truly happening to Emma. Each of them begins to feel the effects of what is taking control of Emma and the fear spreads rapidly. What is torturing Emma and how much longer do they have before there is no turning back for any of them.

The clock is ticking on their faith!

Stevens as Father Steiger is trying to understand the sadness he feels about his brother and now with the bishops request, he is struggling. Believing that Emma needs medical attention more, he is told that what is going to happen is already set. Stevens gives us the portrayal of a man who seems more worldly in feeling than priestly. He wants to lean more towards medical and psychiatric than an exorcism. The problem is that Father Steiger seemingly refuses to listen to someone who actually knows and is constantly a hinderance. That’s where the duality of his character lies.

Pacino as Father Theophilus presents himself as a very laid back “I’ve done this before” kind of priest that isn’t upset by Father Steiger’s constant confrontations. He not only shows Emma kindness but makes sure she understands what is needed to stop her torment. Pacino is somewhat transformed from his normal look into a priest wearing more monk-like apparel and captures what is needed in portraying the real Father Theophilus. He remains at all times, calm, collected and shows no fear of whatever the entity is.

Greene as Sister Rose is a nun that still seems to be dealing with a wide range of feelings. It doesn’t help when an entity is after you but there are moments where she is frustrated with what she must do to help Emma. Heaton as Mother Superior is not in the least happy with having the exorcism in the church. She fears for the safety of the nuns in her care seeing the changes that they all seem to be going through. Out of her own frustration, she even takes on both priests letting them know that continuing to allow the exorcism is at her discretion no matter what they might think. I actually liked that part of her character showing a strength I would expect a Mother Superior to have and have seen in other actresses like Anne Bancroft and Meryl Street in similar roles.

It is Cowen as Emma that provides the moments of intense rage and physical horrors experienced by her character. She has the face of an angel and a simple demeanor to match but don’t let that fool you because when it’s go-time, Cowen makes darn sure that we hold our collective breathes when it is time to show the opposite side of what torments her character. She is riveting to watch from start to finish.

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.

Director Midell says of the film, “Upon beginning my research into the events described herein, I was struck by the scientific and fact-based approach many have taken in relationship to seemingly unexplainable (i.e. paranormal) events. Having spent thousands of hours digging into the facts, history, and context about Emma Schmidt and the other involved, my intimate knowledge of the case has guided the creative process through countless conundrum, contradictions, and juxtapositions. As a filmmaker on the autism spectrum myself, it was especially important to me to ensure the facts, as well as the challenges and triumphs experienced by the characters, were honored in the re-telling of this story.”

That is what the story is all about, the 1928 exorcism of Emma Schmidt recognized by the Catholic Church handled by Capuchin priest Father Theophilus Riesinger in a 23-day spiritual battle. In the almost century since the actual event, THE RITUAL brings the story back to the forefront. What the film brings is not only what Emma went through but the response to those of faith around her. Each person involved, but not Father Theophilus, questioned something about their faith in this situation.

That is the most interesting aspect of the film for me, watching the reaction of Father Steiger, Sister Rose and Mother Superior. The darkness clearly dug deep into them as their own personal struggles couldn’t be hidden any longer – whether it be the questioning of their faith or the disbelief in what was happening in their parish.

THE RITUAL falls in line with films about possession as the first I saw was, of course, the 1973 release of THE EXORCIST. The formula works for those who want to be thrilled by this genre of films with the difference that director Midell brings more of the human story of Father Steiger and the nuns. Pacino and Stevens play off one another very well to bring the story of these two extraordinary men to life.

In the end – it is the most infamous exorcism in American history!

BALLERINA

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Len Wiseman, Thunder Road and Lionsgate is the story intwined with the John Wick franchise with BALLERINA.

Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas) is a young woman who lost her father as a child and was taken in by Winston Scott (Ian McShane), owner of the Continental Hotel. Wanting to keep her safe, he entrusts Eve to the Director (Angelica Houston) who oversees the Ruska Roma and takes care of the ballet school and Nogi (Sharon Duncan-Brewster) who will train her. Finally ready for her first assignment, during a scuffle she notices a mark that reminds her of something she saw as a child.

When the Director refuses to answer her question, Eve turns to Winston and it takes her to Prague and Daniel Pine (Norman Reedus). In a matter of minutes, she realizes that Pine is dealing with a repeat situation when his daughter Ella (Ava McCarthy) is being taken from him. Now the chase is on when Eve learns that the man she seeks is the Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne). Eve must decide if the answers she seeks is worth breaking all the rules because choices can come with consequences.

De Armas as Eve has the quietness of the franchise and the intensity needed to make this offshoot work – and it does. Taking on a role in this cinematic universe, de Armas has cemented her place in it. As Eve, she is in a solid storyline and shows how it is entwined in the world of assassins and exact rules that, like John Wick, are made to be broken. The tension oozes on the screen and the action is well done by de Armas.

McShane returns as Winston and knows exactly what to do for the young Eve. As the owner of the Continental, it allows him to skirt certain rules and McShane does it with the swagger this character has been known for. Byrne as the Chancellor is a leader and with that comes a control that is part of the problem. It must be said that Byrne has always been able to play a bad guy so damn well. In this film, he is just as much a stickler for the rules when they work to his favor but also seems to control people with ease. Both these actors are fantastic in this film.

Houston as the Director falls into this role again without missing a beat. Training her “ballerinas” comes with a long history and keeping the peace with the Chancellor comes with its own set of choices. Having Houston on the screen in this larger role is a long time in the making now that her role is more powerful than anyone might have realizes. Watching her bob and weave through the film is so cool. Duncan-Brewster as Nogi knows Eve from the beginning and is part of her training. The role is a smaller one but still is impactful on Eve.

Reedus as Pine is holding up in a hotel room but that isn’t going to stop Eve. I was absolutely thrilled to see Reedus on the screen again and taking on what he calls “a bottle of Advil all day long type of job”. He gets the chance to put his hands on fight scenes that are intense which is probably an awesome change from zombies. McCarthy as Ella is a charming little girl who is in the middle of a battle not of her own making.

The audience gave heartfelt love to Lance Reddick as Charon, memorable concierge at the Continental Hotel. There was verbal cheering for him and I was all for it.

Other cast include Choi Soo-young, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Jung Doo-hong, David Castaneda, Robert Maaser, Marc Cram and Victoria Comte as child Eve.

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.

BALLERINA is a two hour and five-minute ass whuppin’ from start to finish. There isn’t a moment where the audience will be able to sit back and take a breath. The story comes in line taking place during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum so everyone understands the time line. The film offers twists, turns (not just the body either), a deeper look into of the story that falls in line with the John Wick narrative.

Of course, I am being vague about the details as I wouldn’t even, for a minute, want to spoil it for anyone. Just know that the action is absolutely amazing and the reaction of the audience never stopped for a moment. There were cheers, a few omg’s, creation to the fight scenes so the entire film is a shared experience and that’s what makes it so much fun. Following the JOHN WICK formula, BALLERINA doesn’t miss a beat and is a fantastic time of a two-hour ride.

Each character feels seamless as they enter into the story and I just loved how it was done and to see faces that are part of the franchise return to tell more of their story. Director Wiseman had a vision and put it on film giving the audiences exactly what they expect from this franchise. The ending is left just as open as John Wick’s story which means if de Armas can handle more of the same (which is absolutely a lot!), a BALLERINA 2 will be well received. The creation of another assassin that sees the rules slightly different than those who control the frightening underworld is done so well and it fits the timeline

In the end – the past can be a trigger!

The Fun is Here with BEN 10: The Complete Series

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on DVD from Cartoon Network is the Emmy Award-winning animated sci-fi series BEN 10: The Complete Series.

Ben Tennyson is a boy who discovers the alien wristwatch with the Omnitrix that allows Ben to transform into aliens because of the DNA inside. When he touches it, it now becomes part of his wrist and it doesn’t take long before he learns how to use it and wants to be a superhero. Taking a cross-country trip with his cousin Gwen and grandad Max, it promises to be a summer of adventure with the added bonus of Heatblast, Wildmutt, Diamondhead and XLR8. Becoming a superhero means looking out for others such as Dr. Amino and his Transmodulator, helping the Krakken with Gwen’s help and dealing with Ripjaws.

Ben’s Aunt Vera is another adventure with the resident eating Limax and aliens Upgrade and Ghostfreak. That’s just the beginning as Season one episodes include And Then There Were 10, Washington B.C., The Krakken, Permanent Retirement, Hunted, Tourist Trap, Kevin 11, The Alliance, Last Laugh, Lucky Girl, A Small Problem, Side Effects, and Secrets.

Family secrets come out when Max tells Ven and Gwen of his past as an agent of “The Plumbers” and their job was to deal with extraterrestrials. That’s also when Maxs’ old partner Phil has been using the Null Void Projector in nefarious ways. Yellowstone is the next adventure where Ben not only discovers Cannonbolt but another creature has come to wreak havoc on the planet. That isn’t as disturbing as their trip to San Francisco where Ben sees the other side of transformation when aliens are becoming him! Now he has to deal with the Special Alien Capture Team and Lt. Steel. More episodes include Truth, The Big Tick, Frames, Gwen 10, Grudge Match, The Galactic Enforcers, Camp Fear, Ultimate Weapon, Tough Luck, They Lurk Below, Ghostfreaked Out, Dr. Animo and the Mutant Ray, and Back with a Vengeance. There is so much more but let’s move on to the next adventure.

BEN 10: Alien Force is five years later where things take a dark turn as Ben is in high school after removing the Omnitrix. Off to see Max, he sees a mysterious alien and realizes that his grandpa is gone but there is a message saying he is looking for aliens and Ben gets the idea what Max wants him to put back on the Ominitrix. Both he and Gwen are confronted once again by “The Plumbers” as Magister Labrid is part of the reason Max is missing. Back in the fight, Ben puts back on the Ominitrix and has access to new aliens but also has to deal with nemesis Kevin Levin. Kevin agrees to help with the Forever Knights and after a battle believe they should finish what has started. Episodes include Ben 10 Returns Part 1, Ben 10 Returns Park 2, Everybody Talks About the Weather, Kevin’s Big Score, All That Glitters, Max Out, Pier Pressure, What Are Little Girls Made Of?, The Gauntlet, Paradox, Be-Knighted, Plumbers’ Helpers, X=Ben+2 and so much more.

BEN 10: Ultimate Alien brings a big change for young Ben when the world finds out about him because of an online video. Adding to the stress is Will Harangue, a news anchor that believes that Ben is a problem. A good thing that Gwen and Kevin are still on his side and discovers that a kid named Jimmy is responsible for the secret coming out. Colonel Rozum tells Ben that they need their help because there is an alien out there stealing parts from a NASA rocket. Of course, this means dealing with aliens like Humungousaur, Jetray, Chromastone, Spidermonkey and Ultimate Spidermonkey. Ben has a girlfriend; Ben has a girlfriend! Julie is in a tennis match but he needs to be with Kevin dealing with the Forever Knights AND he really wants to watch a movie. What is a young man to do? Well, turn himself in Echo Echo and make it possible to go to all three but a girl can only take so much. Other episodes include Fame, Duped, Hit ‘Em Where They Live, Video Games, Escape from Aggregor, Too Hot to Handle, Andreas’ Fault, Fused, Hero Time, Ultimate Aggregor, Map of Infinity, Reflected Glory, Deep, Where the Magic Happens, Perplexahedron, The Forge of Creation, Nor Iron Bars a Cage, The Enemy of My Enemy, Absolute Power Part 1, Absolute Power Park 2 and so much more!

In BEN 10: Omniverse Gwen has gone off to college and Kevin moves to be close to her so now Ben is fighting alone. Max knows he needs someone to help so Rook Blonko is a Plumber that teams up. Their first mission together is to deal with Bubble Helmet, Fistina and Liam but someone is watching Ben! Discovering a place called the Undertown, they continue to deal with the alien city but the watcher Khyber has his own ideas. He is also studying Ben and his younger dealings with aliens and waiting for his opportunity to grab Ben. When issues arise between Ben and Blonko, it might just be the time. All of this has to do with Dr. Psychobos who wants DNA to complete his own Nemetrix. Adventures include The More Things Change Part 1, the More Things Change Part 2, A Jolt from the Past, Trouble Helix, Have I Got a Deal For You, It Was Them, So Long and Thanks for All the Smoothies, Hot Stretch, Of Predators and Prey Part 1, Of Predators and Prey Part 2 with five more arcs to the story.

The story and adventure of Ben, Gwen, Kevin and Grandpa Max is out of this world!

Warner Bros. Discover Home Entertainment (WBDHE) distributes the award-winning movies, television, animation, and digital content produced by WBDHE to homes and screens of millions through physical Bluray, Disc and DVD sales and major streaming, VOD, digital and mobile channels. WBDHE is one of the world’s largest distributors of entertainment programming. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.wbd.com.

The DVD box set includes all 227 episodes created ocer the years from Ben 10, Ben 10 Alien Force, Ben 10 Ultimate Alien and Ben 10 Omniverse, and two movies including Ben 10: Secret of the Omnitrix and Ben 10: Destroy All Aliens.

BEN 10 came from the Cartoon Network Studios and created by the Man of Action group. They consist of Duncan Rouleau. Joe Casey, Joe Kelly and Steven T. Seagle who are comic book creators. After years of work, BEN 10 was picked up by the network and is a classic in so many homes – including my own! The adventures were some of the most popular in my home and has made its way to my grandkids who have decided that now they need to binge all 227 episodes. Secretly I was hoping they would want to so that I could join in the fun once again for nostalgic and great watching reasons.

What makes this series so special is not only the fantastic graphics but the creativity of the storyline, the aliens, the connection between family and friends and the lessons all of this brings. Each episode is so fantastical that, in the day, waiting for each one brought child-like frustration but NOW, it is time to binge.

Grab lots of popcorn, pull in the kids and kids at heart to go on an epic journey of growing up, being universal superhero (with the family), meet new aliens and know nothing is stopping us all from a 227 episode and movie gathering with BEN 10: The Complete Series.

In the end – Ben is out of this world!

She Never Expected to DROP

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K UHD, Bluray, DVD and Digital from director Christopher Landon, Blumhouse and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes a mind-bending thriller of a DROP.

Violet Gates (Meghann Fahy) is a therapist in Chicago that helps people with their problems and she knows plenty about that. Surviving an abusive husband, her sister Jen (Violett Beane) talks her into going on the first date she’s been on in years. Nervous leaving son Toby (Jacob Robinson), Violet is off to meet Henry Campbell (Brandon Sklenar), a photographer she met on a dating app and now meeting her at the high-rise restaurant Palate. Nervously waiting, she chats with bartender Cara (Gabrielle Ryan) and is slightly hit on by Richard (Reed Diamond) who mistakes her for his date and Phil (Ed Weeks) a drinking pianist who doesn’t take a hint all that well. All the while receiving Digi-Drops that are odd.

Eventually Henry walks in and Violet is happy to sit down and get to know him. Almost immediately she received an influx of these drops. One of them shows a masked gunman inside her house followed by a threat to do what she is told and Toby won’t be hurt. She also can not let anyone know what is happening. That makes it difficult as each instruction becomes more and more threatening. She shows Henry what is happening but he brushes it off as pranks. As Violet does what she is asked to do, there is a strain between she and Henry but she cannot let him leave.

Violet becomes suspicious of everyone in the room and tries to watch where the cameras are and devices all of the restaurant. When the drop finally tells her what the goal is and Violet knows that she is running out of options. She needs to make the connection of what is happening and who is responsible before her family and those around her become victims of the deadly drops coming to her phone.

Fahy as Violet handles this role with smoothness even when her nerves are about to explode. This role called for keep the nervousness at a minimum, keep the eyes open for any detail and try to get ahead of the game that is being played. That can be difficult since the rules are life and death but, as my grandpa always said ‘rules are made to be broken’. Fahy as Violet does just that but takes it step by step. Not only did she make it look easy, she had me talking to the screen along with her silent thoughts. That’s how you know someone has drawn an audience in and its pretty darn cool.

Sklenar as Henry is a photographer who agreed to the date because he saw something in Violet. When she starts to go a bit off the rails, he is patient, kind, and helpful but all things can have their limits. He can’t understand what she is about but feels there isn’t a connection between them. I really enjoy when Sklenar is on screen as there is something about the way he carries his characters bringing a sense of calm when I’d probably normally be all tensed up. Watch his last few films and television role in the Yellowstone series and you will see what I mean.

Ryan as Cara is an intuitive and friendly bartender who wonders about Violet. I loved her energy through it all. Diamond as Richard is the other dating app person who is jittery but Violet is polite toward him while he waits for his own date. Weeks as the piano player is a slick, full of himself guy who sees a ‘no’ as a ‘yes’ because, I mean, all the women love him right? Well done.

Shout out to Jeffery Self as the waiter Matt. Every moment he came into scene I was laughing because I know so many waiters just like him and I love them.

Other cast include Travis Nelson as Connor, Micheal Shea as Blake and Benjamin Pelletier as the masked man.

Blumhouse Productions is known for producing horror films such as PARANORMAL ACTIVITY, INSIDIOUS, SINISTER, THE PURGE, THE GIFT, GET OUT, HAPPY DEATH DAY, SPLIT and M3GAN 2.0. The films from Blumhouse have become instant classics and they continue to give us something to scream about! See more at www.blumhouse.com

Special Bonus includes Feature Commentary with Director Christopher Landon: Insights from the Director on Filmmaking Choices, A Recipe for Thrills: Making DROP: Cast and Crew Discuss the Film’s Development and Thematic Elements and A PALATE FOR PANIC: Exploration of the film’s main set, Palate Restaurant.

DROP is an unexpected thriller from beginning to end to the point where you can not take your eyes off the screen or you will miss a message. That’s one way to make sure the audience pays attention. Keeping the film in basically one location through the entire story, I just love that. Remove all the superfluous noise, keep the story focused and you’ve reeled me in for sure. It is a chance to truly get to know a character and, in this case, its right in front of the screen the whole time.

Director Landon has surrounded himself with an ensemble that just flows to darn well with Fahy at the helm of the tale. It worked on me keeping the jitter factor so high that I was having a conversation with the screen a lot! The setting is magnetic and the ending was stunningly awesome. It is hard to say any more about the film without giving the plot twists away and I absolutely refuse to do that. So, grab a thriller buddy, pop the popcorn, turn out the lights and get ready to DROP.

In the end – everyone’s a suspect!

He is THE AMATEUR

Jeri Jacquin

This week on Digital and coming to Bluray and 4k Ultra HD from director James Hawes and 20th Century Studios is a man who is THE AMATEUR.

Charlie Heller (Rami Malek) is sending his wife Sarah (Rachel Brosnahan) off to a conference in Europe while he goes to his job at the CIA as a cryptographer. Getting straight to work, his job is secretive but he is good at it. When he is called into the office of boss Director Moore (Holt McCallany) and Director O’Brien (Julianne Nicholson) where he is told that his wife has died and Charlie is horrified. Almost immediately he begins his work discovering what happened, how and who is responsible. Bringing it up to his superiors, he makes it clear that all Charlie wants is to handle the situation himself.

When they don’t approve, he is sent Hendo Henderson (Laurence Fishburne) to give him some help in what he is planning to do. While Training, Henderson makes it clear that some people just aren’t simply capable of killing. While he is away, Moore is attempting to discover what Charlie might know and tear his house and office apart. They want to know what is he doing with the information but they obviously don’t understand what Charlie can do. His intelligence gives him the edge as he manages to slip away from everyone and follow the trail to Europe. There, he finally meets contact Inquiline (Cailtriona Balfe) who does her best to help find those responsible for Sarah’s death.

The trail is brutal and full of secrets that go deeper than Charlie could ever have imagined. When CIA operative O’Brien (Jon Bernthal) attempts to wrangle him in, he once again knows how to slip the boundaries they attempt to place on him. No matter how much the CIA uses its technology, they forgot one thing – Charlie created that technology!

Malek as Charlie is a man devastated by the loss of his wife and disgusted by the CIA’s lack of action. Deciding that if they won’t do anything, he will use all he has learned as an analyst play out in the real world. Malek plays a grieving husband but, when his character goes rogue, he does so in such a calm manner. The Agency thinks they are able to corral him but you can’t capture someone who you’ve always underrated. This is such an awesome character for him to play and adds a layer of thrill with the combination of political, psychological and action in the vein of THE BOURNE IDENTITY (2002) among so many others. Malek has cemented his place in that line up.

McCallany as Moore is a stern character who can not get Charlie to understand that there are things at play that he doesn’t know about. Once Charlie goes rogue, he is not only dealing with that, but feeling the breath of Director O’Brien all over his neck. I have come to so appreciate McCallany’s body of work and I just love his strong characters. Nicholson as Director O’Brien understands that Charlie is devastated and enlists the help of Moore to keep their noses clean. She gets the suspicion that Charlie isn’t going to let the death of his wife go unanswered. Nicholson always plays such a strong character and it is the same here.

Fishburne as Henderson attempts to train Charlie but also realizes that training him to kill someone just isn’t working. He is impressed by that Charlie can do but it doesn’t mean it will help him with his goal. Fishburne is just that – Fishburne. A consummate actor who can do any role you put in front of him. This isn’t a large role but it is a good one. Bernthal as O’Brien sees Charlie as a friend and wants to help but so people you just can’t get to understand and Charlie is one of them. Again, the role isn’t a large one but keep you spidey senses on high alert.

Balfe as Inquiline is someone that Charlie has been in contact with for a while but never in person. When he arrives in Europe, it is Balfe’s character that guides him in the direction he needs to go. I just love seeing Balfe as I am a huge fan of OUTLANDER and here she begins to separate herself from that role and onto something thriller in another genre.

Other cast includes Adrian Martinez as Carlos, Marc Rissman as Mishka Blazhic, Joseph Millson as Ellish, Barbara Probst as Gretchen Frank, Alice Hewkin as Ali Park and Henry Garrett as the Chief of Staff. Look for the cameo of Marthe Keller who starred in the 1981 film as Elizabeth.

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

Bonus Features include The Team, The World, The Pool, The Score, and Deleted Scenes.

Robert Littrell specialized in espionage novel having been a journalist and novelist writing about the spy world of the CIA. He wrote the screenplay before the novel with the title The Amateur: A Novel of Revenge IN 1981.

Malek, having played a Bond Villain in the 2021 film NO TIME TO DIE gets the opportunity to play the other side of a thriller and proves he can do both. In the role of Charlie Heller, he is as smooth as they come, smarter than his superiors could ever have imagined and determined to do what the agency won’t. He has no problem using his intelligence and abilities to keep everyone at arm’s length until he finishes what he started. Just brilliantly done.

The cast brings so much to the political table with secrets, mysteries, lies, no trusting and, best of all, no idea who they are dealing with. I love that part of the film as each thing Charlie pulls off, there is someone in the background shaking his head in disbelief. That makes watching so much more enjoyable because rooting for Charlie is what it is all about. Nothing or no one is going to stop the inevitable.

In the end – do not underestimate him!

Greed Finds THE UNHOLY TRINITY

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Richard Gray, Saban Films and Roadside Attractions is the story of loss and found with THE UNHOLY TRINITY.

Henry Broadway (Brandon Lessard) has come to say goodbye to his father Isaac (Tim Daly) on his way to the gallows in 1870s Montana. The final words to his son is to find Saul Butler and clear his name in a crime Isaac says he did not commit. Grief stricken, Henry finds his way to the town of Trinity looking for a man he has never seen before to get justice for his father. Right away he meets St. Christopher (Samuel L. Jackson) who seems to befriend him.

Following Gabriel Dove (Pierce Brosnan), Henry mistakes him for Butler and discovers more about the town than he planned. Dove tells the young man to quickly leave before local hot head Gideon (Gianni Capaldi) gets out of control, much more than he already is tracking the Blackfoot woman Running Cub (Q’orianka Kilcher). Gideon blames her for a different death in the town. Having a meal in the salon, Henry meets Rachel (Stephanie Hernandez) and the town is turned upside down.

Sherriff Dove is nowhere to be found as he has gone looking for Rubbing Cub so wife Sarah (Veronica Ferres) tries to calm thing. When he does return and realizes Henry is in trouble, it is time to discover all the secrets being hidden in the town of Trinity because the secrets are dangerous and loom large over all their lives.

Lessard as Henry is a young man unaware of what his father asked of him. He clearly does not have a grasp of how to deal with unsavory men who all have guns and aren’t afraid to use them. Wanting to do right by his father, almost immediately he realizes that there is something more happening in this town. Lessard plays his part in a larger story and does it well, especially playing opposite two big names in the film game.

One of those names is Pierce Brosnan as Sherriff Dove who immediately realizes that Henry was only given a fraction of the story about his father and the town. Keeping the townspeople safe is his ultimate goal, especially surrounded by men who find killing easy. Brosnan’s character is soft spoken and calm even when chaos is happening all around him. Knowing Henry has been misled; it seems almost immediate that he wants to protect the young man from anyone who would harm him. Brosnan is doing what he does best, embracing his role and reminding us that his ease at playing any character is vast.

Jackson as St. Christopher is a bit of a mystery man and when Henry arrives in town, he is quick to share a bit of a rundown not only of the town but how the young man might need to protect himself. It is clear that he, like others, seem to know what Henry doesn’t. Jackson gives us his predictable mash up of ‘is he good or not?’ until all is revealed. That being said there is nothing better than watching Jackson develop a character right before our eyes. He has the fantastic ability to play both good, bad and good/bad characters and in this film, he doesn’t disappoint.

Kilcher as Running Cub has a story of her own and Dove is protective of her. Her role is not a large one but it has its importance. Capaldi as Gideon is as twisted as a bad guy can get in the “Wild West” and it works in the story. Ferres as Sarah is a wife who understands her husband and is a stabilizing force for him.

Other cast include Katrina Bowden as Julia, Beau Knapp as Asa Benton, Tim Montana as Red Benton, Beau Linnell as Butch Benton, Ethan Peck as Sam Scarborough, Pastor Dylan Brosnan, Chuck Matthews as Charlie, Eadie Gray as Mabel, Paris Brosnan as Thomas, Kelton Cole as the Innkeeper, and David Arquette as Father Jacob.

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

Saban Films was launched in 2014 and has built an impressive slate of high-quality feature films distributed with partner Lionsgate. Focusing on talent-driven films, the company looks at projects in all stages of production to be released across multiple platforms. Films such as SISTER OF THE GROOM, FATMAN and BREACH are part of the wonderful Saban slate, and more information can be found at www.sabanfilms.com.

Director Gray says of shooting THE UNHOLY TRINITY in Montana, “There’s a rawness to the Western genre, more than any other, where it’s really just about survival. The whole point of the Western is that it’s a frontier. When you strip back all of the conveniences and safety nets of modern life, all that’s left is raw emotion and force. No better genre provides that better than a Western.”

He is right, movie goers do love a good Western and a staple requirement is that it be filled with glaring gunmen, rugged good and bad guys, strong women and something to fight more. Well, this film gives all of that and more surrounded by a solid storyline and twists that are a bonus. The cast brings it all together with stellar performances and more than enough guesses to take up the 95-minute running time and I’m all for every minute.

In the end – the mystery brings them all together!

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON is Live-Action

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Dean DeBlois, DreamWorks and Universal Pictures is the returning tale of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON.

On the island of Berg, Hiccup (Mason Thames) is a young man that doesn’t quite fit in, especially when it comes to fighting the one thing that plagues his village – dragons! It is even more difficult to fit in when your father is Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler) the chieftain of Berk. Hiccup mainly spends his time in the workshop of Gobber (Nick Frost) the blacksmith and being pushed out of the way when dragons attack. Except during the most recent attack, Hiccup hears something and knows if he can bring down a Night Fury, his life will get better yet, when he does, no one believes him.

Stoick is dead set on finding the dragons lair and getting rid of there dragon problem once and for all. Before leaving on that journey, Gobber talks him into letting Hiccup go into dragon training as a way of giving him something useful to do and staying under the watchful eye of Gobber. When he arrives for training, Hiccup is met with the groans of Astrid (Nico Parker), Fishlegs (Julian Dennison), Snotlout (Gabriel Howell), Ruffnut (Bronwyn James) and Tuffnut (Harry Trevaldwyn) who see him as a hinderance and not a help to the village.

In between training, Hiccup decides to go look for signs that he caught a dragon. There, in a small opening in the woods, he sees the Night Fury struggling and shortly realizes his tail is damaged. When a friendship is struck and he discovers a way to help the Night Fury, Hiccup realizes that he can’t and won’t hurt other dragons. As the two become inseparable and he learns from the dragon named Toothless – Hiccup also becomes a surprise during training much to the suspicion of Astrid.

She learns Hiccups secret but also realizes that the villagers truly don’t understand dragons. When Stoick returns, everything comes out and now Hiccup and Toothless are separated while finding the dragon’s lair. Hiccup enlists the help of Astrid and the others to do what needs to be done – saving his father and the other Vikings!

Thames as Hiccup is a young man trying to find his place in the Viking village of Berk. Keeping himself busy with making inventions that no one really pays attention to, he thinks its time to get a dragon. The one thing Hiccup doesn’t count on is realizing that getting to know dragons is the answer to the villages’ problem. It’s unfortunate that Stoick isn’t interested in hearing about it. Thames is charming and captures a bit of the animated Hiccup but it works smoothly and that’s what is important.

Butler as Stoick is the only person that returns from animation to live-action. The fact is that nobody could voice the chieftain better than Butler and he is fun to watch in full Viking regalia. That makes playing the role much easier since he pretty much already knows the lines. The challenge I think would be going from being only a voice to a full-fledged Stoick on screen. He is funny, challenging, and the scene where he gives Hiccup his mother’s helmet is awkward and lovely at the same time.

Frost as Gobber is the peg-legged, one arm blacksmith who understands Hiccup’s predicament referring to him as “all this” of problems with a mixture of loyalty to Stoick as well as a trusted friend. Frost gives his character sarcasm and wit that I secretly enjoy and delivers. Parker as Astrid giving the strong minded and strong-willed Viking who believes she must beat every one and everything in order to be seen as a leader. Hiccup is an obstacle to all that as she feels that being the son of the chieftain is a point she can not get over. Parker delivers on the right bad attitude of her character until she begins to see the other side of the story. Well done.

Dennison, James, Trevaldwyn, and Codd round out the added cast as the other trainees of dragon camp. They might see Hiccup as a problem-child in the beginning but, like Astrid, learn that there is more to their small world than they could ever imagine. Each of these actors are a sweet addition to the live action story.

Other cast include Peter Serafinowicz as Spitelout, Naomi Wirthner as Gothi, Ruth Codd as Phlegma, Andrea Ware as Burnheart, Anna Brophy as Retcha, Marcus Onilude as Snorti, Peter Selwood as Drul, Daniel Williams as Fungi, Kate Kennedy as Flatula and Murray McArthur as Hoark.

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON is, of course, the live action version of the 2010 version of the same name. The cast brings together that version of the story nicely with a few changes here and there but most following the formula that made the animated film such a success. That is important for the success of the film because, and let’s be honest here, when a story changes drastically, fans get a little edgy.

Toothless remains animated and everything my family loves about the Night Fury. Needless to say, there are plenty of Toothless items around our house because that is the amazing impression this character has made. He is a combination of a strong willed, free spirited, protector of a black cat and its absolutely wonderful. That’s how I’ve always seen Toothless and this film doesn’t change that about him one bit.

The film is fun, lots of laughs, and exactly the summer feature that families can have an amazing time at the theatre with. There is something for everyone bringing some of us back to 2010 and introducing a new generation to the same fun in a different way with the story of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON.

In the end – the legend is real!

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of JAWS

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital celebrating 50 years of scarring us out of the water from director Steven Spielberg and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment,

based on the Peter Benchley novel, is the (and I know you hear da-dum, daaaa-dum in your head) fear of JAWS.

Sheriff Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) and his family live on Amity Island. It might be wonderful for most people but the small-town lawman doesn’t like water. Waking up to a phone call that a girl is missing after a swim, he finds himself coming face to face with the worst-case scenario. When he gets the news that it is a shark attack, the sheriff wants to put up signs warning swimmers but it met by Mayor Vaughn (Murray Hamilton) who sees it differently.

Deciding to cave to the mayor but be vigilant, days later another life is lost. Now the town puts up $3,000 for someone to catch the shark responsible. Local shark hunter Quint (Robert Shaw) says he will do it, but for a larger sum. Brody calls for help and Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) arrives to not only confirm the shark kills but decides to take it on himself to go out and see what is in the night ocean. When the shark is seen again and this time Brody’s son is in danger, Brody gets the mayor to agree to Quint’s demands.

Now Brody, Hooper and Quint take to the sea in the Orca to look for the shark that has been plaguing Amity Island. They come in contact with the 25-foot great white shark and realize that what should have been a quick turnaround back to dock – is not. This great white shark puts itself against the three men in a race against life and death!

Scheider as Brody is just absolute perfection as a man who takes the position of authority in a small town. Once a big city cop, Amity provides him with the sun and surf vibe of a town that is isn’t fast paced or dangerous – well, it wasn’t anyway. I just love him in this role (besides the film 52 PICK UP) as his character is confronted by something he cannot see or predict. His fear of water and what’s in it, Scheider reacts as we would expect and doesn’t disappoint. It is a character that we watch grow from beginning to end doing what he needs to for his family, the town and the sea.

Dreyfuss as Hooper is the expert, the humor and the Boy Scout of the film. Knowing exactly what the town is facing, Hooper is the guy no one listens to because he isn’t an “islander”. It should be known that I’m a huge Dreyfuss fan (remember GOODBYE GIRL?) and his role as Hooper is strong and the necessary as the buffer between Quint and Brody but with the worst jokes of the two. There isn’t one thing about Dreyfuss’ performance that can be picked on, not one thing. Fifty-years later, he is connected to his role at Hooper and it must be said, there isn’t a thing wrong with that.

Shaw as Quint is the third point in this triangle of a shark story. In his role as Quint, Shaw doesn’t give a frog’s butt what anyone thinks about him or what he does. He is clear with the town about what he wants to cure their problem and nails on a chalkboard never looked, or sounded, better. Once on the boat, Shaw gives us a man who doesn’t know when to say when but instead is going up against a creature that is just as determined as he is. Trying everything he knows, it becomes a game of cat and mouse – but which is which? Shaw is a consummate actor that I had watched for years before this role in swashbuckler roles and there is a bit of that here in the way he handles Hooper and Brody but there is an intensity that Shaw brings when death is knocking on the side of his boat. Just epic!

Other cast include Lorraine Gary as Ellen Brody, Carl Gottlieb as Meadows Jeffrey Kramer as Hendricks, Chris Rebello as Michael Brody, Jay Mello as Sean Brody, Lee Fierro as Mrs. Kintner, Jeffrey Voorhees as Alex Kintner, and Craig Kingsbury as Ben Gardner. An appearance can also be found of author Peter Benchley.

Bonus Features include The Making of JAWS, The Shark is Still Working: The Impact and Legacy of Jaws, Jaws: The Restoration, Deleted Scenes and Outtakes From the Set and Original Theatrical Trailer.

The novel Jaws arrived on bookshelves in 1974 and became an instant hit among readers. It isn’t surprising that Spielberg grabbed onto it and brought it to screens nationwide to become the highest-grossing film spawning three follow-up films. It is John Williams that put the music to the film that is so memorable that it’s part of our lexicon today and used to express suspense and even fright. In 2021, the Library of Congress selected the film JAWS for its preservation in the United States National Film Registry.

JAWS, in all honestly, kept me out of the ocean for a few summers and cautious after that! Anyone that says it didn’t bother them needs to take a lie detector test! Spielberg took Benchley’s story and gave it all the intensity that I would expect in a story that took us all on a wild ride 50 years ago. Watching the film again and again and again over the years hasn’t changed that one bit. Although we all have aged, this story never will.

Phrases such as “you’re gonna need a bigger boat” and “Mary Ellen Moffett – she broke my heart” are only two of the iconic lines from the film. Watch and find your own favorite lines. So, turn out the lights, turn up the sound bar and pop the biggest batch of popcorn because JAWS is a film that deserves to bring thrills and chills – even fifty years later and fifty years into the future.

In the end – Amity Island has everything and it’s the perfect feeding ground!

It is all FIGHT OR FLIGHT

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Video On Demand (Apple TV, Fandango At Home and Prime Video) from director James Madigan based on the books by Brooks McLaren, D.J. Cotrona and Vertical is a plane ride like no other with FIGHT OR FLIGHT.

An elusive hacker named The Ghost has struck again and Agents Aaron Hunter (Julian Kostov) and boss Katherine Brunt (Katee Sackhoff) are up against the wall to find out who it is and how to capture someone with no photo or fingerprint. Brunt decides there is only one person who can do the job, ex-boyfriend and disgraced CIA Agent Lucas Reyes (Josh Hartnett). Reyes is stuck in Bangkok where the Ghost has struck but he doesn’t want anything to do with Brunt or her request for help. He is much happier living his days pickling his liver. Yet, once he realizes that it might be his ticket home, he consents.

Waiting at the airport is a ticket to San Francisco where the Ghost is supposed to land. On the plane greeting boarders are stewards Isha (Charithra Chandran), Royce (Danny Ashok) and Garrett (Hughie O’Donnell) who get everyone settled. It doesn’t take long before there is a leak somewhere as it becomes clear that on the dark web is a hit for Reyes’ target. Still, no one knows who it is. Reyes is the first to be attacked and he is told there is a massive bounty for the Ghost. Brunt also learns that the plan Reyes is on is filled with assassins looking to collect.

Reyes discovers who the Ghost is but needs the help of Isha, Royce and Garrett to keep them alive and the passengers who have nothing to do with the hit. It all quickly turns when Reyes has a hit out on him! Now the fight begins with 8 hours in the air as Reyes realizes there is much more to the story than he is being told by Brunt, the one person he doesn’t want to trust. There are so many on the plane that the fight is going to get duty but then again, you play stupid games you get stupid prizes!

Hartnett as Reyes is a bit of a drinker who is not happy being trapped in Bangkok which his ex-girlfriend is living the good life in a nice job. When he sees her number show up, it is clear he hasn’t gotten over it in two years. Getting on the plane is his only chance to get some semblance of a life back. Hartnett gets the chance to be a run down, angry CIA agent who would rather be mad at everything. With one phone call it can all change, but that doesn’t mean he still isn’t holding a grudge. I loved watching Hartnett be a bit John Wick but the other end of the spectrum with one liners and serious moments where his behind is handed to him. I can see a franchise forming here and I’m all for it.

Sackhoff as Brunt gets to do what she does best, give the audience a stiff face that doesn’t change expression no matter what the circumstances. Knowing calling Hartnett’s character is less than a last resort, she still does it making promises to get her way. Sackhoff has always been able to be a good/bad/good character actor and I can easily see how this role can grow in a franchise. I hope we get to see that. Kostov as Hunter is an agent who is just so all over the place that it’s hard to keep up – just as his fellow agents. Trying to keep happenings away from the boss, the is mouthy, rude and wants to reach higher in his career no matter what it takes. Kostov gives a character that is easy to not like very much and that’s all I’m saying about that. What a well-played roll.

Chandran as Isha is a stewardess who is just trying to do her job, that is until she realizes that Reyes has a problem. She is a strong character that has no problem helping Reyes once she realizes what they are all up against. Chandran does an awesome of being part of the wild ride and for so many reasons. Ashok as Royce is the twitchy steward that can’t keep his OCD at bay once the chaos begins. I have to say love characters like this that give us comedy in the midst of drama and Ashok gives it full on. O’Donnel as Garret is the gold standard of a steward who believes his job in premium class is everything. Well, that is until mayhem comes to his section of the plane. He made me laugh a lot.

Shout out to Kohli and Baxter as the pilots of the plane who seriously had me giggling a lot!

Extended cast includes Sanjeev Kohli as the Pilot, Declan Baxter as the Co-Pilot, Heather Choo as Monk Heather, Claudia Heinz as Monk Claudia, Marko Zaror as Cayenne, JuJu Chan Szeto as Master Lian, Jyuddah Jaymes as Agent Robinson, Willem van der Vegt as Agent Simmons, Sarah Lam as Mae, Iren Bordan as Mrs. Nazareth, Balint Adorjani as Sky Marshall and Nora Trokan as Cat Eyes.

Vertical is a global independent distributor that offers a unique wealth of experience minus the studio costs. They have won a Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Actress for Molly Shannon’s role in OTHER PEOPLE and the film won a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Film Limited Release, Best International Film for Babak Anvari’s UNDER THE SHADOW, a BAFTA and three Independent British Independent Film Awards as well. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.vert-ent.com.

FIGHT OR FLIGHT is from the producers of JOHN WICK and the fight scenes show that. The storyline, however, is very different. The action doesn’t let up once the flood gates of a bounty are open but it is what is in that mix that brings the level up a notch. Keeping it all basically inside the plane giving fighting in a tight space a whole new look. The characters each put in their own twist on the story and I enjoyed that immensely.

Saying this is an action film seems flimsy because it is an ACTION film with a capital A. It is a pulse pounding, don’t look away, guessing game of where are the problems coming from and who can you trust besides yourself, and runaway fun (if you like chainsaws that is) that calls for a second viewing. That’s the recipe for a great franchise and I’ll be waiting for FIGHT OR FLIGHT: You Aren’t Done Yet sequel!

In the end – don’t forget your boarding pass!

He is the One and Only ELIO

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday for the entire family where ever in the universe you might be from directors Adrian Molina, Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi and Disney Pixar is ELIO.

Young Elio (voiced by Yonas Kibreab) is living with his Aunt Olga (voiced by Zoe Saldana) since the passing of his parents. It has been a difficult adjustment for them both as Elio isn’t sure where the new normal is coming from and Aunt Olga gives up her dream of being an astronaut. They are both trying to patch their family but Elio finds himself in a bit of trouble. First with schoolmates and then at the at Aunt Olga’s job at a government tracking station.

Both have to do with Elio’s love of space and his desire to be abducted. While at the tracking station, the group is excited that Gunther Melmac (Brendan Hunt) announces that he’s discovered a message. When Olga shoots it down, Elio decides to send a little welcome of his own and the results are more than he could have hoped for.

Taken up to the Communiverse, the aliens believe that Elio is a leader planet Earth and they are excited to have him along with Questa (Jameela Jamil), OOOOO (Shirley Henderson), Tegmen (Matthias Schweighofer, Helix (Brandon Moon), Auva (Naomi Watanabe), Turais (Ana de la Regulera) and Mira (Anissa Borrego). Before he is totally accepted into the Communiverse, Elio witnesses Lord Grigon (Brad Garrett) discovers that he isn’t accepted into the group. Angry, he vows retribution for his rejection.

Worries, Questa and the group worry that things will get worse but Elio volunteers to go to Lord Grigon and make him see reason. Over on the angry leader’s ship, Elio tries to reason with him but discovers it doesn’t work. While going through the ship, he meets Glordon (Remy Edgerly) and they strike up a plan and a friendship. On Earth, Aunt Olga is wondering what is happening to Elio because something has changed.

Chaos explodes when Lord Grigon figures out the plan and Elio is sent back to earth. Elijo explains to Aunt Olga what has happened when a craft with Glordon inside is at the military base. Now it’s time for Elijo, Glordon and Aunt Olga take on the universe to set things right again.

Kibreab as Elio voices a young boy dealing with deal and feeling alone in a very large world. Reaching out into space to find a connection, no one understands what he is doing. When the one thing that he wants in the universe happens, Kibreab gives voice to Elio finding his happy place and that’s the Communiverse. The problem is his dishonesty with his new friends but he tries to make it right. It is his friendship with Glordon that is charming, sweet and so very memorable.

Saldana as Aunt Olga doesn’t know what to do with Elio and she sees that he is so very sad. It isn’t easy trying to understand a child that has gone from being a nephew to practically being a son. Giving up her dreams to take care of Elijo, he senses that she isn’t happy with the decision she made. Saldana is a strong character in a difficult situation and lending her voice to this role is so warm and loving.

Garret as Lord Grigon is an unhappy alien who feels rejected by Communiverse and he’s going to show what happens to unhappy aliens. Garret is a tough voice lending itself to a tough character who doesn’t listen to his son. Edgerly as Glordon is fun, charming, so very sweet and can’t figure out a way to tell his father that fighting just isn’t his thing. I love the friendship that comes about between Glordon and Elio and Edgerly’s giggle is contagious.

Shout out to all the aliens because they are so diverse, colorful and wanting to keep their world intact. My granddaughter just adored Questa because, “she is smooth with a voice that is very calming when things get crazy”. I love that she felt that about one of the characters. Also, Hunt as Melmac is hilarious even though his moments on screen are brief.

Other cast include Young Dylan as Bruce, Jake Getman as Caleb, Shelby Young as Diplo Ship, Bob Peterson as the Universal Users Manual and Kate Mulgrew as Museum Exhibit Narrator.

ELIO is a magical, color and an absolute family film that should have parents running to the theatre. It is a story of love, sadness, friendship, understanding, dreams and how we (on this planet or any other) are not so different that we can’t learn from one another. The story is one of a young boy dealing with the hardest thing a child would ever deal with yet, the adventure teaches him the importance of being in the present and on earth.

I love when Disney Pixar brings such imaginative stories that draw people together and ELIO does just that. It has such profound moments that are made more vivid because of the animation and the imagination it took to not only tell Elijo’s story but the fantastic world of the Communiverse. Pack up the kids and spend a little time in space with ELIO

In the end – the universe came calling!