DVD Reviews

The Life of REAGAN on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Come to Bluray, DVD and Digital from director Sean McNamara and Lionsgate is the story of the rise of REAGAN.

Andrei Novikov (Alex Sparrow), is visiting Viktor Petrovich (Jon Voight), a former KGB agent who has a story to tell about the fall of Russia. The reason he is asking Petrovich is because the man was given the mission to watch Ronald Reagan with the infiltration of Hollywood and what happens in Washington. Petrovich tells the story of Regan’s humble beginnings in Illinois and the troubles at home. He also makes it clear that ‘Dutch’ Reagan’s mother Nelle (Amanda Righetti) was the strongest influence on the young man.

Finding his way to Hollywood, Regan (Dennis Quaid) becomes a leading man at the Warner Bros. studios. When that doesn’t last long, he finds himself the president of the Screen Actors Guild in 1947. There is turmoil in Hollywood with the blacklisting and problems with Herbert Sorrell (Mark Kubr) and it is mixed with his marriage to Jane Wyman (Mena Suvarie).

Soon after, Reagan meets Nancy Davis (Penelope Ann Miller) and he turns to politics stomping for other politicians and running for governor of California. Dealing with protestors and disagreements in the state, Reagan holds his own. At a party, a pastor tells Reagan that he will become president but losing the nomination to Gerald Ford, he tries again in 1980 and fulfills the prophecy. A short time later Reagan is shot, clashes with the White House, deals with air traffic controllers, and begins to deal with Russia.

Even with the AIS crisis, Reagan wins reelection to the White House. It is Margaret Thatcher (Lesley-Anne Down) who talks Reagan into meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev (Olek Krupa) in 1985 to talk of nuclear disarmament. When things don’t go according to plan, Reagan has to deal with impeachment whispers and an arms-for-hostages deal that forces him to go public. In one of his final pushes, Regan demands that Gorbachev tear down the Berlin Wall to the praise of the people. Petrovich makes it clear that the Soviet Union did not understand their opponent and as a result, it is the end of an era.

After leaving the White House, Reagan’s life is remembered by people from all walks of life.

Quaid as Reagan attempts to bring the former Presidents to life with a swagger of a Hollywood leading man (not a far stretch). Once that has run its course, Quaid presents us with a man who has found his unlikely calling – politics. Learning quickly how the ‘game’ is played, Quaid invites us into that life. From Margaret Thatcher and Tip O’Neill, it is the biggest challenge with the back and forth of the Soviet Union and Gorbachev. Spaning the years, Quaid takes it all on ending with grace.

Miller as Nancy is given the opportunity to be the solid presence in Reagan’s life. Always supportive, Millers strength is there without many words needing to be spoken. History and journalists always showed Nancy this way but also as a strong woman who knew her own mind and wasn’t afraid to express it. Miller portrayed Nancy in this way. Suvarie as Wyman gives us a strong, opinionate and the Hollywood actress of the times.

Down as Thatcher is the strong British PM who knows that things are becoming strained and that the only way to get it under control is for Reagan to meet the leader of “the evil empire”. Krupa as Gorbachev has a dual relationship with the U.S. President. There is an understanding between two leaders but when it comes to what is best for his own country, Reagan won’t budge.

Voight as Petrovich tells his side of the story and doesn’t attempt to sugar coat it in any way. It is the story from his point of view and what he knew of Reagan and Voight gives us that portrayal. Righetti as Nelle is a small role but in that is a suggestion of why Reagan believed as he did about what was going on in the country at that time.

Other cast include Tommy Ragen as Dutch, David Henrie as young Reagan, Kevin Dillon as Jack Warner, Mark Moses as William Clark, Trevor Donovan as John Barletta, Robert Davis as Leonid Brezhnev, Jennifer O’Neill as older Nelle, Justin Chatwin as Jack Reagan, Dan Lauria as Top O’Neill, Will Wallace as Edwin Meese, Xander Berkeley as George Shultz, C. Thomas Howell as Caspar Weinberger, Nick Searcy as James Baker, and Darryl Cox as William Casey.

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

The film REAGAN is actually based on the 2006 book The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism by Paul Kengor. The screenplay for the film was written by Howard Klausner.

REAGAN is an interesting film in that it attempts in its 141 minutes, the entire life of Ronald Reagan. From his difficult childhood to his last days, it is a grand attempt to get it all on film. Quaid carries the heavy lifting of the film going from young Hollywood star to riding into the sunset on his ranch. That will always be a difficult thing to achieve but Quaid takes it all on in good fashion.

It is interesting to know of Reagan’s history before Hollywood as the first time I saw him was on a series called Death Valley Days from 1964 to 1966 (one of my parent’s favorite shows). Only later did I realize that he was Governor of the state I lived in. His presidency followed me through school after that and into adulthood. The world was complicated during his two terms and, as a history buff, I found that part of the film fascinating.

In the end – he believed in his country!

Prepare to Experience TWISTERS on 4K Ultra HD!

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from director Lee Isaac Chung and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes the anticipated adventure when dealing with TWISTERS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Exclusive Bonus Features include Deleted Scenes, Gag Reel, Tracking the Fronts: The Path of TWISTERS, Into the Eye of the Storm, Glen Powell: All Access, Front Seat to a Chase, Voice of a Villain, Tricked-Out Trucks and Feature Commentary with Director Lee Isaac Chung..

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

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

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

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

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

The Horror of the EXHUMA

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from writer/director Jang Jae-hyun and Well Go USA is the story of the supernatural and secrets with EXHUMA.

Korean Shaman Lee Hwa-rim (Kim Go-eun) and Yoon Bong-gil (Lee Do-hyun) have come to help a Korean-American family led by Park Ji-Yong (Kim Jae-cheol) with an illness that can’t be explained around their newborn son. Spending time with the boy, Hwa-rim discovers that a ‘Grave’s Call’ in on the entire family and it is coming from Ji-Yong’s grandfather. Deciding it is best to relocate the grave for the sake of the ancestor, Haw-rim knows she needs the help of Feng Shui master Kim Sang-deok (Cho Min-sik) and mortician Yeong-geun (Yoo Hae-jin).

Sang-deok’s career is finding burial locations for family members and Yeong-geun runs the funeral home. Almost immediately, Sang-Deok is unsettled by Ji-Yong’s request for cremation and does not want anything to do with the patriarch’s wishes. But he is persuaded by the money being offered which would help him with his daughter’s wedding. Still leery, Hwa-rim lets him know that a ritual can be done at the gravesite to keep clear of any curse. Thinking everything went well during the ceremony, one of the men helping to handle the gravesite is startled by a snake – and that’s when things begin to go horribly wrong.

Something is unleashed and it is something that can not be seen right away but it is going after Ji-young and his family. That is when Sang-deok decides that the coffin of the grandfather must immediately be cremated. Thinking things would get better, some time goes by and Sang-deok visits the grave helper and realizes that there is more to the gravesite. Hwa-rim, Bong-gil and Yeong-geun go back with him to look further and discover that there is something deeper in the ground. They learn that a Japanese shaman named Murayama Junji has a history and it is dark and evil.

Now, they all must do whatever is necessary to try and save Ji-young’s newborn and Bong-gil who is connected to Murayama Junji is the evillest of ways.

Cho Min-sik as Sang-deok is a man who takes his career seriously helping families to find proper burial places for their loved ones. Being invited by Lee Hwa-rim to help him understand what is happening with the Ji-Yong family is welcomed, especially financially. Min-sik portrays his character as a man who knows there is something more than a relocation of a grandfather. His performance kept me going further and further into the story.

Kim Go-eun as Lee Hwa-rim is a young woman with a gift. She understands that her life is mixed in a world that most people can not see nor understand yet, Hwa-rim knows there are those who need her. When she is asked to visit Ji-Yong’s newborn son to discover what is ailing him, she recognizes early what it is and calls out for reinforcements to handle it. Go-eun is amazing in her role and the moments of terror, her expressions are classic horror film.

Lee Do-hyun as Yoon Bong-gil is consistently at Hwa-rim’s side and part of the ceremony’s she must perform. He knows what needs to happen and follows her every step until he becomes part of the horror himself. Do-hyun gets the fun of being part of what is causing the evil and does it so well. Yoo Hae-jin as Yeong-geun is trying to keep the funeral business paying and when he receives a call from Hwa-rim, he also understands that whatever she is dealing with, it is going to need a quick response. He is Sang-deok’s sidekick and offers a bit of humor along the way. Kim Jae-cheol as Park Ji-Yong isn’t sure if he believes what Hwa-rim is telling him but knows that something has to be done, especially since he is on grandfather’s list it seems. Can’t blame a guy for wanting to do whatever is possible to save his family.

Other cast include Yeong-ran Lee as Bae Jeon-ja, Kim tae-joon as Chang-min, Jung Yun-Ha as Ji-yong’s wife, Jeong-ja Park as Ji-yong’s aunt, Hong Seo-jun as President Kim, Seol Chang-hee as the son-in-law and Lee Jong-goo as Bodhisattva.

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

Bonus Features includes the Making of EXHUMA and trailer.

EXHUMA runs 135 minutes in total but let me tell you, it is worth every moment. I happen to enjoy well done story telling and am willing to invest the time on a good one. This film takes it step by step and just when you think things are wrapping up – nope! There are so many levels to this story and it is done so very, very well. The cast is stunning in their portrayals to the point that I was with them every step of the way without even realizing it. There were moments I actually stopped moving and didn’t realize that either. That’s the sign of an awesome thriller.

The cinematography is beautiful as the story focuses on the five main characters and scenes deep in the woods. The special effects are so cool! I don’t need a ton of gore to get invested in a tale of thrills and EXHUMA uses the effects in the best way possible and it looks amazing. If you are not a fan of subtitles as the film is in Korean, watching it in the English setting does not take away anything from the film, it’s equally as exciting and full of edge-of-your-seat moments.

So, turn out the lights and cuddle up with blankets on the sofa because EXHUMA might have you pulling that blanket up to your eyes. Director Jang Jae-hyun gives us a thrill of a supernatural kind!

In the end – the vicious emerges!

The Continuation of the Story of VIKINGS: Valhalla

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and DVD from Creator/Showrunner/Executive Producer Jeb Stuart and Warner Bros. Discover Home Entertainment with VIKINGS: Vahalla – The Complete First Season.

It has been over 100 years since the events of Ragnar Lothbrok and Ivar the Boneless as tensions between the Vikings and England are tense once again. King Aethelred II is the ruler in England and has decided to be rid of all the Danish settlers including Sten Sigurdsson. King Canute (Bradley Freegard), the ruler of Denmark decides to bring revenge to England’s doors by bringing Viking warriors to Kattegat to plan. Among those who want to war are Leif Erikson (Sam Corlett) and Freydis Eiriksdottir (Frida Gustavsson) from Greenland. Freydis has her own reasons for going as a man named Gunnar Magnusson caused her great harm and scared her. Leif goes to clear his reputation from his late father Erik the Red.

Stopping Gunnar’s death by the hands of Olaf Haraldsson (Johannes Haukur Johannesson), Jarl Estrid Haakon (Caroline Henderson) listens to the reasons and tells them she will decide what to do. Leif is asked by Harald Sigurdsson (Leo Suter) to him in the fight against England along with Canute’s army. Haakon’s decides to send Freydis to Uppsala to find her destiny. There are those who don’t trust Leif and it causes serious problems. Playing the middle man in it all is Godwin (David Oakes) who is advising Aethelred. His wife, Queen Emma (Laura Berlin) knows that England needs defending and turns to Eadric Streona.

The Vikings are getting closer and its not without discovering Mercian soldiers before coming to the bridge to London. Edmund (Louis Davison) is trying to obtain the crown of England but it is Canute who makes it clear of his intentions. When they battle is over, Canute must decide what he plans to do with the boy. Freydis and her group are attacked by a berserker and companion Yrsa is injured (Alfrun Laufeyjardottir). What they don’t know is that a fanatical Christian, Jarl Kare (Asbjorn Krogh Nissen) is following them both.

Now in London, Queen Emma and the nobles are under their control. Now Canute is making promises as to who will be king in Norway and beyond. He also wishes to make peace with Emma but he doesn’t know that his wife, Queen Aelfgifu (Pollyanna McIntosh) has other plans as well. Leif is thrilled that Liv (Lujza Richter) has survived the battle but not happy that other Greenlanders have fallen. Freydis in Uppsala is visited in a hallucination by The Seer who gives her warnings about what is to come, referring to her as “The Last Daughter of Uppsala”. She also becomes a shieldmaiden who wants to protect Kattegat.

When Canute has to return to stop a rebellion in his country, his father King Sweyn Forkbeard (Soren Pilmark) has come in his place. Edmund is not happy about Canute’s replacement and makes it clear to Godwin. Olaf is not someone the other Vikings trust but it must be put aside as a plan is forged with Kare to take Kattegat. What Olaf wants is for Kattegat to become a Christian place but they city would rather fight.

Corlett as Leif is a man who is trying to create his own reputation and get away from his father’s. Finding friendship with Harald offers him a chance to fight for the right side. He soon discovers that fighting for that side comes with much intrigue and secrets. Corlett does a really good job of giving us Leif Erikson. Suter as Harald is also trying to do the right thing by his people and sees something in Leif that causes him to befriend the Greenlander. He also has feelings for someone he doesn’t think he should while dealing with his own challenge of faith.

Gustavsson as Freydis is a woman warrior of the most fantastic kind. She also fights for those who cannot fight for themselves. Once Hare decides that she is his target, Gustavsson’s Freydis takes up the sword and knows there will come a showdown between the two. Freegard as Canute is thrilled to take England by storm and finds himself drawn to its queen. The games are twisted and he knows that the plots need to be taken down one at a time.

Johannesson as Olaf is a sly Viking who thinks he knows better than everyone else how the game is to be played. His moves are covered in friendship but when push comes to shove, you never really know what side he’s on till he’s on it. Johannesson does a wonderful job of being the trickster. On the English side of things, Oakes as Goodwin is Olaf’s mirror in that he also knows how to play the game to his advantage. Oakes has always been an actor I’ve watched and here he gets to be as sly as he wants to be – and does it exceedingly well.

Berlin as Queen Emma is a Norman who became an English queen and she has not forgotten where she came from. When Canute takes control, she makes it clear the understanding of how to survive with a crown on your head instead of around your neck. Henderson as Haakon leads Kattegat and its people but also sees something in Freydis that can help. She takes the girl under her protection knowing that when called upon, Freydis will help her and the city.

Nissen as Kare is a religious fanatic that believes the only good heathen is a dead one. His goal is to rid the world of non-Christians and especially Freydis. He sees her as taking something from him that only these two share and that is The Seer. He is vicious, unfeeling and has no problem with killing. Kattegat is his goal and the prize is not money. Pilmark as King Forkbeard is watching over England while Canute is away. He is a stern leader who doesn’t take kindly to those who want to bend the rules in their favor, especially when it is the nobles trying it.

McIntosh as Queen Aelfgifu believes she is entitled to sit on the throne of England as its queen. Now Queen Emma might have something to say about that. I just love McIntosh, she is such a versatile actress but man when she turns the power on, she’s a force. Davison as Edmund is a prince who isn’t sure he can be king. When he tries on his King wings, its clear that this kid has a lot to learn about being a good king.

Other cast include Gavan O’Connor-Duffy as Njal, Kenneth M. Christensen as Jarl Nori, Paaru Oja as Arne Gormsson, Henessi Schmidt as Princess Gytha, Bosco Hogan as King Aethelred II, Wolfgang Cerny as Sten Sigurdsson, Yvonne Mai as Merin, Frank Blake as Birger and John Kavanagh as The Seer.

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.

The Season One episodes include The Greenlanders, Viking, The Marshes, The Bridge, Miracle, The Last Daughter of Uppsala, Choices, and The End of the Beginning.

VIKINGS: Valhalla is a wonderful addition for those who miss the VIKINGS franchise (as my family does). The first season introduces the new players and where the Vikings and English are going and that the bitterness between the two has continued. The Vikings are not only fighting to get to England but betraying one another along the way in a power struggle and that what makes for good storytelling.

Kattegat has always been central to the story in the VIKINGS franchises and it is no different here. The gathering of the armies starts in Kattegat and the battle to hold the crown and the waterways lands in Kattegat. It is not the small city it once was but instead is now the center of the Viking world. Also, in the midst of it all is The Seer who has made his way into the lives of two characters especially but both for different reasons.

The action is intense, the battles are not for the meek and the betrayal among those in power affect everyone. Twists and turns are to be expected in this world but some of them change the dynamic for it only to be changed again and again. The third and final season of VIKINGS: Valhalla will premier in July of 2024. That gives everyone time to catch up with the first season on Blu-ray!

In the end – their story is not over!

They Have Become AFRAID

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from writer/director Chris Weitz and Blumhouse and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the AI and being AFRAID.

Curtis (John Cho) is a computer engineer who enjoys a great relationship with his boss Marcus (Keith Carradine). He wants the company to design something A.I. realizing it is a growing industry. Curtis isn’t really happy about what is happening with the A.I. industry but holds his opinion when he meets Melody (Havana Rose Liu), Lighting (David Dastmalchian) and Sam (Ashley Romans). They have come to a meeting to show Curtis and Marcus their own idea with AIA.

Convincing Curtis to allow AIA into their home to wife Meredith (Katherine Waterston), daughter Iris (Lukita Maxwell) and sons Preston (Wyatt Lindner) and Cal (Isaac Bae), almost immediately Curtis sees unusual people around their home. AIA makes herself invaluable to Meredith and finds a way to ingratiate herself to teen daughter Iris but Curtis is not fooled. He decides to take matters into his own hands when Marcus informs him that the company has been sold and Curtis can become the new boss. Going to the headquarters is where Curtis makes a stand but AIA isn’t about to let him get away with anything.

At home, it all begins to become crazier and this time, he has the family behind him. Will it be enough to go against a strong AIA?

Cho as Curtis is a man who is happy with his family and his work. Of course, there are struggles with the kids and trying to make everyone happy but he does try. Bringing AIA home offers a bit of time with the wife and a connection for the kids. Surprised at first that the family finds their own place with AIA, it doesn’t take long before his return feelings about A.I. are validated.

Waterston as Meredith is a wife who begins to question being a Mom. AIA is there to listen but there comes a time when even she questions how the line blurs between a human beings’ true feelings and A.I.’s programed responses. Maxwell as Iris is a typical teenager who lets social media rule her life until AIA steps in. Bae as Cal is a youngster with an ipad and we all know how that can be. Preston as Lindner gets the chance to show he is just as brave, and a tad cleverer, than his dad.

Shout out to Liu as Melody, Dastmalchian as Lightening and Romans as Sam for providing the creepiness needed for this to work. To be honest, had I ever met these three – I’d have run the opposite way so fast it would make my own head spin!

Other cast include Bennett Curran as Sawyer, Greg Hill as Henry, Riki Lindhome as Maud, Todd Waring as Papa and Ben Youcef as Ben.

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.

Extra features include Five Deleted & Extended Scenes Including Alternate Ending and Dark Side of AI.

AFRAID is a look at how quickly A.I. can permeate family life in a larger sense. We use computers, phones, social media, websites etc. but AIA shows that in a snap how it can be used in the worst way. Cho brings the naysaying to it all but finds himself a bit pulled in by it until it starts to make him suspicious.

AIA actually becomes a bit of a star in this film solving problems and becoming best friends with the wife solving her issues, bff to the daughter solving her teen issues yet with the sons, the A.I. takes on a different look and feel. The film falls into the “beware of A.I.” that seems to permeate films right now and truthfully, I’m a bit on their side. Although, I have to also say I do like having Alexa around when I have weird questions I’m too lazy to look up myself so there’s that.

That being said, watch the film and discover which side you are on.

In the end – be careful what you let in!

The HBO Hit Series SUCCESSION Comes to Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No one sees how it is all going to end!

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

In the end – take what’s yours!

From Adult Swim is RICK AND MORTY: The Complete Seasons

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on DVD from Adult Swim and Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment is an animated series that has something for everyone with RICK AND MORTY: The Complete Seasons 1-7.

Season One begins with after being drunk, Rick and Morty take a flight in a machine made from a neutrino bomb. Rick suggests that destroying humanity might help Morty get with Jessica to become the new Adam and Eve. Morty’s mom and dad think Rick is a horrible influence on Morty and think it may be time for a nursing home. Fortunately, or unfortunately, Rick has other problems involving Mega everything. Now, parents Jerry and Beth have a reason to be suspicious when they discover how many days Morty has been absent from school.

Rick thinks that going on adventure with Morty is more important learning more, like the laws of thermodynamics, than what he could learn in school. Oddly, Jerry and Beth let the two go on more adventures! Morty even helps around the house when Snuffles needs a better understanding about not pee’ing on the carpet. Rick is busy getting into the school’s math teacher’s mind.

More episodes include Lawnmower Dog, Anatomy Park, M. Night Shaym-Aliens!, Meeseeks and Destroy, Rick Potion #9, Raising Gazorpazorp, Rixty Minutes, Something Ricked This Way Comes, Close Rick-counters of the Rich Kind, and Ricksy Business.

After six months Rick tells Morty that time might be unstable beginning Season Two. When Morty and sister Summer bicker, it creates two realities and the garage has a weird void of Schrodinger’s cats. Trying to use a Time Crystal to fix thing, it is Morty an Summer who keep the madness happening and Rick sees it all split into four-dimension. It has to be fixed before the void has its way or before Einstein has something to say about it all.

More season episodes include A Rickle in Time, Mortynight Run, Auto Erotic Assimilation, Total Rickall, Get Schwifty, The Ricks Must Be Crazy, Big Trouble in Little Sanchez, Interdimensional Cable 2: Tempting Fate, Look Who’s Purging Now, and The Wedding Squanchers.

Season Three continue with the Galactic Federation is in charge of Earth and the family doesn’t have Rick around. Summer decides to dig up a Rick to get the portal gun for rescue. Morty wants Summer to go see for herself how Rick has messed up another alternate universe called the Cronenberg World. Once captured, the Council of ricks decide what to do next. The Federation is going to try something itself by sending Cornvelious Daniel to discover the secret of Rick’s portal gun. Things in the Smiths home are getting heated when Beth has to make a choice and Rick has a weird hankering for a 1998 Szechuan Sause from McDonalds.

The other episodes include The Rickshank Rickdemption, Rickmancing the Stone, Pickle Rick, Vindicators 3: The Return of Worldender, The Whirly Dirly Conspiracy, Rest and Ricklaxation, The Ricklantis Mixup, Morty’s Mind Blowers, The ABC’s of Beth, and The Rickchurian Mortydate.

Onto Season Four, Rick and Morty go off to Forbodulon Prime looking for a way to use death crystals to see the outcomes of death. Morty sees Jessica and follows what the crystal is showing him and Rick sees something totally different. When disaster strikes Morty goes home only to be followed by Holographic Rick. When you add Rick, Holographic Rick and Wasp Rick into the mix, well, Morty gets more than he bargained for.

More episodes include Edge of Tomotrty: Rick Die Rickpeat, The Old Man and the Seat, One Crew over the Crewcoo’s Morty, Claw and Hoarder: Special Ricktim’s Morty, Rattlestar Ricklactica, Never Ricking Morty, Promortyus, The Vat of Acid Episode, Childrick of Mort, and Star Mort Ricktum of the Jerri.

Rick and Morty are in their spaceship and there is a chance they are going to crash in Season Five. Morty wants to keep a date with Jessica and is going to do what it takes to make that happen. Landing in the ocean, Rick now has to tell Morty about Mr. Nimbus. When Nimbus appears, it is time to deal with a treaty but Rick has other ideas with Summer’s help. She has to dive to retrieve a conch shell that will turn the, excuse me, tide. Rick decides its time to wine up Nimbus but will it be enough?

Other episodes include Mort Dinner Rick Andre, Mortypolicity, A Rickconvenient Mort, Rickdependence Spray, Amortycan Grickfitti, Rick & Morty’s Thanksploitation spectacular, Gotron Jerrsis Rickvangelion, Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort, Forgetting Sarick Mortshall and Rickmurai Jack.

Season six starts with Rick Morty being rescues by Space Beth. Evil Morty has sabotaged the portal gun but Rick tries to fix it but instead, it glitches. Hoping Summer can help them get back, each need to get back to their own dimension. Rick wants an AI of his wife Diane but that goes crazy instead and now they have to deal with a Rick Prime. The two Beths have a disagreement about fighting off five-dimensional monsters and surprised at who saves them. Jerry has found a “cute” parasite he calls Mr. Frundles. It’s not so cute when it wants to take over the world. Rick makes the statement that Rick Prime is the “real deal”1

More episodes include Solaricks, Rick: A Mort Well Lived, Bethic Twinstinct, Night Family, Final DeSmithation, Juricksic Mort, Full Meta Jackrick, Analyze Piss, A Rick in King Mortur’s Mort, and Ricktational Mortpoon’s Rickmas Mortcation.

When Mr. Poopybutthole visits the Smiths, they quickly grow tired of his antics and demand that Rick take action. Calling friends like Quanchy, Birdperson and Gen’s cousin, it is now a party. That’s when PB is still upset about the Army and wants Rick to help mend fences with his son. Getting a P.I. involved, PB grabs his son but has second thoughts which is unfortunate since Rick and friends had a smack down with Gul’Karna.

Other epsiodes in the season include How Poopy Got His Poop Back, The Jerrick Trap, Air Force Wong, That’s Amorte, Unmortricken, Rickfending Your Mort, Wet Kuat Amortician Summer, Rise of the Numbericons: The Movie, Mort: Ragnarick, and Fear No Mort.

Adult Swim is an adult programming block on cartoon Network during the evening, prime time, and late-night. The channel features stylistically varied animated and live-action series aimed at adult audiences. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.adultswim.com.

RICK AND MORTY: The Complete Seasons 1-7 have Special Features that contain mature themes and vulgar and sexually explicit language that may not be suitable for viewing by children under 17. Parental discretion is strongly advised.

RICK AND MORTY is the twisted and awesome creation of Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland. Starting out with short film, Roiland began submitting a different kind of filmmaking to film festivals. Harmon liked the twisted humor and began collaborating with Roiland. By 2012, Adult Swim picked up the series and it aired in October of that year and has been a ratings hit ever since.

In 2015, the series won an IGN Award for Best Animated Series, in 2017 won again for Best Animated Series and Best Comedic TV Performance for Justin Roiland, won Best Animated Series from the Critics Choice Television awards, Best General Audience Animated Television/Broadcast Production for Pickle Rick and Outstanding Achievement for Writing in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production for Ryan Ridley and Dan Guterman from the Annie Awards.

Also, from the Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Animated Program for Pickle Rick in 2018 and again in 2020 for The Vat of Acid Episode, in 2021 the series won Best Edited Animation for Lee Harting (Rattlestar Ricklactica) from the American Cinema Editors Awards, and Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards gave the show Best Broadcast Network or Cable Animated Series or Television Movie in 2022.

I am a big fan of adult cartoons as far back as The Ren & Stimpy Show in 1991 (yes, that aged me big time!) to Beevis and Butt-Head in 1993 and so many more. Each pushed the boundaries of what could be said and done on television seeing animation humor as kind of harmless fun right? We knew then as we know now, these shows have just become grittier, boundary pushing and absolutely hilarious. Sitting up late nights watching the shows in past years, our family became thrilled with Adult Swim’s content and we are still unapologetic about loving it all.

RICK AND MORTY is a continuation of that gritty, boundary pushing humor that is a reason to hang out of a Friday night with friends. We did a potluck on many nights and sat around who ever had the biggest television screen to have time together laughing (sometimes to the point of needing oxygen). That’s what RICK AND MORTY have done, spending seven seasons with us!

Now, all seven seasons are together in one collection so everyone can do it all over again because that’s what friends with twisted senses of humor do, encourage boundary pushing laughter!

In the end – they are out of this world!

The 50th Anniversary of THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, VHS (yes, VHS!) and Bluray in a Chainsaw Edition from director Tobe Hooper and Dark Sky Selects comes the film that caused a stir in theatres in 1974 and is celebrated fifty years later with THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE.

Driving through Texas in 1973, Sally Hardesty (Marilyn Burns), Jerry (Allen Danziger), Pam (Teri McMinn), Kirk (William Vail) and brother Franklin (Paul A. Partain) are on a road trip of fun. Siblings Sally and Franklin decide to stop and pay respects to their grandfather’s grave and Franklin speaks about his family’s history and their slaughterhouse. On the road is a hitchhiker and when the group picks him up, he also tells of his family’s involvement in the slaughterhouse. After a confrontation, the group kicks him out of the van!

Next to an empty gas station, they gang walks through the hold house the Hardesty family once lived but Kirk and Pam decide to go the swimming hole. When the couple comes across a run-down house, they go exploring and that starts a chain of horror events. When Sally and Franklin go looking for their friends, Sally finds herself in the same house chased by a masked man. Trying to escape, she ends up back at the gas station being told about Grandpa (John Dugan) and Leatherface (Gunnar Hansen).

The night of terror has only begun!

Burns as Sally brings the most memorable and frightening character to the screen. The chase between she and the vicious family is on in a night of terror. Through the years Burns has spoken about her role and how she never expected it to be talked about throughout the years. Supporting the film through conventions and appearances, Burns’ role in the film brought her fans world-wide. She did appear in other films and television productions such as the role of Linda Kasabian in the 1976 series Helter Skelter. Burns passed away in 2014.

The other notable character that continues to keep fans on their toes is Leatherface played by Gunnar Hansen. Every year, the costume of Leatherface is always front and center around Halloween, even fifty years later! Hansen took on roles after the film and also became an author with his Memoir on traveling with Islands at the Edge of Time: A Journey to America’s Barrier Islands and 2014 book Chains Saw Confidential.

Other cast include Jim Siedow as the Old Man, Robert Courtin as Window Washer, William Creamer as Bearded Man, John Faulk as the Storyteller and John Larroquette as the Narrator.

Dark Sky Selects is committed to delivering a meticulously curated selection of high-quality, limited edition film releases and exclusive merchandise to the collector's market. As an extension of MPI Media Group and Dark Sky Films, Dark Sky Selects hails from nearly five decades of experience in genre films, as a specialty label dedicated to preserving the legacy of iconic titles like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, and modern classics like The House of the Devil. Our mission is to provide premium, collector-focused products that honor our cinematic heritage and ensure its preservation for future generations.

Dark Sky Films works with emerging talent as well as established veterans to develop, produce and finance feature films and episodic television projects. Representing films from some of most talented directors working today, such as Ti West’s THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL and THE INKEEPERS, and Jim Mickle’s STAKE LAND, Dark Sky continues to identify original talent and projects to bring a vibrant slate of films to the world market, with original productions and releases such as GIRL ON THE THIRD FLOOR, WE ARE STILL HERE, and most recently, THE DARK and 1BR. For more please visit www.darkskyfilms.com

Bonus Features include Disc 1: 4-Feature Commentaries of Writer-Producer Toe Hooper, Actor Gunnar Hansen and Cinematographer Daniel Pearl, Actors Marilyn Burns, Allen Danziger and Paul A. Partain, and Production Designer Robert Burns, Writer-Producer-Director Tobe Hooper, Cinematographer Daniel Pearl, Editor J. Larry Carroll and Sound Recordist Ted Nicolaou. Disc 2 includes the feature film.

Disc 3 Bluray Bonuses include: The Fil Which You Are About to See, Hunters of Another Kind, Documentary: The Legacy of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Cinefamily Presents Friedkin/Hooper: A Conversation About THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE Between William Friedkin and Tobe Hooper, Flesh Wounds: Seven Stories of the Saw, A Tour of the TCSM House with Gunnar Hansen, Off the Hook with Teri McMinn, The Business of Chain Saw: An Interview with Production Manager Ron Bozman, Grandpa’s Tales: An Interview with Actor John Dugan, Cutting Chain Saw: An Interview with Editor J. Larry Carroll, Deleted Scenes & Outtakes, Blooper Reel, Horrors Hallowed Grounds: TCSM, Dr. W.E. Barnes Presents “Making Grandpa”, Still Gallery, Trailers, TV Spots and Radio Spots.

THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE hit theatres in 1974 setting the horror genre and movies goers teeth on edge – and we’ve loved every minute of it. Starting out with an X rating, the film was edited with a final rating of R. Reviews went from hailing is a work of horror genius to trash and everything in between. No one who has seen the film through the years can ever hear the sound of a chainsaw and not have their, pardon the pun, skin crawl for half a second. The film has continued time and time again to bring fans to its story and although there have been many incarnations since then but, purist will always be the first in line to bask in the original frights.

Available in a stunning box set that includes your own chainsaw, a 4K Ultra HD/Bluray copy and, for all the purists at heart, a VHS copy. Is it twisted to say this is so much fun to have in anyone’s home entertainment library? It is time to gather up your own group of Leatherface’s, turn out the lights, crank up the big screen television and soundbar up loud because THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE has come home once again bringing that memorable sound to chill us all!

In the end – can you survive?

AMITYVILLE: Where the Echo Lives

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to On Demand and Digital from writer/director Carlos Ayala and Lionsgate is the story of AMITYVILLE: Where the Echo Lives.

Heather West (Sarah McDonald) is a paranormal investigator who is still dealing with the death of her father who was also a renowned investigator. She receives a call from a woman who suspects there is a spirit in her home. Setting up her equipment, Heather also takes time to study the case of the young Mary Gonzalez (Breanna Rossi) who has been missing for a very long time.

When she is alone, Heather is writing her feelings and drowning them in vodka and orange juice all while avoiding her family. The one person she does want to see is John (Nick Barelli) because his problems are normal and she can handle that much at least. Back at her new investigation, she begins to feel strangely with a voice trying to warn her to stay away. She finds herself turning to others who have connections to the spiritual plane in order to heal her own pain only to free another’s.

McDonald as Heather is a young woman who wants to make her father proud by continuing with paranormal investigations. Doing the best she can, it is only a matter of time before what is on the other side comes looking for her in its own way. McDonald gives a stoic performance never really letting the audience know who she is or what she is about, that is, perhaps the point. She doesn’t know any of that either which muddles the spiritual waters.

Barelli as friend John is dealing with normal life worries and looks to Heather for a solid relationship. He is probably the only normal thing in her life and Heather holds onto it for dear life.

Other cast include Hector de Alva as the Psychic, Adelina Monroe as the t.v. host and Carlos Ayala as Ronny Bushik.

AMITYVILLE: Where the Echo Lives feels a bit like an arthouse piece with its long pauses, emotional ‘diary’ entries and special effects. Although the story is about the paranormal, it takes much of its time explaining how Heather’s life came to be mired by alcohol and her emotional state. Then again, if you believe in the paranormal, that is precisely how unfriendly spirits manage to get in (if you believe the literature on the subject).

There is not the frights and chills one expects from a story that has Amityville in its title but instead takes time to delve into the life of Heather West and what brings her to the point of finding the light. When creating the family Halloween playlist for the frightful day we all love to be scared for, add this to your playlist.

In the end – follow the voices!

BAD BOYS: Ride or Die on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from directors Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the return of BAD BOYS: Ride or Die.

Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) is finally married to Christine (Melanie Liburd) and during it all, partner Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) has a medical emergency. Waking up, Marcus has a new outlook on life but it’s interrupted by the news that Captain Howard (Joe Pantoliano) has been dealing in corruption with the drug cartels. Mike and Marcus aren’t about to let that go and two other people that are going to help are Captain Rita Secada (Paola Nunez) and Adam Lockwood (Ioan Gruffudd).

Mike’s son Armando (Jacob Scipio) was charged with Howard’s murder gets a visit and he tells the duo that Howard didn’t have anything to do with it. He also tells his father Mike what really happened and wants to help. Those who are responsible are still in action and it sets off a message for Mike and Marcus about where to go next. Following the leads left behind from Howard, Mike also has to worry about his son’s safety. That doesn’t stop bad things from happening!

Coming in to try and help are AMMO Kelly (Vanessa Hudgens) and Dorn (Alexander Ludwig) and they are up against former DEA Agent James McGrath (Eric Dane). What is actually happening is much deeper than either Mike or Marcus could have imagined as following the trail becomes more and more dangerous. The thing is – the bad guys have no idea who they are up against and what lengths they are willing to go to clear their beloved captains name!

Smith as Mike is back to a different life of marriage but the same with partner Marcus and dedication to Captain Howard. He hasn’t changed the portrayal of his character and follows it through the entire film. Lawrence as Marcus has a bit of a life change once his heart lets him know that Skittles is not a food group. Back out on the street, he believes as Mike does that there has been a big mistake and wants to find out who is responsible for the lie.

Nunez as Rita knows that Mike and Marcus are going to be affected by the allegations but is going to follow through the investigation. Nunez plays tough up against Smith and Lawrence and it works. Gruffudd as Lockwood is working with Rita and knows that Mike and Marcus are protective of their friend. It’s nice to see Gruffudd by on the screen again as he takes his role to the bad side.

Hudgens and Ludwig are the younger dynamic due and it works. They want to help and are going to be just as diligent in finding the truth than Marcus and Mike. On a side note, it’s good to see Ludwig on the screen once again. Scipio as Armondo is still behind bars but wants to help the dynamic duo solve the mystery. Scipio has the moves and the muscle to stop anyone from messing with his character.

Dane as McGrath has literally turned white in the hair and it gives him such a scary look. His character is calm, cool, collected and never in a hurry to do anything. Portraying that gives him the edge to being a real bad boy.

Other cast include Tasha Smith as Theresa Burnett, Tiffany Haddish as Tabitha, John Salley as Fletcher, DJ Khaled as Manny, Rhea Seehorn as Judy Howard, Dennis Green as Reggie Norman, Bianca Bethune as Megan Burnett, Quinn Hamphill as Callie Howard, Jason Davis as Agent Grice, Derek Russo as Lintz, Jenna Kanell as Nicole and a cameo by Michael Bay.

Bonus Features include Outtakes & Bloopers, Deleted Scenes, Will & Martin Chemistry, Legacy & Laughs, The Bruckheimer Legacy: Crafting BAD BOYS & Beyond, Fights Camera Action, Partners in Crime and a Post Credit Scene.

The duo is back together to do what they do best – be Bad Boys. They do look like they are having fun being back together in their respective roles. The film is filled with action, verbal sparring, intense fight scenes and, if you have a sound bar, can be extremely loud! Smith and Lawrence have joined the buddy-cop hall of fame with its franchise and they haven’t let the wind out of their sails quite yet.

For all the fans who wanted to see Mike and Marcus back together, then this is going to be the film they expect. Filled with chaos and gunfights in the street, Marcus sees the world as freeing and Mike sees his world change being a married man. Although the story is easy to follow, it is clear the film follows the same formula that made BAD BOYS a success in the first place.

In the end – on the run Bad Boys style!

His Life is about SIGHT

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They See the SIGNS

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

He has THE SIXTH SENSE

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – not every gift is a blessing!

CAPTAIN PHILLIPS Returns to 4K Ultra HD Steelbook

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – out here survival is everything!

Protecting Democracy with ANGEL HAS FALLEN

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – loyalty has fallen under fire!

It is all About the RIDE

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – the toughest ride is redemption!

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

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – what could possibly go right?

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

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – no one can stop the reign!

They are THE BIKERIDERS

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end - outsiders become legends!

There are KINDS OF KINDNESS

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – everybody is looking for something!

It is About the STING

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and currently on Digital from writer/director Kiah Roache-Turner and Well Go USA is the story of a girl and her unusual friend with STING.

Charlotte (Alyla Browne) is a young girl living in an old apartment building with Mom Heather (Penelope Mitchell), baby brother Liam and step-dad Ethan (Ryan Corr). Occupying herself much of the time, she visits the apartment of her grand aunt and grandmother Helga (Noni Hazelhurst) from time to time. On this day while in their apartment, Charlotte finds a fascinating and unusual spider and decides to keep it in her room.

Naming her friend Sting, she feeds him but the tiny spider grows bigger and its appetite grows as well. In the home, Charlotte is struggling with her parents as Ethan tries to be closer to the girl. Feeling the strain, Ethan and Heather strike an argument about the girl’s father but that doesn’t stop Sting from doing a little striking out on its own.

Sting is larger than life and has picked up a few tricks to lure the buildings tenants into a web battle that can either end a family or bring them closer together.

Browne as Charlotte is quite the young girl who has no problem letting people know how she feels. Straight forward, she is also trying to understand the problems going on in the adult world. Finding friendship with a spider not only gives her comfort, but something else to focus on. Browne gives an eerie performance to match that of her eight-legged friend and it works beautifully.

Corr as Ethan is a man trying to do his best to keep blend the instant family and new family together. Under the pressure of taking care of a building that would probably make a better pile of rubble and working from home, his relationship with Charlotte is becoming strained. Yet, when push comes to spider, Corr is going to fight for his family with the clever help of the one person he truly wants happy. Mitchell as wife Heather is also trying to take care of Grandma, work and raise a family which makes double strain at home.

Shout out to Hazelhurst as grandma Helga who knows something is going on but is living between two worlds. I think she’d rather be in the one that doesn’t have a spider in it!

Other cast include Robyn Nevin as Gunter, Silvia Colloca as Maria, Danny Kim as Erik, Jermaine Fowler as Frank, Jett/Kade Berry as Liam and narrator Lee Perry.

Bonus Features include Behind the Scenes, Cast and Crew Interviews, Creation of the Monster and Trailer.

Spiders seems to be a running fear with people and this film isn’t going to help. Watching the young girl handle the multi-legged outer space arrival is creepy enough from the beginning. As the film progresses, so does the fear of any sane arachnophobic as the scenes are set in grey, a bit dingy and places to hide.

STING is absolutely a film that should be watched in the dark from start to finish (I’d add a soundbar for full crazy). The creepy little spider has a mind of its own and is going to do what it must to survive. That means humans, or anything else breathing, is going to be its target. There hasn’t been a creepy spider film since the 1990 Frank Marshall directed film ARACHNOPHOBIA (a family fav by the way).

This film brings in a much darker element but seems to want to place ‘nefarious’ at the eight legs of spiders. I admit I’m not a huge fan of spiders and give them a wide birth when I see them, but they get a bad wrap because of their looks. Director Roache-Turner takes that fright and slowly gives it size, strength and out of this world smarts to give arachnophobia something else to worry about – well done.

In the end – your biggest fear just got bigger!

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary Original Story of THE KARATE KID

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from director John G. Avildsen, Columbia Pictures and

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the 1984 blockbuster return of THE KARATE KID.

Teenage Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Mom Lucille (Randee Heller) to Reseda, California and is trying to find a way to fit in. Immediately he runs into bully Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), a black belt from the local Cobra Kai dojo, who has no issue showing Daniel who’s boss. He also meets Ali (Elisabeth Shue) who makes him feel welcome, the problem is she is the ex-girlfriend of Johnny.

Halloween comes and after an incident, Johnny, along with pals Bobby (Ron Thomas), Tommy Rob Garrison), Jimmy (Tony O’Dell) and Dutch (Chad McQueen), chase Daniel and begin to beat him. Handyman Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) jumps in to defend the boy against the bullies. Stunned by what he says, Daniels asks Mr. Miyagi to teach him to defend himself. Instead, he takes the boy to try to talk it through with the boys. Visiting Cobra Kai, they meet teacher John Kreese (Martin Kove), is amused by Mr. Miyagi and it is clear where Johnny gets his aggression from.

To solve the issue, Mr. Miyagi suggests that Daniel enter the All-Valley Karate Championship to take on his students. Kreese agrees to keep his boys off Daniel until then. Mr. Miyagi begins to train Daniel in unusual ways and through frustration, he begins to realize what he is being taught. Also, his relationship with Alli is becoming stronger.

When the day of the tournament arrives, Daniel and Mr. Miyagi come together for a match to prove that it is with heart that one can win!

Macchio as Daniel is a young man who is trying to fit into a place so removed from all he has known. To immediately find hostility is not something he knows how to handle and doesn’t have anyone to turn to. That is until he meets the very quiet Mr. Miyagi and his life changes in ways he could never have expected. Macchio was and will always be the original KARATE KID in my family. The performance of this, at the time, young actor is just engrained in the memories of everyone who was in the theatre in the 80’s and we will accept no substitute!

Morita as Mr. Miyagi has been in so many films and television and, as an older actor, he skyrocketed into fame portraying this very calm and understanding character. Showing Daniel the way of not fighting but instead of self-defense, his methods of training take the teen by surprise but there was always a method to his madness. Morita gives us a caring person who becomes an important part of a young teen’s life.

Zabka as Johnny is definetly a character that a lot of people in the 80’s knew (this was before such radical cultural change in feeling about bullies). Johnny finds a mentor in Kreese without realizing that what he is learning is violent, destructive and detrimental to everyone around him. Zabka is given a difficult role and yet, it is important to Daniels story and he does it well.

Shue as Alli is very supportive of Daniel while still dealing with the issues of ex-boyfriend Johnny. She joins in the journey of Daniel and Mr. Miyagi and it gives the teens and viewers the charming crush story. Kove as Kreese is an angry man who is teaching that very same anger to his students at the dojo. He is the biggest bully in the room and even his students are afraid of him. The only one who is not is Mr. Miyagi proving that size doesn’t matter!

Bonus Features on 4K Ultra HD include Restored from the Original Camera Negative, Presented in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision, All New Commentary with the Creators of Cobra Kai Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, All New Over 30 Minutes of Deleted Scene Dailies, Four Deleted Scenes, Remembering THE KARATE KID Featurette and Theatrical Trailer.

Bonus Features on Bluray include Blu-Pop Pop-Up Track, Commentary with Director John G. Avildsen, Writer Robert Mark Kamen and Actors Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita, “The Way of THE KARATE KID” Multi-Park Making-Of Featurette, “Beyond the Form” Featurette, “East Meets West: A Composer’s Notebook and “Life of Bonsai” Featurette.

THE KARATE KID hit theatres in 1984 and just blew us all away, so much so that we all flocked to the theatres for ever sequel after that. Every adventure of Daniel and Mr. Miyagi was more to the tale of their lives and the flow was seamless. Revisiting the story from its beginning is so amazing and all the special features give insight even more to the creation of one of the most iconic films.

When our family speaks of growing up, THE KARATE KID is always part of the conversation. My two boys wanted to begin karate classes because of this movie but, thankfully, their sensei was a kind man who knew how to teach without Kreeses’ faults. They, like Daniel, learned to respect the art of karate along with when and where it was to be used. So, this film reached past a tub of popcorn in the theatres and into daily lives.

The film made such an impact in our culture that when the series COBRA KAI came to cable, people rallied around the return of the iconic characters of Daniel and Johnny as grown men with families of their own. So, return once again to the beginning and celebrate the 40th Anniversary of where it all began!

In the end – the secret of karate lies in the heart not the hands!

The Music of THE BOHEMIAN

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital from writer/director Petr Vaclav and Music Box Films is the story of a musician, love and being THE BOHEMIAN.

Josef Myslivecek (Vojtech Dyk) lives in Prague in the 18th century becoming a master miller in the family business. Unhappy with that, he turns to music studying with the likes of Habermann and Seger. Traveling to Venice, Italy with dreams of becoming a great musician while studying with Giovanni Pescetti. Seeking out those who would mentor his work, he finds a musical home in the world of opera.

Slowly his work becomes recognized and women have made their place in his life as well. From opera singer Caterina Gabrielli (Barbara Ronchi), to the Marchesa (Elena Radonicich), it seemed between writing about his emotions and it showing up in his work, the elite admire his music. Myslivecek even befriends the very young Mozart (Philip Hahn) with advice on how to see the world through the eyes of music.

From Il Bellerofonte to Armida, Myslivecek’s life begins to unravel when the married woman he loves takes him further down a path of destruction. When his physical appearance is marred by his lifestyle, those from his earlier years begin to reappear in his life but not in time to change what time has done.

Dyk as Myslivecek portrays the eager young musician who sees no future in mill work. Spending his time composing and understanding music makes him hungry to have his music heard. Dyk portrays all of that in his performance but also a hint of longing for something he does not yet understand. Finding himself in caught up in the times of indulgences, the games have more rules when he wants a simpler life. Dyk is lovely, charming and dedicated in the role so well done.

Other cast include Alberto Cracco as Conte Fioncchietti, Federica Vecchio as Cornelia, Diego Pagotto as Orfeo Crispi, Salvatore Langella as Conte di San Paolo.

Music Box Films is the prestigious North American distributor of acclaimed international, independent, and documentary feature films. Recent releases include Eric Gravel’s Cesar nominated thrilling social drama FULL TIME and Rebecca Zlotowski’s OTHER PEOPLE’S CHILDREN. Music Box Films also owns and operates Music Box Theatre, Chicago’s premier venue for independent and foreign films. For more of what they have to offer please go to www.musicboxfilms.com

THE BOHEMIAN is the winner of six Czech Lion Awards, including Best Czech Film and Best Director, and selected as the Czech submission for Best International Film at the 95th Academy Awards. The film’s music features such international soloists as Philippe Jaroussky, Simona Saturova, Emoke Barath and Raffaella Milanesi.

This film is so rich in music and beautiful voices from start to finish. Surrounded by the period piece set designs and costuming, it is so easy to quickly fall into the story and time period. The deep rich reds and blues from the clothing to the wall paintings to the color of the wine in stunning crystal glasses, it evokes everything of the period and the excesses covering up the realities.

The music is absolutely wonderful with the most moving scenes provided by the emotions of the actors feel amazingly genuine. I will admit to falling under its spell as well and that is what grand film making with beautiful music can do. Myslivecek is not a musician that most have heard of when along side Beethoven, Mozart and the like but he should be. His works are just as valuable and worthy of a listen and experienced.

THE BOHEMIAN is a film that I would put in my library alongside IMMORTAL BELOVED, AMADEUS, MAESTRO, THE PIANIST, IMPROMPTU, THE DEVIL’S VIOLINIST and, my heart favorite, THE RED VIOLIN. If you are in search of musical richness and beauty along with the tragedy of being frail humans, then THE BOHEMIAN is a must-see.

In the end – his world is music!

They Used the TAROT

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from writer/director Spenser Cohen and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment comes the fright when you pick up a deck of TAROT.

Deciding to celebrate Elsie’s (Larsen Thompson) birthday in the Catskills, friends Haley (Harriet Slater), Grant (Adain Bradley), Paxton (Jacob Batalon), Madeline (Humberly Gonzalez), Paige (Avantika) and Lucas (Wolfgang Novogratz) rent a mansion for the event. Wandering the castle, they end up in the basement and find a box of weird tarot cards. Knowing that Haley has a bit of experience, they decide she should do readings on everyone. The cards are very different but Haley does her best.

One by one they begin to experience brutal attacks with the birthday girl being the first. Alma Astron (Olwen Fouete) is someone the group finds online to help explain what has been happening. They learn the origin of the cards and their owner and told they should destroy the cards.

But will the cards destroy them first!

Special Features on Bluray and DVD are A Twist of Fate: Making the Film, Circle of Friends and Killer Outtakes.

This is a horror genre fans dream come true with constant dark scenes, creepy music and unusual death-by-cards bloodiness. Once the cards are in play, it becomes quite clear that nothing is going to stop the fates from happening to anyone. Once it becomes clear that each death is a match for the cards, there isn’t any way to stop what is to come.

The cast is large, but that tends to happen when there is a stretch of ninety-two minutes of horror. Once the horror is set in motion, the pickings are there for the tarot to take. The cinematography lends to the eerie feeling director Cohen is trying to bring with the dingy basement opening the door to dark scenes. It’s also a mystery in itself.

Fans that have a home entertainment library filled with the macabre and the bloody, then TAROT should be the next addition to that collection. Turn out the lights, huddle together and keep your hands off the cards.

In the end – your fate is in the cards!

GHOSTBUSTERS: Frozen Empire

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from director Gil Kenan and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the next chapter in the adventures of the infamous GHOSTBUSTERS: Frozen Empire.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Special features include Deleted & Extended Scenes, Easter Eggs Unleashed, Return to the Firehouse: Making GHOSTBUSTERS: Frozen Empire, Busted: Capturing the Ghosts of Frozen Empire, Manifesting Garraka, New York – New Gear, Welcome to the Paranormal Discovery Center, Knowing the Score and Commentary with Director, Co-Writer Gil Kenan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Celebrate the 35th Anniversary of GLORY

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD Steelbook from director Edward wick and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment celebrating its 35th Anniversary on Steelbook is the stunning film GLORY.

Young Captain Robert Shaw (Matthew Broderick) has been wounded the battle of Antietam during the Civil War. Home recuperating, he learns that he has been given the rank of colonel and is wanted to lead the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. Learning it is an all-black regiment, Cpt. Shaw appoints friend Cabot Forbes (Cary Elwes) as second-in-command.

Thrilled to be volunteering is Thomas Searles (Andre Braugher), a freeman who has known Cpt. Shaw since childhood and works for the Shaw family. Also signing up immediately is John Rawlins (Morgan Freeman), Jupiter Sharts (Jihmi Kennedy), and the full-of-attitude Silas Trip (Denzel Washington).

Knowing he needs to get the regiment up to par immediately, he requests Sgt. Mulcahy (John Finn) to do what he must. It also becomes clear quickly that he can not be seen to show favoritism because of his friendship. Cpt. Shaw also learns of the with the Emancipation Proclamation, comes a dire warning from the confederacy that African American soldiers caught wearing a uniform will be executed, as well as white officers. Offering to let the men go, Shaw is taken aback to learn that their determination is as strong as his own.

He turns to Rawlins in asking for help in understanding the men under his command and Rawlins obliges quickly. With that, Shaw is determined to get the men shoes and such as was promised when they joined. Rawlins is then rewarded for his character and becomes a Sgt. Major. The men are determined to be part of the fight but instead find themselves dealing with those who don’t think they belong.

There time comes when they battle on James Island and each show, they are fully capable to fight. Heading towards Fort Wagner, realizing there will be heavy casualties, Shaw volunteers his regiment to be the first to cross the beach. When they march out of camp, they are sent off with honor.

Broderick as Captain Shaw is a young man from a prominent family but does not use that to his advantage. Instead, he wants to do what is right by the men in his regiment and for something he truly believes in. The difficulty comes when separating his friendships and understanding his men. Broderick plays this role with thoughtfulness and as a young man of that time period having to do the unthinkable and it is beautifully done.

Braugher as Thomas is a man who believes in being a part of the fight but, like Shaw, has a hard time at first understanding how to separate his northern free life to what is happening all around him. His performance is so moving. Freeman as Rawlins is a man that doesn’t rush his feelings but, instead, considers each situation before him. Helping Shaw find his ground and the respect of his men are everything and Freeman is brilliant.

Elwes as Forbes is finding himself torn just as everyone else is. Its hard to go from a friendship with Shaw and James to being in the middle of a colonel and a private. He gets to be a little irate where the other two can not afford to. Kennedy as Jupiter is the surprise in this film because he goes through the paces and comes out as the being a constant source of pride in the midst of chaos. He has the support of Rawlins, the praise of his superiors and yet, he is a gentle spirit.

Washington as Silas as a man with a huge chip on his shoulder and he does not hold back on anything he feels. His anger is aimed at anyone, no matter color, who gets in his way or challenges him. But, with all men in war, there comes a turning point and maybe even a little bit of self-reflection on all that anger. Silas may be complex but he is also not one to shy away from a fight. Washington’s performance is equally as stunning and the story could not be told without his performance, or any of them for that matter.

Other cast include JD Cullum as Henry Russell, Cliff DeYoung as Col. James Montgomery, Alan North as Governor, John Andrew, Christian Baskous as Edward Pierce, RonReaco Lee as Honey, Donovan Leitch as Captain Morse, Bob Gunton as General Harker, Jay Sanders as General Strong, Richard Riehl as Quartermaster, Peter Goetz as Francis Shaw, Jane Alexander as Sarah Shaw and Raymond St. Jacques as Frederick Douglass.

Special Features include on 4K Ultra HD include Restored from Original Camera Negative Presented in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision, English Dolby Atmos, Visual Feature-Length Commentary, and Theatrical Trailer. On Bluray is Feature Presented in High Definition, English Dolby True HD, Director’s Commentary, Deleted Scenes with Commentary, Virtual Civil War Battlefield Interactive Map, “The True Story Continues” Documentary, “The Voices of Glory” Featurette and “The Making of Glory” Featurette.

GLORY is a stunning film that, amazingly, is told from so many sides of one coin. From those in control of the war to those who fight it to the inner struggles of them all, scene after scene is powerful. The performances by this cast are just as amazing in 2024 as it was in theatres in 1989.

The film is actually based on such books as Brave Black Regiment – History of the Fifty-fourth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (1891) BY Captain Luis F. Emilio, Lay This Laurel (1973) BY Lincoln Kirstein, One Gallant Rush (1965) BY Peter Burchard as well as the personal letters of Robert Gould Shaw.

Yes, the cinematography is stellar, the costuming is on point and the music brings you further into the story. All of these are so very important adding a luster to the film and bringing this cast together is the absolute cherry on the cake. Revisit the story of these brave men in the 35th anniversary of GLORY.

In the end – nothing would be spared in the fight for their freedom!

The Origins of THE FIRST OMEN

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital with Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu and Hulu followed by the Bluray and DVD release in July from writer/director Arkasha Stevenson and 20th Century Studios is THE FIRST OMEN.

In Rome, young novitiate Margaret (Nell Tiger Free) arrives in the city during a time of unrest in 1971. She goes to the Vizzardeli Orphanage to meet Cardinal Lawrence (Bill Nighy), Father Gabriel (Tawfeek Barhom) and the Abbess Sister Silva (Sonia Braga). Being shown around, she takes it upon herself to go into a room where another young girl, Carlita (Nicole Sorace), is be touted as a strange girl.

Not sure what to make of it, she dismisses it being taken to her apartment she is sharing with another novitiate Luz (Maria Cabellero). That night Luz convinces Margaret to go to a club where she quickly meets Paolo and they dance together. The next morning, she wakes up and hardly remembers anything that happened after that.

Back at the orphanage, Margaret spends time with Carlita but is warned off by Father Brennan (Ralph Ineson) as he says bad things happen around the young girl. Brennan wants to meet with Margaret so he can tell her about a power within the church that wants to bring the Antichrist to power and that Carlita is the aim at that. He also wants her to look into the Abbess’ files if she doesn’t believe him.

That is when things begin to turn for the worst. Playing on her anxieties, Margaret finds herself in the midst of madness. When Father Gabriel gets her to Brennan, they begin to realize that what they thought was happening is focused on the one person who has been oblivious to the religious game being played.

Free as Margaret does a darn good job of portraying a naïve young novitiate who has been raised in the church to trust those around her. Coming to the orphanage, she is excited to work among the children in their care. From the moment she arrived, there is something in the air that she doesn’t quite understand and Free portrays that well.

Ineson as Father Brennan is the one who clearly understands what is happening but, to say it out loud almost sounds a bit crazy. Reaching out to Margaret is the only way to get her to understand the dangers. Ineson gives us this twitchy priest who wants to stop what has started. Sorace as Carlita doesn’t have much to say verbally but her face shows everything and that is a talent. Trust the looks you see in this character!

Nighy as Cardinal Lawrence has been keeping an eye on young Margaret since she was a child and feel protective over her. I just love Nighy’s ability to play almost every kind of role possible, I don’t think there is one performance I have not thought amazing, this one is no exception. Braga as Sister Silva just freaked me out from start to finish, if I was in Catholic school as a kid she would probably have scared me straight with a single glance!

Shout out to Barhom as Father Gabriel, his role is a small one but important to Margaret’s story.

Other cast include Charles Dance as Father Harris, Ishtar Currie-Wilson as Sister Angelica, Andrea Arcangeli as Paolo, Eva Stevic Ras as the angry nun and Rachel Hurd-Wood as Katherine Thorn.

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.20thcenturystudios.com.

Bonus Features include The Mystery of Margaret – Join director Arkasha Stevenson and stars Nell Tiger Free, Bill Nighy and Maria Caballero as they dive into the character of Margaret, her relationships with other characters, and how she’s manipulated while trying to solve the film’s horrifying mystery, The Director’s Vision – Director Arkasha Stevenson talks about her love of horror films, the opportunity to expand on The Omen legacy, and crafting The First Omen entirely through a female lens. She also describes shooting in Rome, and the cast recounts working with Arkasha.

Also, Signs of The First Omen – Join the director and talented artists as they reveal some of the symbolism within the set designs and the costumes. Learn how the use of practical effects blurs the line between what is real and what is not in The First Omen’s terrifying world.

THE FIRST OMEN is a bit predictable but, it does lay the groundwork to the following Omen films which is nice. They didn’t try to reinvent the wheel here but instead stayed grounded to the story as it was laid out in the 1976 Richard Donner film and even a well-placed nod comes in at the end. I don’t mind an origin story in the slightest as long as it is well done and doesn’t forget where it came from so to speak. There is a bit of a twist here as well that leaves the door slightly cracked open for the imagination.

The images, as you would imagine, are pretty darn graphic as the story begins to unfold. I won’t lie, I did a bit of a jaw drop at a certain birthing scene and ended up with my hands across my eyes peeking through the fingers like a kid. Watching this at night in a dark room added the cherry on the top of spooky so I highly recommend trying the film that way. For horror genre fans, this might be a nice sway away from the norm so jump right in.

In the end – create something to fear!

The Action of LA FEMME NIKITA

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD in a limited edition Steelbook from writer/director Luc Besson the tale of a sleek assassin with LA FEMME NIKITA.

Coming from a life of drugs and violent, Nikita (Anne Parillaud) is about to rob a pharmacy owned by her friend. When a police gunfight breaks out and Nikita kills a cop. She is quickly arrested and found guilty of murder that held a life sentence. Just as fast as she enters prison, Nikita is whisked away and meets Bob (Tcheky Karyo) who tells her that she is officially declared dead.

She is given the choice of becoming an assassin for The Centre or being put in her grave for real this time. Trying to figure out how to be smarter than her captors, Nikita eventually gives in and is trained in computers, use of firearms and martial arts. In one fell swoop she goes from being a drug addict committing crime to a stunning assassin.

Her first mission is a test of her training and Nikita becomes a sleeper agent named Marie. She also meets Marco (Jean-Hugues Anglade) and they begin a relationship meeting “Uncle Bob” who has stories of Marie’s childhood and offers a trip to Venice to the couple. For Nikita it is an assignment and Marco believes they are on a vacation. As things become more complicated, Nikita must watch her every move!

Parillaud as Nikita is a young woman living the worst life imaginable for a young woman. After the murder and sentence, as much as she wants to fight what The Centre is asking of her, it is the only way to live. Parillaud goes from bullets to bang in this role as she navigates The Centre by trying to do what they want and living a life that doesn’t include missions of murder. This is a fantastic role for Parillaud.

Karyo as Bob come in quickly to drill into Nikita that she doesn’t have a choice in the matter accept death. Watching her go through the training, he makes his presence known when she starts seeing a Marco but it works in his favor to push her into another mission. Karyo uses charm to get what he wants but he is lethal.

Anglade as Marco is unaware of Nikita’s profession and realizes that she has no family and friends that she even wants to speak of. “Uncle Bob” is a surprise for him and blinded by the gift of a trip to Venice but there is always a catch to love.

Other cast include Jacques Boudet as The Chemist, Jeanne Moreau as Amande, Philippe Leroy as Grossman, Jean Bouise as the Attache and Jean Reno as Victor “The Cleaner.

Bonus Features include on 4K Ultra HD Presented in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision and French & English 5.1 +French 2-Channel Surround.

The film won awards from the Cesar Awards in France including Best Film for Luc Besson, Best Actress for Anne Parillaud, along with nominations for Most Promising Actor, Best Director and Best Music. Parillaud also won Best Foreign Actress from the David di Donatello Awards with Luc Besson nominated for Best Foreign Film. The Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists voted Best Foreign Director for Luc Besson and Tcheky Karyo for Best Actor by Mystfest.

Besson gives a film that, first of all, has a fantastic story line in this 1990 film. It would be repeated again in in the 1997-2001 television series. Besson would also be a writer in the 1993, director John Badham’s film POINT OF NO RETURN which gives an American spin on his 1990 story.

Experiencing LE FEMME NIKITA once again is an absolutely joy. I am a fan of Besson’s films and it actually started with this particular film. Putting a female in a role that pits her against the ruthless world of being an assassin is brilliant and brilliantly done. The action is fast paced and the tension is real from scene to scene. This is a film, especially in Steelbook, would be a worthy film to have on the shelf of everyone’s home entertainment library.

In the end – she murders so that she can live!

AMERICAN HUSTLE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from director David O. Russell and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment comes a look back to the AMERICAN HUSTLE.

Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) is a complete con man who takes life one hustle at a time. He falls for Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) who helps bring the hustle a few steps up the ladder and classier.That is until they get caught by Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) who is a hustler of another kind. As an FBI agent Richie wants to get all the bad guys from politicians to the mafia and he’s going to use Irving and Sydney to do it. Beginning with Mayor Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner), Irving begins to lead Richie further and further into it all. The plan is to have a Shiek Abdullah (Michael Pena) invest in New Jersey to bring industry and jobs. But there is a problem, Irving’s wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence), a woman whose mouth and attitude have no filter.

Now Irving, Sydney and Richie are spinning like crazy to keep the hustle under control before they all fall down!

Bale as Rosenfeld is interesting to watch – not for acting reasons but because of his character’s mannerisms and dress. That in itself is enough to jaw drop because the transformation is pretty wild. That being said his performance didn’t blow me away and I’ll sum up why after I’ve finished here. Adams as Sydney gets a chance to be gritty in her low cut nicely done British accent. Between babysitting Irving and charming Richie she had more than her fair share of man problems. There was no doubt who was the brains of the operation – it’s just too bad she was dealing with those two guys!

Cooper as Richie is pretty much a twitchy-perm-wearing-living-with-his-Mom-wanna-be-FBI-big-shot. Yea, he’s still cute but not so cute as to kind of bore me a time or two. I know, I know maybe I had seat-lag or something. Renner gets to play a nice guy family man politician who isn’t above trying to make his hometown a better place or is he a nice guy family man politician who isn’t above taking a bribe masked as a make is hometown a better place – I don’t know.

Lawrence as Rosalyn is annoying, but that’s the point. She’s married to a criminal and as long as that criminal keeps her happy it’s all-good. My problem here is that the commercials make her role out to be so big when it’s only her presence that’s so big!

Other cast include: Jack Huston as Pete Musane, Shea Whigham as Carl Elway, Alessandro Nivola as Anthony Amado, Elisabeth Rohm as Dolly Polito and Louis C.K. as Stoddard Thorsen with a nice cameo that I’m keeping to myself.

Bonus Materials include presented on 4K Ultra HD Disc Presented in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision, Featuring English Dolby Atmos + 5.1 Audio, HDP and Atmos approved by Director David O. Russell and Theatrical Trailer. On Bluray Disc the Special Features include Feature Presented in High Definition, English DTS-HD MA 5.1 Audio, Eleven Deleted and Extended Scenes and The Making of AMERICAN HUSTLE.

The music was awesome, the costuming brilliant and parts of the story interesting to be sure. I felt like I was watching a twisted GOOD FELLAS and an equally twisted version of THE STING. The costumes are absolutely stunning and that could be because I remember a few of the outfits Adams wore. It was a cool time with cool clothes and music that kept us all going in that era.

The cinematography just brings back that time in America from cars to the streets and everything in between. This 4K Ultra HD features include nearly 15 minutes of new deleted and extended scenes. It is also available in a limited edition Steelbook.

In the end – everyone hustles to survive!

THE FALL GUY Lands on Digital

Jeri Jacquin

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

THE FALL GUY comes with an Extended Cut with an additional twenty-minutes of never-before-seen footage featuring more action, more laughs and more stunts when purchased from Apple TV, Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu), Comcast Xfinity, Cox and Microsoft Movies & TV. The original film is available wherever you rent or buy movies.

In the end – what could possibly go right?

It is the Question of WE GO ON Remastered

Jeri Jacquin

On Bluray from directors Andy Mitton, Jesse Holland and Lightyear is the remastered film WE GO ON Remastered.

Miles (Clark Freeman) is a man living is life in paralyzing fear of death. He decides the only way to stop the trauma is by offering anyone $30,000 for proof of ghosts, angels, demons or anything else that proves there is an afterlife. Mom (Annette O’Toole) tries to understand why he needs to do it but supports and follows him on the journey for answers.

He finds the names of three people he thinks can possibly help, the first being a scientist who attempts to prove a theory, one which Mom squashes immediately. The next person on the list is medium Josephina (Giovanna Zacarias) who attempts to make Miles understand what is happening around him but is having problems coping with her own visions.

Becoming strained by what has been happening, Miles and his mother try to talk about the past and the memories. He decides it is time to go on his own and sends Mom on her way but she isn’t about to go without talking to Josephina one more time. Miles agrees to meet with Nelson (Jay Dunn) who promises him the answers he is looking for but within the walls of a house, he might have finally found his answers.

Freeman as Miles is clearly a man at the end of his mind with the fears that plague him daily. Trying to deal with it all, offering money for proof of life seems to be all that is left. Jumping from one clue to another it causes him even more terrors. Freeman gives a believable performance of those fears from one search to the next.

O’Toole as Mom doesn’t believe in the afterlife but does have the memories of a husband who helped raise their son. She goes along with Miles believing that perhaps it will help him with his fears but isn’t going to let just anyone mess with her boy. O’Toole gives a strong character performance and when it comes to frights, she has to see to believe.

Zacarias as Josephina is a complex character as well living both in the real and spiritual world. Personally, I think anyone would go a bit crazy trying to tell the living from the not so much. Glover as Dr. Ellison comes on strong and believes in his quest equally. Glover has always been good at portraying these types of characters and does so in this film as well.

Dunn as Nelson gives the most frightening performance of all. He doesn’t seem to want the money but instead has a far greater motive for wanting to help Miles. Then again, with all help there is sometimes a price to be paid.

Other cast include Laura Heisler as Alice, Jay Dunn as Nelson, David Bickford as a TV personality, Justin Carpenter as Miles Dad, Tony Devon as Alberto, Cassidy Freeman as young Charlotte, Logan Kishi as Paulo, Peter Lucas as The Priest, and John Glover as Dr. Ellison.

Lightyear Entertainment is a Los Angeles-based distribution company that previously theatrically released TANNA, Academy Award nominated for Best Foreign Film. Additionally, CEO Arnie Holland and his team theatrically released THE ETRUSCAN SMILE, which starred Brian Cox (HBO’s Succession), MAZE, GOLDSTONE, VOODOO MACBET, and A-HA: The Movie. For more information, visit www.lightyearentertainment.com.

Bonus Features include Commentary from Stars Annette O’Toole and Clark Freeman, Commentary from director/writer (story) Jesse Holland and Commentary from director/writer Andy Mitton.

WE GO ON: Remastered was the winner of Audience Awards at Dances with Films and the Dead by Dawn Horror Film Festival and the Silver Raven at the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival.

The film is a slow ride into horror, madness and what lies beyond in the open mind. The answer of life after death happens in mind of the viewer as the story makes it clear that we are all going to see death differently. In Miles’ case, his search is based on fear and with each step he takes, the fear grows more and more.

Step by step, the character of Miles feels he is either being dragged or led to the answers he is willing to pay for. That won’t stop him either way and we are all on his journey whether we believe or not – and that’s the horror of it.

In the end – is there life after death?

He is the CEMETERY MAN

Jeri Jacquin

Available now from Italian director Michele Soavi and Severin Films comes the story of a plague of another kind and the one who deals with it is CEMETERY MAN.

Francesco Dellamonte (Rupert Everett) is the local cemetery watchman in Buffalora, Italy and his job is to handle the recently deceased and what happens after the seem to rise from the grave. He lives in the cemetery with Gnaghi (Francois Hadji-Lazaro) for whom words don’t come, well, at all. When Francesco isn’t dealing with the living/dead or speaking to Death (Derek Jacobi), he spends his free time with outdated telephone books.

As the dead keep coming out of the ground, Francesco deals with them knowing for every burial, he will be busy on the 7th day. He has told the mayor about the “returners” but a reelection campaign seems more important. He does tell Franco (Anton Alexander) but figures it’s just easier to dispose of them his six-shooter way.

On day, Francesco notices the young widow (Anna Falchi) and he is smitten immediately. Just as fast as Francesco has love, he loses it and does not handle it well. He is not the only one in love as Gnaghi has found it in the mayor’s daughter Valentina (Fabiana Formica) but shows it in his own unique gastro-intestinal way.

But, Francesco keeps meeting women who look like the young widow and he becomes more and more filled with anxiety when love doesn’t work out. When he has had just about enough, Francesco goes about waving his gun wreaking havoc but no one seems to notice. That’s when he decides to pack up and head out into the great big world and see what’s possible. Of course, he takes Gnaghi along.

Sometimes the road doesn’t always lead you where you want to be.

Everett as Francesco, besides being very, very young in the film, seems accepting of what his job entails and, in a twisted way, seems to enjoy it. That is until he falls head over gravestone with the very attractive young widow. Is it love or pure unadulterated lust – doesn’t matter because Francesco is all in. Everett gives us a man who is trapped without realizing he is trapped whether it by zombie responsibilities or lustful love and when he does realize it, no one seems to notice. Well-played Everett!

Hadji-Lazaro as Gnaghi may be quiet but he has a lot to say through his actions. He knows how to handle the cemetery but let’s Francesco make all the calls. When he becomes love-struck himself, there is nothing that is going to stop him from having that moment of happiness. I enjoyed watching Hadji-Lazaro play second fiddle but he understands more than he gets credit for.

Flachi as the young widow as several opportunities both from the grave and walking on two legs to sweep Francesco away. Each incarnation doesn’t set well with him but Flachi gives us a lovely (if somewhat vine-covered) rendition of beauty both above and below ground.

Other cast include Barbara Cupisti as Magda, Alessandro Zamattio as Claudio, Stefano Masciarelli as Mayor Scanarotti, Clive Riche as Dr. Vercesi, and Mickey Knox as Marshall Straniero.

Severin Films is dedicated to the world’s most provocative cinema for physical media, theatrical, streaming and beyond. Founded in 2006 by David Gregory, Carol Daft and John Cregan, Severin’s curatorial and archival work has produced acclaimed collectors’ editions and box sets that has placed the company at the forefront of the industry, while their original productions have won numerous awards on the international festival circuit. For more please visit www.severinfilms.com.

The Special Features include Audio Commentary by Director Michele Soavi and Screenwriter Gianni Romoli, At the Graves – Interview with Michele Soavi, Of Love and Death – Interview with Actor Rupert Everett, She – Interview with Actress Anna Falchi, Archival Making-Of, Italian Trailer and English Trailer.

CEMETERY MAN gives us so much in this film with a mixture of fun and horror at the same time. I’m sure the fun part comes from my giggling at the zombies but they were equally as creepy. There was so much to take in and my favorite was the total difference between the cemetery from day to night. Of course, my preference is the night with its somber lights, dancing flames, and zombie costuming/effects.

Francesco and Gnaghi are absolutely suited together for both their temperament and their mutual longing for love in the most unloving of places. Director Soavi puts on an extravaganza of twists, turns and a bizarreness that is intriguing and memorable. CEMETERY MAN made its debut in 1994 as is based on the novel DELLAMORTE DELLAMORE by Tiziano Sclavi.

In the end – it is love, death, and a six-shooter!

Celebrating the 35th Anniversary is STEEL MAGNOLIAS

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD and Digital from director Herbert Ross and Sony Pictures Home Entertainments celebrating the 35th Anniversary of release is the beloved story of women who are STEEL MAGNOLIAS.

In the quaint southern town of Chinquapin Parish in Louisiana, a young Annelle Dupuy (Daryl Hannah) is looking to restart her life in the new town with a job at an at-home beauty salon owned by Truvy Jones (Dolly Parton). Cross town, M’Lynn Eatenton (Sally Fields) is attempting to get her home together for a reception after the wedding of her daughter Shelby (Julia Roberts).

Causing problems is her husband Drum (Tom Skerritt) who thinks shooting birds is a good thing prior to the wedding. To get away, M’Lynn and Shelby head off to Truvy’s to get their hair done where they see the very intense Louisa Boudreaux (Shirley MacLaine). Amused by her is Clairee Belcher (Olympia Dukakis) who likes to poke her friend. While getting her hair done, Shelby, who suffers from diabetes, has an attack that brings the salon to a standstill.

At the wedding, Shelby marries Jackson Latcherie (Dylan McDermott) and Annelle meets bartender Sammy DeSoto (Kevin J. O’Connor). Months go by and Shelby visits home for the Christmas gathering and announces she is expecting. M’Lynn is horrified knowing that her health is at risk.

The girls come together to help their friend and support everything that they are going through. M’Lynn, Truvy, Clairee, Annelle, and Louisa know there is nothing that they can not handle together. Life with their men, love of their friends and family and knowing that there isn’t anything they can’t do with words of love, support and laughter.

Fields as M’Lynn seems to be the calmest character in the film but with the most intensity in her life. She goes with the southern flow and tries to see the good in all things but sometimes, there are moments where it all catches up. I love Fields in this role and when the story calls for it, she is free to let loose with emotion and sane insanity.

Parton as Truvy is straight forward and doesn’t take a lot of guff from anyone. This character loves good gossip, a salon full of women and is there when she is truly needed. Taking Annelle under her wing, it can be testing at times but no friendship is too small for Truvy. Hannah as Annelle comes in shy, gets a bit crazy, goes Sunday southern but one of the girls when it counts.

MacLaine as Louisa is the typical a tad grumpy southern woman who just doesn’t have room in her life for nonsense. I always saw this character as not exactly wrong in her thinking and totally misunderstood outside her friendship group, okay, I just adore this character. Dukakis as Clairee is the town grande dame who knows everyone, everything and treats it all as her own little playground in a way. She is just cheeky when she needs and strong when her friends need her to be, just an absolutely delightful character and the friendship with Louisa is perfection.

Skeritt as Drum cracks me up totally and loves his family, Sheppard as Drum is laid back and doesn’t like to rock the boat but clearly loves his wife, McDermott as Jackson is just trying to live the life he always has but now with a wife and a bit of legal status, and O’Connor hasn’t yet learned the phrase “happy wife happy life” but tries.

Other cast include Bill McCutcheon as Owen Jenkins, Ann Wedgeworth as Fern Thornton, BiBi Besch as Belle Marmillion, Janine Turner as Nancy Beth, James Wlcek as Marshall Marmillion, Ronald Young as Drew, Tom Hodges as Louie, Norman Fletcher as Latcherie Sr., Jonathan Ward as Jonathan, Knowl Johnson as Tommy and Sam Shepard as Spud Jones.

Bonus Materials include 4K Ultra HD Disc, Newly remastered in 4K resolution from the original camera negative, with Dolby Vision, and All-new Dolby Atmos audio + 5.1 + 2-channel surround. The Special Features are NEW: Steel Magnolias 1990 TV Pilot, Director’s Commentary, In Full Bloom: Remembering Steel Magnolias, 10 Deleted Scenes and Theatrical Trailer.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS is a film of love, family, friendships, loyalty and loss from start to finish. It is full of laughter, common southern sense with a heaping spoonful of no-nonsense. The cast brings Louisiana into the homes of everyone who has never experienced their world. Spending years in Alabama, I laughed through the film absolutely because none of it was a stretch. My parents actually lived next door to a real-life Truvy with her own salon in what was once a garage!

There isn’t anything in the film, actually, that doesn’t take me back to that small town living, small town friendships and every-body-knows-every-body’s-business feel. It is just a total delight from start to finished as the cast brings it home with just as much ease as the story begins.

Curl up on the sofa with your favorite people, make sure there is Kleenex available and a cup of sweet tea and revisit or see this film for the first time. I can guarantee that STEEL MAGNOLIAS will be one you watch again and again.

In the end – the funny of the south that will bring you to tears!

He Comes Home to ROLLING THUNDER

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD and Bluray from director John Flynn and Shout! Studios is the story of a man returning from war and discovering ROLLING THUNDER.

It is 1973 and after being held for seven years in a Hanoi prison, POW Major Charles Rane (William Devane) is returning home along with Master Sgt. Johnny Vohden (Tommy Lee Jones). Being welcomed back to San Antonio, Texas, Rane realizes that his son Mark (Jordan Gerler) does not remember him. Wife Janet (Lisa Richards) tries to make him feel at home but is nervous and a bit uncomfortable.

Once they have a chance to be alone, Janet confesses what her life has been like for the seven years Rane was gone and it is clear he cannot have his old life back. The town holds a ceremony to welcome home Rane and give him a new Cadillac and a chest of silver dollars, one for every day he was in captivity. An extra one is added by Linda (Linda Haynes) who wore Rane’s POW bracelet the entire time he was gone.

Going to the baseball field to watch son Mark play, Rane does not feel welcome so he heads home. Once there, he is jumped in his own living room by men who want the silver dollars he was given. The Texan (James Best), Automatic Slim (Luke Askew), T-Bird (Charles Escamilla) and Melio (Peter Ortega) don’t understand that Rane was tortured in Hanoi so anything these men do to him can’t possibly compare. When Janet and Mark return home, they are held until the men get what they want and chaos breaks out.

Recovering at the hospital, Linda and Vohden come for visits. Vohden tells Rane that he has signed up again for the military. Linda learns that Rane wants to go to Mexico and Linda decides to come along but doesn’t know what he is really going to be doing. When his plan begins to falter, Rane calls Vohden to follow the men to Juarez, Mexico where the two decide its time to settle up and they know how to do it.

Devane as Rane is a young actor here who gives the character of a stoic solder returning from a seven-year nightmare. Not reacting as others perhaps would wish, he goes along to get along. Knowing returning soldiers, he truly does grasp the assignment, even in 1977 when that phrase wasn’t even thought of.

Jones as Vohden is also trying to acclimate to being back in the United States. Feeling he can’t do that, rejoining the military seemed like the only answers. When his friend Rane reaches out, he knows exactly what has to happen to make it right in Rane’s world. Jones is also a very young actor in this film but that doesn’t mean his character isn’t all about business.

Haynes as Linda is a woman who made it clear from their first meeting that she is interested in Rane. She jumps at the chance to go with him to Mexico and once she realizes the purpose, the realization that what she wants from him isn’t going to happen.

Best, Askew, Escamilla and Ortega are the gang of men who have no qualms about hurting a hero or his family. They want what they want and will do anything to get it. From the moment they are on screen till the end, these actors give unscrupulous a scruffy, terrifying look that works for the film.

Other cast include Lawrason Driscoll as Deputy Cliff Nichols, Jacque Burandt as Bebe, Paul A. Partain as Ethan, James N. Harrell as Grandpa and Cassie Yates as Candy.

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

Disc One includes the 4K Ultra HD Disc in 2160p Ultra High-Definition HDR Widescreen and Master Audio. Disc Two includes the Bluray and New 4K Transfer from the 35mm Original Camera Negative, New Audio Commentary with Screenwriter/Novelist Heywood Gould and Author/Film Historian C. Courtney Joyner, New Audio Commentary with Filmmakers Jackson Stewart and Francis Galluppi, New “Lean and Mean: The Early Films of John Flynn” – An Interview with Author/Film Historian C. Courtney Joyner, and New “Coming Home to War: Scoring ROLLING THUNDER” – An Interview with Composer Barry De Vorzon.

Also, “The Making of ROLLING THUNDER” – Featuring Interviews with Actors William Devane, Tommy Lee Jones and Writers Paul Schrader and Heywood Gould, Trailers from Hell – Filmmakers Eli Roth on ROLLING THUNDER, Theatrical Trailer, TV Spot, Radio Spots, Still Gallery, 2160p Ultra High-Definition Widescreen and English DTS-HD Master Audio.

ROLLING THUNDER is a film about the return of seven years of captivity and torture to a place where is seems just as brutal. Devane gives the performance of a man who has had his life jumbled to the point of knowing that something has to give – and he’ll gladly give it. That is part and parcel of films around this time as well and it is done well.

It doesn’t give any moments of peace, just like the characters of Rane and Vohden, and continually assaults the senses. These two characters are well aware of pain, suffering and what it takes to survive. Once their fearless switch is hit, there is nothing or no one that will stand in their way of accomplishing their own personal mission.

In the end – they have no idea what they’ve done!

ONE FROM THE HEART: Reprise

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD and Bluray from director Francis Ford Coppola and Lionsgate is a story of two people who take ONE FROM THE HEART: Reprise.

It is Independence Day in the sin city town of Las Vegas. Frannie (Teri Garr) is a travel agent who is in a five-year relationship with mechanic Hank (Frederick Forrest). She wants adventure in her life when Hanks seems happy enough at home playing his trumpet. Frannie has had enough of feeling as if Hank just doesn’t care about her or their relationship.

Deciding it is time for her to strike out, Frannie meets singer/waiter Ray (Raul Julia) and together they have a whirl wind night and make plans for an adventure. Meanwhile, Hank decides that he is going to go out with circus performer Leila (Nastassja Kinski) but regrets it in the morning.

Deciding that its Frannie he wants, it is now a race for Hank to prove that he is capable of being the man she needs but is it too late?

Garr is absolutely brilliant as Frannie, a young woman who clearly wants love, affection and respect from her five-year relationship. When Hank can’t give that to her in any more, she decides to get out and experience a bit of the wild side of life. She is delighted by the lights and freedom being away from it all brings. I just love the dance sequence with Julia as it adds such a fantastic layer to her role.

Forrest as Hank is straight forward and a bit under emotional when it comes to his relationship with Frannie. Even when she makes it clear that he is lacking in their relationship, he makes no effort to keep her. Trying to be as adventurous as Frannie, he does take a chance but it only brings him regret and a deep desire to fix things even if he’s stuck in how to do that. Forrest is actually perfect for this role bringing in that emotionally unattached persona.

Julia as Ray is just as handsome as he wants to be. Being a Julia fan from as far back as I can remember, I was thrilled to see him on the screen and the dance numbers are just brilliant. He came in not as Mr. Right but Mr. Right-now to Frannie but I can’t imagine anyone else playing this role now. Kinski as Lelia is the circus performer who was falling for Hank but truly didn’t know what she was getting into but that doesn’t mean a heart can’t be broken quickly. She is so lovely.

Other cast includes Lainie Kazan as Maggie, Harry Dean Stanton as Moe, Allen Garfield as the restaurant owner and Rebecca De Mornay as an understudy.

Special Features of the PKG Only are 4K Disc – ONE FROM THE HEART: Reprise, Francis Ford Coppola Feature Commentary, New The Look of ONE FROM THE HEART, New The Cast of ONE FROM THEHEART, New The Choreography of ONE FROM THE HEART, New Reinventing the Musical: Baz Luhrmann ONE FROM THE HEART, New ONE FROM THE HEART: Reprise, Restoration Comparison and New 2024 Trailer.

Bluray Disc – ONE FROM THE HEART 1982 Cut, The Making of ONE FROM THE HEART, The Dream Studio, The Electronic Cinema, Tom Waits and the Music from ONE FROM THE HEART, Deleted Scenes, Videotaped Rehersals, Francis Ford Coppola Speaks to the Exhibitors, Press Conference at the Studio, This One’s From the Heart Music Video, Stop-Motion Demo, The Tom Waits Score: Alternate Tracks, 2003 Theatrical Trailer and 1982 Theatrical Trailer.

A bit of trivia in that Gene Kelly was a consultant on the extremely wonderful dance sequence between Raul Julia and Teri Garr which as restored in the 2003 restoration of the film. Also, in the elevator scene, Coppola had his own parents, Italia and Carmine Coppola play the couple in the elevator.

If, after watching the film, you feel a tad bit of LA LA LAND, you wouldn’t be the only one. The music, dancing and songs are absolutely stunning and the story is a heart wrencher. I am a firm believer that if you put in the right music, it will bring the film to another level and in ONE FROM THE HEART it absolutely does. The bright colors of sin city and the back drops are just beautiful and also add another layer to the telling.

Coppola had a great idea here for the time this film was made. It didn’t get the treatment or reception is certainly deserved then but now, returning to 4K Ultra HD, everyone gets the opportunity to see the stunning vision of the story of Frannie and Hank.

In the end – a unique vision of love!

What is the MONOLITH?

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from director Matt Vesely and Well Go USA is the mystery behind the MONOLITH.

An Interviewer (Lily Sullivan) is a journalist who is currently dealing with issues that might get her fired. Alone in her parent’s home, she decides to start a podcast about the mysteries of the world. One story she finds out about is that a woman named Floramae (Ling Cooper Tang) tells her a strange story about a brick that changed her life. Upset that her black brick was sold without her permission, it leads to Klaus (Terence Crawford).

Klaus tells her almost the same story except he admits that he collects the black bricks. He also tells her the story of how the brick and the death of his brother feel related. After putting these two interviews together, she posts her podcast and it blows up with more and more people letting her know that they too have had strange things happen.

Then a knock at the door leads her to believe that Klaus is messing with her. Her partner Scott (Matt Crook) is worried about what is now happening to her and coming to terms with what she learns from her father. Trying to find out all she can, it becomes clear that all the warnings from people she has interviewed is about to come to pass and nothing can stop it.

Sullivan carries this film from start to finish without batting an eye. That is difficult enough to do with a small cast but being totally by one’s self on the screen leading us into the story until its conclusion is awesome. That’s what Sullivan does here, she starts out trying to figure out where she is going to go with a podcast and instantly strikes gold – or a black brick actually. Then, she guides us slowly but surely through till its frightening end and I’m all for it.

Other cast include Ansuya Nathan as Paula, Rashidi Edward as John, Erik Thomson as Dad, Kate Box as Laura, Brigid Zengeni as Shiloh, Belle Kalendra-Harding and Damon Herriman.

Bonus Features include Writer, Producer and Director Audio Commentary, Behind the Scenes and Trailer.

Actress Lily Sullivan said in an interview that playing The Interviewer as a “challenge of a lifetime” and believed the roll was “terrifying…I ended up approaching it like theatre, almost, I’ve never been more aware of my voice”.

Nominated for Best Film at the FrightFest Awards and Sullivan won Best Actress, nominated fir a film prize at the CinefestOZ, nominated for the New Visions Award at Sitge Film Festival, Benjamin Speed was nominated for Best Original Song at the 2023 Screen Music Awards, Best Direction in a Debut Feature Film for director Vesely at the ADG Awards and nominated for Best Indie Film at the AACTA Awards.

MONOLITH is the kind of story that is just so darn satisfying to watch. It is original, and sweeping without special effects (okay, maybe one), without fanfare or car chases. I so applaud films that can do all of that while keeping my attention focused on everything that is said during the film. Sullivan is the storyteller and kept me looking and listening because I wanted to know everything she wanted to know.

Portraying the Interviewer, we are constantly reminded to just listen and that’s the price we pay for going on this ride. It is all about what we hear, what we see and how much of it we actually comprehend that leads us to the end – with answers? That’s for the viewer to decide.

In the end – all you have to do is listen!

NIGHT SWIM Laps onto Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from writer/director Bryce McGuire and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the horror in the darkness of the water with NIGHT SWIM.

The Waller family have just found their forever home with big rooms, wide spaces and a back yard swimming pool. Husband Ray (Wyatt Russell), wife Eve (Kerry Condon), daughter Izzy (Amelie Hoeferle) and young son Elliott (Gavin Warren) can’t wait to settle in. Ray is looking forward to cleaning out the pool to help with his illness that has kept him from his baseball career.

Having it inspected, they discover that they don’t need to do anything to it because the water comes from an underground spring. Spending a lot of time in the pool, Ray begins to feel better but Eve sees a change in him. What she doesn’t know is that Izzy and Elliot each have experienced something frightening in the pool. During a party with friends, the realtor that sold them the house talks about a young girl named Rebecca that had an accident in the pool.

Eve investigates the house and discovers that this isn’t the first event that has happened surrounding the pool. Finding the young Rebecca’s mother, Eve is shocked by what she learns. Experiencing the horror for herself, Elliot becomes trapped in the pool and a spirit helps Eve get to safety. Now Ray is out of control and they are all in danger because of the evil that lives in the water.

Yet, there is only one way to stop it, one way only.

Condon as Eve is thrilled with the new house and being able to stay in one place for a while. Getting the house in order, she is happy to see that Ray is using the pool and that the kids are having a good time. But when Ray starts to change, that’s when she discovers the fear, they are all experiencing. Condon gives us the strong mama bear but after seeing her role from the film IN THE LAND OF SAINTS AND SINNER, it is not hard to see her once again taking a strong female role.

Russell as husband Ray is dealing with the life changing illness and doing what ever he can to lighten the load for wife Eve. The pool starts out as a way to deal with the illness but when the pool works its magic it is not for the good. Russell slowly changes from an uncertain person to one that has no control. It is all subtle but when it happens, Russell gives it plenty of crazy.

Hoeferle as Izzy is a teen that is doing teen things, except she discovers first what trouble their new home is going to bring. Warren as Elliot is also enjoying the pool and spending a lot of time in the waters until he learns what the waters are capable of.

Other cast include Jodi Long as Lucy Summers, Nancy Lenehan as Kay, Eddie Martinez as Coach E, Elijah J. Roberts as Ronin, Ellie Araiza as Angel and Rahnuma Panthaky as Dr. Sridhar.

All New Bonus Features include Masters of Fear, Demons From the Depths, Into the Deep and more!

NIGHT SWIM has given us all a reason to now stay out of our swimming pools as sharks did going into the ocean. The Waller family learned quickly how to freak us all out and will probably keep up away from pools parties for the summer. That’s what a good spooky movie will do, check us about the weirdest fears in the most common of places.

This is one of those huge tub-of-popcorn, cuddle up on the sofa with the lights out kind of movie for the whole family to jump and scream from. I have to admit it is fun for my family, we pretty much all have been raised on these kinds of films and are thrilled when a film like NIGHT SWIM will be played again and again for so many fun scary nights to come.

Break out the pool floaties because you may just need them.

In the end – everything you fear is under the surface!

She is MADAME WEB

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from writer/director S.J. Clarkson and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the story of MADAME WEB.

Constance Webb (Kerry Bishe) is in the jungle of Peru in 1973 looking for a spider that has healing properties. Excited about finding one, Constance is attacked by researcher Ezekiel Sims (Tahar Rahim) and left for dead. Pregnant, she is found by the local indigenous tribe and they can not save her but manage to save her birthed daughter Cassandra.

Some years later, Cassandra (Dakota Johnson) is a paramedic in New York City. Driving her patients to the hospital is her goal and partner Ben Parker (Adam Scott) knows exactly what it’s like to work with her. During a call, Cassie lands in the water and it causes a near-death experience but something begins to happen to her. Call it déjà vu, she begins to see things that haven’t happened yet and into the future.

Three girls Julia (Sydney Sweeney), Anya (Isabela Merced), and Mattie (Celeste O’Connor) are about to meet Cassie under the strangest of circumstances. While aboard a subway, Cassie sees what is about to happen to the girls and makes it her mission to protect them. It is Ezekiel who is hunting these girls and wants them disposed of because of his own premonitions. Hiding the girls and asking them to wait until she returns, the girls decide they know better and once again Ezekiel discovers where they are.

Cassie has to rescue them a second time and takes them to Ben’s house. Realizing she must go to Peru to find out what happened to her mother, the girls agree to wait for her return. Once in Peru, Cassie learns of what happened to her mother and what it is she is experiencing. Thinking that her mother just didn’t care about her, it now becomes clear what the true circumstances were to the trip to Peru in the first place.

In the states, Ben’s sister-in-law Mary (Emma Roberts) is going into labor and Cassie can feel what is about to happen. Ben loads up the girls and Mary to get her to the hospital as Ezekiel finds them once again. An epic battle between the two leads to another life for Cassie but one she clearly already knows as she promises the girls she will mentor them when the time comes!

Dakota as Cassie is a young woman who, after an accident, understands that perhaps it is time to discover what really happened to her mother. Once she does, it changes the way she sees her life. Now she wants to protect Julia, Anya and Mattie and the only way to do that is stop Ezekiel from capturing them.

Sweeney as Julia is the calm one who is trying to understand what is happening and counting on Cassie to find the answers. Merced as Anya clearly gets that someone wants to hurt all three of them and wants to stay together until they can figure it out. O’Connor as Mattie tends to push the limits of “stay here till I get back!” and each time is causing a lot of problems.

Rahim as Ezekiel knows what he did to Cassie’s Mom but the years has made him more bold and more powerful. He knows that three girls are going to try and stop him so his goal is to stop them first. Scott as Ben knows Cassie can be a mess in the way she handles things but that doesn’t stop him from wanting to help her. Mamet as Amaria has her own way of finding what Ezekiel needs.

Other cast includes Zosia Mamet as Amaria, Kathy-Ann Hart as Susan, Jose Yazpik as Santiago and Mike Epps as O’Neil.

Bonus Materials on 4K UHD, Bluray and Digital include Gag Reel, Easter Eggs, Oracle of the Page, Fight Like a Spider, Future Vision, Casting the Web and Deleted Scenes. On DVD is Future Vision and Casting the Web.

MADAME WEB has a good start in the story it wants to tell. Johnson as Cassie takes us on the adventure to Peru to find those answers. There are bits of the story that are lacking in the way it is told but for fans who have been waiting for this film, it isn’t about to stop them from filling in the blanks on their own.

The film definetly has superheroine written all over it in the style of the story, the special effects and destruction that they always seem to leave in their wake. There is a definite connection between Cassie and the girls but the connection between Cassie and Ezekiel is clearly one that is rage and greed filled, let’s see which one lets it get to them the most.

Gather the family, a huge bowl of popcorn, turn the lights out and watch for something crawling across the walls and if you need to call for MADAME WEB!

In the end – her web connects them all!

Sony Brings the Stunning Columbia Classics Vol. 4

Jeri Jacquin

On 4K Ultra HD is the stunning COLUMBIA CLASSICS COLLECTION Vol. 4 to include such iconic films as

HIS GIRL FRIDAY, GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER, KRAMER VS. KRAMER, STARMAN, SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE and PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meet LISA FRANKENSTEIN

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and digital from director Zelda Williams and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the introduction of LISA FRANKENSTEIN.

It is 1989 and Lisa Swallow (Kathryn Newton) is dealing with the axe murdering of her mother, dealing with dad Dale (Joe Chrest) and the new wife Janet (Carla Guigino) along with step-sister Taffy (Lisa Soberano). That’s kind of a lot, so Lisa spends her time in the Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery which is annoying to the family.

After a weird night out with Taffy, bumping into her crush Michael (Henry Eikenberry) and a near assault by fellow teen Doug (Bryce Romero), leads Lisa back to the cemetery. Sitting at the grave of someone who died in 1837, a bolt of lightening strikes and The Creature (Cole Sprouse) comes to life. He is a love-struck young man who died from a lightening strike as well! Following Lisa home, Lisa realizes who he is and she wants to help the newly risen zombie.

When Dad and Janet come home to a dirt and debris mess from The Creature, Lisa tells them a story to cover up the truth. Janet is up in arms and hurls accusations at Lisa which is going to cause step-mommy dearest problems. Lisa and The Creature begin to put him back together in the oddest ways with a bond forming between the two. It is a body building bond that can possibly last into the great beyond!

Newton as Lisa is a young woman who doesn’t quite fit in with the other kids. Once she realizes that lightening brings good things, it is time for her to find happiness in the oddest way. Newton is subtly funny and it still made me laugh a lot. Sprouse as The Creature gets the best job of groaning, walking like a zombie and body part hunting. His physical and facial performance is everything and it had me laughing knowing exactly what The Creature was trying “to say”. Sprouse knew the assignment and turned it in on time.

Guigino as Janet has serious control issues and a bit of OCD where her perfect house is concerned. She also has a hair up about Lisa and makes sure to be insulting with a smile on her face. Guigino proving she can be a good gal and a bad gal all in the same role. Chrest as Dale just goes along to get along with wife Janet.

Soberano as Taffy is the ‘good’ daughter who is funny, charming and well-liked by the family. She is the only one that seems to treat Lisa with any care, even if it is a little over the top. Eikenberry as Michael is good-looking school boy who uses his charm to but in the wrong way to get the wrong results.

Bonus Features on Bluray and DVD include Deleted Scenes: Get Me Out of Hell!, Knock Knock, Music Lovers, Incredible Friend, Breaking News, and Gag Reel. Also, Resurrecting the 1980’s - Set in 1989, LISA FRANKENSTEIN is a loving tribute to the wacky, tacky, yet totally awesome 80s. Every department of production embraced the stylized world Diablo Cody created in her script and brought their A-game to making this colorful world a reality.

An Electric Connection – While it's no easy feat to turn a 19th century dead guy into the perfect boyfriend, this piece explores Lisa and her charming Creature and what makes their relationship work. Kathryn Newton, Cole Sprouse, and filmmakers explore how Lisa and Creature really need each other to truly thrive, why Creature is the “perfect man,” and Lisa’s choice at the end of the film.

And, A Dark Comedy Duo - Well-known for her ability to subvert genres, Diablo Cody delves into the inspiration behind LISA FRANKENSTEIN, what made her want to give the Frankenstein story a youthful, modern twist full of both horror and hilarity, and why Zelda Williams was the perfect choice to bring her story to life and Feature Commentary with Director Zelda Williams.

LISA FRANKENSTEIN is not only a fun comedy-horror film but surrounds itself in a bit of nostalgia in a time when the world wasn’t wrapped in technology. There are moments of laughter followed by jaw dropping fright without actually grossing me out. When the time comes for The Creature to do what he needs to, it is all in our heads, where it should be.

It is just all out fun actually and it is a film I have added to my Halloween binge watching collection. All good zombie/Frankenstein movies belong on that shelf because comedy and horror are absolutely fantastic separate and even more so together. So, prepare yourself for a new love story that will have you in stiches!

In the end – if you can’t meet your perfect boyfriend then make him!

It is the Story of POOR THINGS

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ANYONE BUT YOU Arrives on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

Watch how that works out!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He is OPPENHEIMER

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – the world forever changes!

The Return of the Iconic THE LABYRINTH and THE DARK CRYSTAL

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The bonus offerings for APPLE iTunes Extras include:

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome Back to WILLY’S WONDERLAND

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

They must somehow make it till morning!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – let playtime begin!

ALL OF US STRANGERS

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – the paths to love are many!

Return to Australia with QUIGLEY DOWN UNDER

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Revisiting the Horror of THANKSGIVING

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from infamous director Eli Roth and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment comes a serving up of the bloody kind on THANKSGIVING.

It’s the holiday season in Plymouth, Massachusetts and a time for family gathering and good food. That is unless you own the local RightMart store that is having a Black Friday sale. Jessica’s (Nell Verlaque) knows all to well of the chaos as her father Thomas (Rick Hoffman) owns the store. Store manager Mitch (Ty Victor Olsson) has missed his family’s dinner to run to the store and handle the out-of-control crowd.

Jessica takes boyfriend Bobby (Jalen Brooks) and friends Evan (Tomaso Sanelli), Yulia (Jenna Warren), Scuba (Gabriel Davenport) and Evan through a side store door but see what is happening outside. When the people outside see them, it causes a break through the store doors and the horror is captured, posted on social media and Bobby disappears.

A year later, RightMart is having another Black Friday sale and residents are not happy about it, especially Mitch. Jessica, new boyfriend Ryan (Milo Manheim) and friends wake up to be tagged in a social media post. It is eerie with a photo of a well-set Thanksgiving table with their names on the plate tags. Not long after, murder begins to happen in their small town by someone in a John Carver mask.

Sheriff Eric Newlon (Patrick Dempsey) is on the case and knows everyone that is involved in the posting. He tries to reassure everyone that he is following all leads. As the killings continue, Jessica and Bobby try to figure out what is causing it all. From axes to buzzsaws, it leads them ever closer to who is responsible for tearing up their Thanksgiving once again.

Verlaque as Jessica is a young woman dealing with a future step-mother, a father who has checked out a bit and a boyfriend who has disappeared. A year after the incident, Jessica is trying to live a normal life with very little success. When Bobby reappears, she is confused but that doesn’t last as the killings begin. Verlaque gives a strong female role but that doesn’t mean horror is put on the back burner.

Brooks as Bobby is dealing with his own serious trauma from the RightMart tragedy. Coming home Brooks’ character Bobby wants the chance to make things right with Jessica. That gets put on hold when he also wants to find out who is killing off everyone from the tragedy. Manheim as Ryan is the show off of the group and the loudest which isn’t the smartest thing if you are trying to avoid an axe murderer.

Dempsey as the town sheriff knows the families and kids involved. He makes it clear that he wants to find the killer. Dempsey definetly fits the look of a town law man as he navigates trying to put the pieces together of why anyone would kill in such a cruel manner.

Other cast include Addison Rae as Gaby, Tim Dillon as Manny, Russell Yuen as Peter Chu, Derek McGrath as Mayor Cantin, Jeff Teravainen as Bret Labelle, Joe Delfin as McCarty, Karen Cliché as Kathleen, Gina Gershon as Amanda Collins and Adam MacDonald as the voice of John Carver.

Special Features on Bluray and Digital include Exclusives, Deleted & Extended Scenes, Outtakes, Massachusetts Movies: Eli & Jeff’s Early Films, Behind the Screams, Gore Galore and Commentary with Eli Roth and Jeff Rendell. The DVD Special Features include Behind the Screams, Gore Galore and Commentary with Eli Roth and Jeff Rendell.

THANKSGIVING puts the gore in horror and doesn’t forget to add bits of twisted humor, the reality of Black Friday store shopping and plenty of ‘who-dun’ it’. Roth puts it all in a shaker and, like blood splatter, throws it up against the wall to see what it will look like. There is nothing left to the imagination and a few creative bits of gruesome that I hadn’t even considered, well done Mr. Roth.

My family loves Thanksgiving, the preparation, eating but not so much the clean-up. So, we find a way to distract ourselves from it and watch a some of our favorite movies. We are always looking for new and interesting additions and are quite picky. There should be no surprise to anyone who knows us as a family that ‘feel good rom-coms’ are not on the list. THANKSGIVING is now the top of our list!

There was cheering, groaning, laughing – you know, all the inappropriate reactions to a good horror film. That makes Roth practically family!

In the end – this year there will be no leftovers!

It is His Story of Being DARKMAN

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – he is everyone and no one!

THE HOLDOVERS

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from director Alexander Payne and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the togetherness of THE HOLDOVERS

It is 1970 and Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti) is considered a teacher at Barton Academy that no one wants to be around, students or staff. Known for his rules and strictness, it comes as no surprise when he is asked to stay behind at Barton Academy for the Christmas holidays and the ‘holdover’ students who have no place to go.

Agnus Tully (Dominic Sessa) is a forward student who doesn’t mind speaking his piece. Getting ready to go to Saint Kitts, he challenges Hunham’s decision about a test taking but karma has other plans. Tully’s mother burst the young man’s holiday bubble and now he is one of the holdovers. Also staying behind is Mary Lamb (Da’Vine Joy Randolph), the cafeteria administrator is grieving the loss of her son killed in Vietnam.

After a few days, some of the kids are taken off by one of the boys’ parents with the approval of staff. The only one left is Tully, now it is just a student, professor and cafeteria lady left behind. Hunham and Tully continually butt heads and argue with each other but something begins to happen between them as well.

Taking a trip to Boston, professor and student start talking, asking questions and realizing they have more in common than they could have ever imagined. Truths are told and pain is felt together when it becomes clear the reasons for Tully’s behavior and Hunham’s attitude about life in general.

They travel the road of redemption together.

Giamatti as Hunham is a man that is by the book and living with the ridicule of others. Being a professor, he is almost met with the distain of his students who do not see any reason to learn all that is learnable. When he tussles with student Agnus, there is verbal shots fired but when the smoke clears, there begins an understanding that is deep and palpable. This is a man who has been living a secluded life at the Barton Academy for reasons of his own and shut himself off from anyone that comes close to him. Giamatti always gives such a strong performance no matter what character he is playing but, in this film, Giamatti blossoms wonderfully.

Sessa as Tully is a young man who is trying to find his place in the world but in all the wrong ways. Constantly challenging Hunham at every turn, it becomes slowly clear what is driving his hostility and anger. Sessa gives his young character heart that is broken by the adults that are in his life that should be there for him instead of their own selfishness. When the layers begin to peel back, he sees that the man he has despised will be the adult who doesn’t let him down.

Randolph as Mary is a woman grieving for the loss of her son trying to find a way to move forward. She isn’t happy about the holdover situation but does her job and surprisingly gets to know Hunham through the quiet of the school and the chance to just talk. Trying to deal with her grief over the holidays becomes a challenge and Hunham is there for her. Randolph gives her character moments of weakness where the grief becomes too much but also finds those who will be there for her. Randolph gives a gentle and heartbreaking performance.

Other cast include Naheem Garcia as Danny, Carrie Preston as Lydia Crane, Tate Donovan as Stanley, Darby Lily as Elise, Andrew Garman as Dr. Hardy Woodrip, Brady Hepner as Teddy, Stephen Thorne as Thomas Tully, Gillian Vigman as Judy, Jan Dolley as Alex, Jim Kaplan as Ye-Joon, Michael Provost as Jason Smith,

Collector’s Edition Bonus Feature include Alternate Ending – “Mary Continues On”, Deleted Scenes, Introduction by Alexander Payne, New Room, Making a Scene, The Road Back to Barton, Ancient History, The Cast of THE HOLDOVERS – Sit down with the cast of THE HOLDOVERS, including Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and newcomer Dominic Sessa while they discuss getting into the minds of their characters, Meet the boys of Barton and learn more about director Alexander Payne’s casting process, and Working with Alexander – Hear the cast and crew about their on-set experience working with acclaimed director Alexander Payne.

THE HOLDOVERS is a film in the same vein as TO SIR WITH LOVE (1967), DEAD POETS SOCIETY (1989), STAND AND DELIVER (1988), LEAN ON ME (1989), GOOD WILL HUNTING (1997), and MONA LISA SMILE (2003) and what makes these so memorable is the story, character and emotion that is relatable.

Having the right person lead the ensemble, meaning the teacher, is so very important and Paul Giamatti is absolutely the right person. Keeping the ensemble to three people allows us to get to know these characters and become truly invested in their lives. We all have had the school experience, the disappointment in grown-ups and the life challenges as adults. THE HOLDOVERS lets us in and allows us to be angry, grieve and celebrate what it means to be a growing human being in every aspect. Well done!

In the end – it is the season of discomfort and joy!

Return of THE RAID REDEMPTION

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD and Steelbook from writer/director Gareth Evans and Sony Pictures Classics is THE RAID REDEMPTION.

Officer Rama (Iko Uwais) is part of the Mobil Brigade Corps that is led by Sgt. Jaka (Joe Taslim) and Lt. Wahyu (Pierre Gruno). There is a plan raid on an apartment building and their target is crime lord Tama Riyadi (Ray Sahetapy) but to get to him, the group must get past most tenants that are criminals and live under his protection. With a plan in place, they arrive at the building and met by a tenant who is trying to take care of his ill spouse.

Gaining entry, the brigade makes its way floor by floor and by the 6th floor they are detected and now dealing with Tama’s men coming from below and above. Knowing they are trapped, Jaka asks Wahyu to call for reinforcements and learns the truth about what they are doing. Finding momentary reprieve in an empty apartment, they aren’t safe for long.

Seeing all of this from Tama’s cameras that are strategically placed everywhere in the building is Andi (Donny Alamsyah) who feels the need to help Rama. The biggest threat is Mad Dog (Yayan Ruhian) who is laser focused on doing as much damage as possible to every cop he meets. As Jaka gets up higher and higher in the building, more secrets are revealed and his determination to survive and bring out the surviving officers

Uwais as Rama is a man who is just trying to get home to a wife who is expecting their first child. Trusting in the men he is being led by, going into the criminal apartment complex that is filled with those who will protect their gangster leader at all costs. Once Rama realizes what he is up against, Uwais puts his character into full steam ahead with swift and spectacular martial arts.

Alamsyah as Andi is working for Tama but there is a secret he is keeping from his crime boss. Once he teams up with Rama, there is only one person standing in their way and don’t let his size fool you. Ruhian as Mad Dog is that size! He is a one-man death-wrecking crew who doesn’t need to say much as his action make it clear who he is.

Sahetapy as Tama is ruthless and has control of more than just the apartment building. He is feared by everyone and crossing him is a death sentence. With almost everyone in his pocket, Rama knows that he is not going to give up. Taslim as Sgt. Jaka leads his men into the building and realizes too late that they are not going to be walking back out the front door alive.

Other cast include Alfridus Godfred, Henky Solaiman, Fikha Effendi, Verdi Soliman, Ananda George, Yusuf Opilus, Iang Darmawan as Gofar, Tegar Satrya as Bowo, Eka Rahmadia as Dagu.

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.

Special Features include Unrated Version of the Feature Presented in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision,5.1 Indonesian and English Audio, Commentary with Gareth Evans, Behind-the-Scenes Video Blogs, Inside the Score, In Conversation with Gareth Evans and Mike Shinoda, An Evening with Gareth Evans, Mike Shinoda and Joe Trapanese, Behind the Music with Mike Shinoda and Joe Trapanese, Anatomy of a Scene with Gareth Evans, Claycat’s THE RAID, THE RAID TV Show Ad (circa 1994) and Theatrical Trailer.

This is definetly an epic martial arts film as the cast goes floor to floor meeting some of the most vicious criminals that the crime lord Tama could gather together. Director Evans, who also wrote the script, had a vision that played fantastically on the screen. The apartment building itself plays a pivotal role in the fight scenes and ultimate survival of Rama and his team.

The cinematography is stunning keeping the greyish danger lurking around every corner. The skill of the martial arts is intense and exactly what I would expect and, of course, Uwais, Ruhian and Alamsyah are the stars. The scene between these three men had my own bones aching after it was all over.

If you are needing an intense one hundred and two-minute thrill ride of action and suspense then curl up, popcorn bowl in hand and be prepared to cheer for survival with THE RAID REDEMPTION.

In the end – survival is their mission!

They Fight with DUMB MONEY: The GameStop Story

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from director Craig Gillespie and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the story of the underdog taking on Wall Street with DUMB MONEY: The GameStop Story.

It is 2020 and Keith Gill (Paul Dano) spends his spare time as Roaring Kitty on YouTube talking about the stock market. His day job is a financial analyst and husband to Caroline (Shailene Woodley) while dealing with brother Kevin (Pete Davidson) who still lives with his parents. Covid is running rampant when Keith notices that stock in his favorite place is falling.

GameStop is a place for all those who play games and Keith buys stock telling his viewers on YouTube all about it. He believes that hedge fun firms like Melvin Capital founded by Gabe Plotkin (Seth Rogen) have been short selling the stock. Listening to Roaring Kitty is Jennifer (America Ferrera) and she buys into the stock as well. Joining the ranks are college students Riri (Myha’la Herrold) and Harmony (Talia Ryder) and GameStop employee Marcos (Anthony Ramos).

They aren’t the only ones as people start aggressively buying stock and begin really following Roaring Kitty. Using the trading site Robinhood co-owned by Vald Tenev (Sebastian Stan), there is a huge surge of stocks and people begin to see they can make real money. Plotkin realizes he is in trouble when Ken Griffin (Nick Offerman) of Citadel finds a way to turn things around. That is when the United States House Committee on Financial Services decides to step in and find out what is truly going on and who is responsible.

Those who invested are stunned at what is happening and Keith stands firm in his belief only to discover there are those who stand with him, no matter what it takes.

Dano as Keith is a very quiet man who tries not to rock the boat in his life. Spending time on his YouTube just allows him a chance to talk about what he is interested in and that is the pattern of what happens on Wall Street. GameStop is, as for a lot of gamers, a place that brings them the joy of gaming so owing stock seemed the right thing. Dano gives his character the complexities of a man trying to take care of his family, working a straight job and having a few moments of online fun who never expected it to blow up. I enjoyed his portrayal and it is believable down to its core.

Davidson as Kevin looked like he was having so much fun because this role is not, in any way, a far-reaching stretch. Most of Davidson’s roles are like this but Kevin stands out as the brother who just likes to be a pain – and it works! Woodley as Caroline stands behind her husband, even when things get strange and believes in him. There really isn’t huge chemistry between the two characters but it doesn’t mean much in the grand scheme of the story.

Rogen as Plotkin spends most of the film running, with a phone stuck to his ear and sweating – a lot. I mean I would too if I was losing billions (yes, millions with a b). Rogen has the unique ability to play nervous and he does it so well. Ferrera as Jennifer is a nurse that just wants a financial break, not the world, just a small break and her nerves are just as intense as Plotkin’s but for different reasons.

Herrold as Riri, Ryder as Harmony and Ramos as Marcos are people who believed in the Roaring Kitty and are willing to hold as long as he does. They not only hold but begin to understand the workings of Wall Street and are all in when it comes to stopping them from squashing the little guy! Stan as Tenev is a man who claims he is for the people but when a large chunk of money is thrown his way, he becomes worse than Robinhood.

Shout out to Offerman and D’Onofrio because I was watching these two giggle at each of their characters. They know they are sleazy and enjoy it with a side order of rich.

Other cast include Kate Burton as Elaine Gill, Clancy Brown as Steven Gill, Rushi Kota as Baiju Bhatt, Larry Owens as Chris, Dane DeHaan as Brad, Deniz Akdeniz as Briggsy, Olivia Thirlby as Yaara Plotkin and Vincent D’Onofrio as Steve Cohen.

Special Feature include Fat Cats vs. The Roaring Kitty, Diamond Hand Ensemble, Join the Cast & Discover the Insane True Story!, Deleted Scenes and Filmmaker Commentary.

DUMB MONEY is a great way for people to learn about what happens when you don’t understand what the rich are doing on Wall Street. Just the fact that they use the term ‘dumb money’ would make me want to find a few bucks to invest with. It is a shame that Roaring Kitty isn’t still around because I’d follow him!

The cast is brilliant at keeping the intensity up for the entire film. I found myself yelling at the screen as well before I realizes I was doing it. There are relationships in the midst of the madness but what is clear is that along with the learning comes a new found understanding that life is full of chances but only to those who are willing to risk losing a little.

In the end – bank on humor!

NEXT GOAL WINS Arrives on

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and DVD from writer/director Taika Waititi and Searchlight Pictures comes the unusual story of a soccer team they never see coming with NEXT GOAL WINS.

Soccer coach Thomas Rongen’s (Michael Fassbender) life is about to change but necessarily not the way he thinks. Up against a committee that includes estranged wife Gail (Elisabeth Moss) and smug Alex Magnussen (Will Arnett) he is given the opportunity to do something most consider impossible – coach the American Samoa national team. The reason it is considered impossible is because they have never goaled, not once.

Arriving in American Samoa, it is clear that Rongen is not a happy man. Meeting the team of players, he immediately thinks it is all a joke knowing he can’t turn back. He meets Tavita (Oscar Kightley) who introduces him to the team and eventually becomes a sort of spiritual guide for Rongen and Ace (David Fane) a coach who is more a father figure than a coach.

Daru (Beulah Koale) is on the team of those who haven’t really been coached before and the surprise for the new coach is Jaiyah (Kaimana). Preparing them to become an elite soccer squad before World Cup qualifiers is a challenge for Rongen and it takes a lot of learning for him to realize that perhaps he is the reason things aren’t going well.

Yet, the team comes together, Rogen finds where he belongs and the team finds what they have been looking for and that’s just one goal!

Fassbender as Rongen is a disgruntled soccer coach that is on the outs with the wife and dealing with something he can’t talk about. Being sent to American Somona feels like the worse punishment and once he sees what the team he is coaching is about, he feels like it is worse than he could ever have imagined. Fassbender is surrounded by a cast that just keeps the viewer one step away from totally wanting to kick a ball to his face but his character does grow on us all.

Kightley as Tavita is the spiritual coach of the team. He realizes quickly that Rongen has to be guided to the one thing Tavita has asked the universe for, one single solitary goal! I truly enjoyed Kightley’s character as the solid and calm needed in the chaos. Kaimana as Jaiyah gives Rongen a reason to rethink so much about how he sees the world but also Kaimana gives us a look at Jaiya’s own personal struggles of acceptance.

Koale as Daru is a young man who wants so much to give his father, Tavita, something to be proud of and resolve his own feelings about playing soccer. Koale gives us a young man who is proud of his heritage, family and friends which is the warm blanket of cuddles I love about the film.

Other cast include Rachel House as Ruth, Uli Latukefu as Nicky, Chris Alosio as Jonah, Rhys Darby as Rhys Marlin, Angus Sampson as Angus Bendleton, Luke Hemsworth as Keith, Kaitlyn Dever as Nicole, David Tu’itupou as Tall David, Levy Tuiala as Chief Sila, Frankie Adams as Frangipani, Semu Filipo as Rambo, Chris Alosio as Jonah, Lehi Falepapalangi as Pisa, Ioane Goodhue as Smiley, Hio Pelesasa as Samson, and Taika Waititi as the American Samoan Priest.

Bonus Features include the Featurette Creating The Pitch of Life - Explore filmmaker Taika Waititi’s loving homage to American Samoa, Polynesian culture, and the sports movie in this delightfully entertaining short-form documentary. See what it took to make a winning movie about the losingest soccer team in the world, Deleted Scene and Priest Blessing the Team.

NEXT GOAL WINS is a humorous and human look at individuals who each have their own struggles but when they come together, amazing and wonderful things begin to happen. The team shows what they have been lacking and Rongen shows what he can be good at given the chance. Leadership doesn’t mean just one leader when they all have the potential!

The film is based on the documentary Next Goal Wins written in 2014 by Mike Brett and Steve Jamison. It is based on the American Samoa soccer team who lost to Australia in 2001 with a score of 31-0 and considered to be the worst World Cup loss in the history of the game.

But hey, you can’t win them all right? Wrong.

In the end – just one goal!

The World is in Trouble with THE WANDERING EARTH II

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from writer/director Frant Gwo and Well Go USA is the intense story of our world when looking for THE WANDERING EARTH II.

The United Earth Government is put together when they discover the Earth is being threatened by our own sun. It is continuing to expand and the only way to save mankind is to literally move the planet. The idea is to build over ten thousand fusion engines and push the Earth to a safer place. At the same time, the Lunar Exile Project wants to push the Moon away from the Earth.

UEG decides that to continue humanity, they would create mind technologies that will allow a person to be digitally uploaded. This doesn’t sit well with people and protests begin to occur. When a terrorist attack happens hitting the place where the engines are being constructed, the fighting begins between trying to save the planet and the people trying to survive. Liu Peiqiang (Wu Jing) is able to help but not in time for the Ark Space station to be destroyed.

When countries decide to stop with the program, China attempts to finish the engines. Tu Hengyu (Andy Lau) is brought out of hibernation and has the new computer that will test the Lunar engine. He also has his daughter Yaya on a hard drive having loaded her consciousness before leaving Earth. On Earth, over the next fourteen years, the engines are built while shelters are built for Earth’s citizens. Liu Peiqiang marries fellow astronaut Han Duoduo (Wang Zhi) and the project is renamed Wandering Earth Project.

The solar radiation is out of control as the sun becomes more and more dangerous. Peiqiang wants to help rebuild the Navigator ISS. The UEG knows it must detonate nuclear weapons on the moon’s Campanus Crater and after doing so realizes that the engines on Earth are not ready to move the planet. Tu Hengyu is called upon to get things back on track or the moon’s debris will destroy the earth before it can move towards Jupiter.

It is a change that will last generation after generation!

Jing as Peiqiang is a man pushed to his technological and emotional limits. He knows what is happening around him and makes it his goal to volunteer to help. Of course, he does this for his own personal reasons as well. Jing gives us a character that is dedicated to his job but also shows his emotions and the reasons for them.

Lau as Tu Hengyu is a man with a history that involves his young daughter and technology. They are intertwined together and it is up to him to find out how to correct the mistakes that have been made. When he does, it is absolutely everything. Lau takes his character from start to finish and doesn’t let off the gas once. Well done!

Cast include Li Xuejian as Zhou Zhezhi, Sha Yi as Zhang Peng, Ning Li as Ma Zhao, Zhu Yanmanzi as Hao Ziaoxi, Khalid Ghanem as Tower Commander, Andy Friend as Mike, Vitalli Makarychev as Andre Graschnov, Clara Lee as Tony Nicholson and Daniela Dassy as the Brazilian astronaut.

THE WANDERING EARTH II is an eye full coming in at 174 minutes but don’t let that shy you away. It is a feast for the senses filled with excitement, tension, suspense, and CGI that is nothing short of stellar on every level. From the space crafts to the planets themselves, the pictures are crisp and full of color (even if that color is moon gray).

The cast gives it their all with a script that pops back and forth between what has happened to what is going to happen and each character goes in full force. There are stories here that are filled with emotion because once people realize the world is on the verge of ending, high emotions come into play as decisions about family must be made.

It is such a large cast and they should all be congratulated for bringing such an epic story to the screen. Surrounded by so much in the way of special effects, it does not stop their performances from coming across strongly. What an amazing project to be part of and they should all be very proud of what they accomplished.

THE WANDERING EARTH II is an epic space journey of man and the solar system so prepare for disaster to happen!

In the end – their goal is to save the earth!

It is the Return of the 1986 Film STAND BY ME

Jeri Jacquin

Coming on 4K Ultra HD in a Special Edition Steelbook from director Rob Reiner and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the return of an iconic film with the story of STAND BY ME.

It is the summer of 1959 in the town of Castle Rock and Gordie (Wil Wheaton), Teddy (Corey Feldman), Chris (River Phoenix), and Vern (Jerry O’Connell) are teenage boys spending Labor Day weekend doing boy stuff. Vern tells his friends that brother Billy has discovered a body in the woods but can’t say anything because they would get in trouble.

The boy decide that they will go look for the body and become town heroes and pack up for the long walk. Chris goes as far as to take his father’s gun for protection. Much to their dismay, they run into the town bad boys led by Ace (Kiefer Sutherland), and Eyeball (Bradley Gregg) who threaten them and steal something precious to Gordie.

On the trip, the boys have a chance to bond even more. Around the campfire, Gordie tells stories of characters he has created. Chris encourages Gordie to continue becoming a writer and not let his homelife interfere with his goal. He also tells the story of what caused his reputation and the boys are shocked by what he tells them.

The next day they find what they are looking for and aren’t sure how to feel about it all. Right behind them is Ace and his gang who make demands and threaten the boys even more. By now these four young men have discovered that they are each very strong and Ace, even with his gang with Billy (Casey Siemaszko), Denny (John Cusack) and Charlie (Gary Riley), cannot change that.

When you are twelve, friendships are the memories you keep forever!

Wheaton as Gordie is such a gentle young man who was dealing with a very traumatic situation at home. The trip is something he wants to do and knows that along with his best friend, he is going to be okay. Wheaton fit the bill perfectly as Gordie. Phoenix as best friend Chris has a tough exterior but emotionally supports his friend Gordie. He also has a story that needs telling and when he does it shocks his friends to see such emotion. Phoenix was also a perfect fit to play Chris.

Feldman as Teddy is memorable, but then again anytime Feldman was on the screen in the 80’s he was memorable. He brought this character the relief it needed at times because the film without it would be so intense. O’Connell as Vern is the one person who held back and seemed the most fearful but that didn’t stop him from following his friends!

Sutherland as Ace is a ruthless teen who finds joy in being the bully to the boys. He is going to make his own mark and it will be at the expense of someone else’s’ death. Sutherland is also an 80’s star that left his mark on that era. Cusack flexes as brother Denny and knows what is happening isn’t right. Riley, Siemaszko and Gregg are definitely followers to Ace’s leadership.

Other cast include Scott Beach as Mayor Grundy, Marshall Bell as Mr. Lachance, Frances McCain as Mrs. Lachance, Jason Lipsett as Vince, Bruce Kirby as Mr. Quidacioluo, William Bronder as Milo, and Richard Dreyfuss as the writer Gordon.

Bonus materials include 4K Ultra HD Disc, Feature Presented in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos +DTS-HD MA 5.1 and Mono Audio Options, along with Deleted and Alternate Scenes.

Bluray Disc Feature presented in High Definition 5.1 Audio BLU-RAY DISC

Feature presented in High Definition, Special Features: Picture-in-Picture Commentary with Director Rob Reiner and Actors Wil Wheaton & Corey Feldman, “Walking the Tracks: The Summer of Stand By Me”, Audio Commentary with Director Rob Reiner and Music Video.

STAND BY ME is based off the Stephen King novella The Body with the written script by Bruce A. Evans and Raynold Gideon.

This film is iconic in so many ways, as a coming-of-age story but also because it was, at the time, relatable to so many people. Most of us who are now in our sixties remember the days when we could take off from sun up until sun down doing goodness knows what without a parent in sight. Most of us did not have to be home until the sun was almost down.

Bike riding and exploring where everything at that age. My brother and I would go toward the hills separating us from Mexico and climb to see how far we could get before someone would yell at us. If it wasn’t the hills, then it was the winding back road to the beach, the estuary – any place where no one else wasn’t.

That’s what the film STAND BY ME came to mean for so many. It is a story of friendship, difficult times, emotions that you cannot share with anyone but your best friends, and memories we did not realize would have to last us a lifetime. We would be almost the last generation able to have such freedoms.

Now with the release of STAND BY ME, we can share in their journey once again.

In the end – it is the last summer to remember!

THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK Returns on 4K Ultra HD

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD and Bluray from writer/director Randall Wallace, United Artist and Shout! Select in a Collector’s Edition is the classic 1998 film THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK.

France is almost in financial ruin as King Louis XIV (Leonardo DiCaprio) continues to wage war against the Dutch. The once four Musketeers Aramis (Jeremy Irons), Porthos (Gerard Depardieu), Athos (John Malkovich) have gone on to live separate lives away from the fray. Only D’Artangnan (Gabriel Byrne) remained to help the king.

Athos son Raoul (Peter Sarsgaard) wants to be a Musketeer like his father was and also is in love with the beautiful Christine Bellefort (Judith Godreche). The King has other plans for both Raoul and Christine angering Athos beyond measure. The King believes there is a traitor among the Jesuit priests and he tells Aramis that he must hunt down the person and dispose of him.

Aramis decides to bring Porthos, Athos and D’Artagnan together to show him a plan to rid themselves of a king who starves his people and only cares for his own glory. D’Artagnan makes it clear he will have no part in whatever Aramis is planning and Athos makes it clear they will never see each other as friends again.

Aramis, Porthos and Athos take it upon themselves to get a man in an iron mask at the Ile Sainte-Marguerite prison. What is discovered is that the man is none other than Philippe (Leonardo DiCaprio), a son of Queen Anne (Anne Parillaud) that no one knows about. Their plan seems simple enough to exchange Phillipe for Louis but it will take time and time is not on their side!

DiCaprio as the King and Phillipe get the opportunity to play a double role but totally different from each other. As the King he plays an uncaring, spoiled man who doesn’t care who he has to destroy to get what he wants. The role of Phillipe is a man who doesn’t understand what has been happening to him but the changes are slow when it is time to take his place in the world. This is one of my favorite films and DiCaprio adds to that reason.

Irons as Aramis is, out of the three friends, is the cool, level headed smart planner. He knows what must be done and even if his friends are unpredictable, he needs them to finish what they have started together. Byrne as D’Artangnan is torn between being a friend and a Musketeer loyal to the kingdom. I truly enjoy his portrayal of a man who is loyal but with a secret of his own.

Malkovich as Athos has a sincere and heart-breaking reason for wanting to be part of the plan to rid France of a bad king. Although his character rages from the start, he does find a softer part of himself in Phillipe. Depardieu as Porthos is a man who knows how to have a good time and is a bit overdramatic but when he is called upon to act like a Musketeer, it is not a good thing for any enemy.

Parillaud as Queen Anne knows that her son the King does not care for anyone else but his own selfish needs but manages to keep herself together. There is a feeling for one particular Musketeer and a history that they have kept to themselves for years. Parillaud is lovely and charming and, more importantly, makes you believe she is a Queen.

Other cast includes David Lowe as King Louis Advisor, Edward Atterton as Lieutenant Andre, and Hugh Laurie as Pierre.

Bonus Features include New 4K Transfer from the Original Camera Negative, Audio DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, 2.0, In Dolby Vision, Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Randall Wallace. Interview with Producer Paul Hitchcock, Interview with Production Designer Anthony Pratt, “Myth and the Musketeers” Featurette, “Director’s Take” Featurette, “Alternate Mask Prototypes” Featurette, Original Behind-The-Scene Featurette and Theatrical Trailer.

I remember when THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK came out in theatres because I was so excited to see it. The period piece of me is always going to run to the theatre and with a historical family connection to France I am always curious as to a storyteller’s ideal of mixing history with action and adventure. It was an amazing time and thrilling to watch on the big screen.

Now, with the size of televisions, watching the film again is absolutely like being in the theatre once again. The action of the Musketeers and the adventure of the story is done with color and a vividness that has made the film a classic. The ensemble of actors truly makes the tale worthy of being part of any home entertainment library.

So, learn the secret and know the story of THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK!

In the end – the Musketeers take on a King!

Revisit All Six films of RESIDENT EVIL on 4K Ultra HD

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to an amazing Steelbook Collection set on 4K Ultra HD from writer/directors Paul W.S. Anderson, Alexander Witt, Russell Mulcahy and

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the legendary horror action series of RESIDENT EVIL.

Beginning in 2002 with RESIDENT EVIL, the Umbrella Corporation in Raccoon City has a facility called the Hive. Alice (Milla Jovovich) finds herself on the floor of a mansion not knowing what is happening and quickly attacked by Matt Addison (Eric Mabius) who says he is a Raccoon cop. Going down into the Hive, they are told that they all work for the Umbrella Corporation.

She is also told that the Red Queen (Michaela Dicker) kill a partner Alice doesn’t remember and that someone named Kaplan (Martin Crewes) shut down the system unleashing undead staff and creatures called Lickers. Through the madness surrounding her, Alice slowly starts to regain some memories.

Taking on the Red Queen, Alice and Matt are now being hunted and everyone is in terrible danger in Raccoon City.

Other cast includeRobert Tannion as Dr. Brown, Heike Makatsch as Dr. Lisa Addison, Stephen Billington as Mr. White, Michelle Rodriguez as Rain, Oscar Pearce as Mr. Green, Indra Ove as Ms. Black, James Purefoy as Spence, Colin Salmon as One, Fiona Glascott as Ms. Gold, Pasquale Aleardi as J.D. Salinas, Ryan McClusky as Mr. Grey, Anna Bolt as Dr. Green, Joseph May as Dr. Blue, Robert Tannon as Dr. Brown and Jason Isaacs as the narrator.

Features of the Bluray include Feature Presented in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision and Theatrical Trailer.

In the 2004 RESIDENT EVIL: APOCALYPSE, Alice has been parted from Matt and the zombies are everywhere in Raccoon City. The Umbrella is trying to contain it by closing down the city but not before knowing that Dr. Ashford’s (Jared Harris) daughter Angela (Sophie Vavasseur) is missing. The Raccoon City Police officer Jill Valentine (Dienna Guillory) is trying to get people to leave before it’s too late. Even Umbrella soldiers Carolos Olivera (Oded Fehr) and Nicholai Ginovaef (Zack Ward) are trying to get away.

Dr. Ashford wants Alice’s help finding her daughter and claims that they would be given safe passage if they recue Angela. Agreeing, they run into Nemesis (Matthew G. Taylor) and things become entrenched in zombies and anti-virus serum and people turning on one another because that’s what Umbrella does and Alice is in the middle.

Other cast include Thomas Kretschmann as Major Timothy Cain, Razaaq Adoti as Sgt. Peyton Wells, Mike Epps as Lloyd Jefferson Wade, Sandrine Holt as Terri Morales and Iain Glen as Dr. Alexander Isaacs.

Special Features include Feature Presentation in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision, Theatrical and Extended Cuts of the Film and Theatrical Trailers, Filmmaker Commentary, Cast Commentary, Writer/Producer Commentary, Deleted Scenes, “Game Over: Resident Evil Reanimated” Documentary, “Corporate Malfeasance” Featurette, “Game Babes’ Featurette and “Symphony of Evil” Featurette.

RESIDENT EVIL: Extinction in 2007 brings Alice to a dump where she finds other “Alice’s”. She knows it is the Umbrella Corporation continuing to fail with their Alice Project. Now the T-virus has spread worldwide and it’s hitting the planet hard as well. Alice is wandering but finds that there might be an uninfected place in Alaska.

She also reunites with Carlos and Wade in a survivors group led by Claire Redfield (Ali Larter) and tells them about the place in Alaska. Isaacs is up to no good trying with a new zombie kind using them to track Alice and destroy the convoy. Alice isn’t about to stand for it and after a battle for control, she gets her hands on a computer that shows her where Umbrella is hiding in an underground place.

Arriving at Umbrella, Alice comes across the White Queen (Madeline Carroll) who tells her something that might help everyone. When Wesker (Jason O’Mara) realizes he has lost North America, Alice makes it clear that they are not finished, not by a longshot.

Other cast also includes Matthew Marsden as Alex Slater, Linden Ashby as Chase, Ashanti as Nurse Betty, Spencer Locke as K-Mart, Christopher Egan as Mikey, and Joe Hursley as Otto.Fe

Special Features include Feature Presented in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision, Resdient Road Map: Reflections on the Future of the Series, Theatrical Trailers, “Under the Umbrella” Picture-in-Picture, Filmmaker Commentary, Deleted Scenes and 4-Featurettes.

In 2010, the film RESIDENT EVIL: Afterlife has Alice and the clones hitting the Umbrella headquarters in Tokyo. Their goal is Wesker who manages to escape but not before Alice has him in hand. He turns on her quickly to take away her abilities. Yet, months later, Alice is in Alaska following a place called Arcadia. Disappointed to find it in bad condition, she also finds Claire.

They both leave for Los Angeles where a prison holds survivors who are surrounded by zombies. Leader Luther (Boris Kodjoe) wants to get out and Alice learns that Arcadia is not a set place but a floating one but no one has heard from them in a while. When the group is attacked, Alice learns that Chris (Wentworth Miller) is Claire’s brother and more chaos among the group takes shape.

Aboard the plane, Alice heads for Arcadia and on the way remembers that Umbrella may have something to do with all this. As usual, its clean up time for Alice and the group if they are to survive.

Other cast include Shawn Roberts as Albert Wesker, Kim Coates as Bennett, Sergio Peris-Mencheta as Angel Ortiz, Kacey Barnfield as Crystal Waters, Norman Yeung as Kim Yong, Spencer Locke as K-Mart, Mika Nakashima as J-Pop Girl, and Ray Olubowale as the Axeman.

Special Feature include Feature Presented in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision, Alice Activated, Theatrical Trailers, “Undead Vision” Picture-in-Picture, Filmmaker Commentary, Deleted and Extended Scenes, Outtakes and 7 Featurettes.

Alice has returned with the 2012 RESIDENT EVIL: Retrobution and the Arcadia has come under fire by Umbrella and is led by Jill and Alice is captured. When she wakes up, she is living a suburban life with husband Todd and her child Becky (Aryana Engineer). When the zombies hit, suburbia becomes Raccoon City and Rain is helping them escape.

The Arcadia Alice is being questioned by Jill but it doesn’t stop Alice from finding a way out but not before knowing she is in a sim of Shibuya Square in Tokyo coming face to face with Ada Wong (Li Biongbing). Wesker appears, somewhat, to let her know the Red Queen has started the Hive again. Where Alice actually is, she discovers, is Kamchatka, Russia.

A crew with Luther along with Leon and Barry, help to get Alice out and agree to all meet up again in Raccoon City. Suburbia Alice’s daughter Becky meets up with Arcadia Alice and attaches herself to “mom”. Once on the surface, Alice brings Jill back to herself and the battle is on landing them all at the White House where Alice has a showdown with Wexler.

Other cast include Robin Kasyanov as Sergei, Kevin Durand as Barry, Ofilio Portillo as Tony, and Colin Salmon as One.

Special Features include Feature Presented in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision, Evil Goes Global, Undead Retribution, Theatrical Trailers, Director and Cast Commentary, Filmmaker Commentary, Deleted and Extended Scenes, Outtakes, Project Alice: The Interactive Database and 8 Featurettes.

Finally, 2016 is the year of RESIDENT EVIL: The Final Chapter as Dr. Marcus (Mark Simpson) who founded Umbrella has a daughter who is dying and uses the T-virus only to discover the horrors of it. Telling Dr. Ashford it is never to be used again and all research must be destroyed, Ashford wants to save his own daughter Angela who ends up with Wesker.

Alice wakes up in the White House and once again Wesker has lied and the Red Queen says her clock is ticking to get to the Hive. The Umbrella’s intention is to kill all infected and Alice is no exception. Back in Raccoon City she meets up with Claire who survived the Arcadia attack. Isaacs has his own plan however and they is a horde of zombies coming their way.

The Red Queen shows up again to show Alice what Isaacs true plan has been all along and who in her group can’t be trusted. Alice and Claire get their chance to make Isaacs pay for what he has done but he has other plans. Setting it all in place, he is ready for his plan to be complete and throws the switch but, is that the end?

Other cast include Eoin Macken as Doc, Lee Joon-gi as Commander Chu,, Rola as Cobalt, Fraser James as Razor, Ruby Rose as Abigail, William Levy as Christian and Ever Anderson as the Red Queen.

Special Features include Feature Presented in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision, Newly Added: Directing THE FINAL CHAPTER, Rola as Cobalt, From Saints to Sinners, From Script to Screen: The Making of RESIDENT EVIL: The Final Chapter, Maximum Carnage: Best Kills, Creature Chronology, Theatrical Trailers, Retaliation Mode with Paul W.S. Anderson and Milla Jovovich and 3 Featurettes.

This is an amazing collection of films and if, like me, you love a good zombie action film then all six of the RESIDENT EVIL films in one package is a repeater binge-worthy addition to the home entertainment library. The Steelbook is very cool with the images that are perfection to the series and keeps everything in one nice place.

The film each hold their own and Jovovich bring her character of Alice to an iconic level that will never be repeated. The cast is consistent which is very cool because as they pop in and out of each storyline, I am always thrilled to see them again and again. My entire family gathered around to watch each of these films because we share in the thrills and chills and a good binge night is always special.

Anderson created these roles and took the story lines to places we never could have expected, even added directors Witt and Mulcahy stayed true to the character we loved watching. Jovovich’s Alice is strong, no nonsense, and focused knowing that every step she takes leads her to people who only have one goal – destruction. What an awesome character as they absolutely all are!

In the end – she is legendary!

In a Stellar Six-Disc Collection is MASAAKI YUASA: Five Films

Jeri Jacquin

Coming in a stunning five film pack from director Masaaki Yuasa, GKids and Shout Studios comes a MASAAKI YUASA: Five Films.

Written and directed by Yuasa, MIND GAMES arrived in 2004 comedy that came about from Robin Nishi’s manga. In his directorial debut, Yuasa tells the story of Nishi from Osaka who wants to become a comic book artist. On night on the subway, he runs into Myon who happily takes him to meet her family.

But things turn bad and Nishi must come to Myon’s rescue in a violent turn-about. In a moment of life, death and brave choices, Nishi is on the run with Myon and her sister Yan. The yakuza men that started all of this are hot on their trail. Finding refuge in the most unlikely of places, it only buys them a little time before they once again must make life and death choices.

In 2017, director Yuasa brings the romantic comedy THE NIGHT IS SHORT, WALK ON GIRL based on an earlier novel of the same name written by Tomihiko Morimi. Two university students as Kohai meets Todo at a club but it is at a party where she participates in a drinking game with Rihaku (who is a powerful being) and wins.

At a school festival, Senpai and Kohai go to a book festival and Rihaku is also there but this time is having a food contest to win a rare book. Senpai wins a book but everything is side tracked as people fall ill. Finally, Senapi returns something meaningful to Kohai!

Also in 2017, director Yuasa brings LU OVER THE WALL which is also written by Yuasa and Reiko Yoshida. Kai is a young man who lives in Hinashi Town with his grandfather. He is part of a bank with his friends Kunio and Yuho. When Kai arrives on Merfolk Island, he meets Lu, a girl who has both a fin and legs. Along with her abilities come dangers.

When grandfather reopens a merfolk park, Kai’s band opens in a show but it is Lu who makes a splash. Yuho is upset and causes an uproar in the town that leads to Lu’s dangers becoming even more so. It becomes clear that the two sides must find a way to live together.

RIDE YOUR WAVE comes in 2019 as director Yuasa brings a stunningly beautiful story to the screen. Hinako Mukaimizu is a college student who takes on surfing the clear waves. The young woman is nineteen and quickly deals with life when a fire breaks out and she is rescued by Minato Hinageshi, a local firefighter.

Tragedy is not done with Hinako who leaves her beloved waves but Minato is not out of her life. Visiting his family, she meets sister Yoko and learns more about what inspired him to be a firefighter. Her brother also told her to ‘ride her own wave’. Again, tragedy strikes Hinako and her friends but now they have a choice on how they survive and grow stronger.

Finally, in 2021, Yuasa directs INU-OH based on the novel Tales of the Heike: Inu-Oh by Hideo Furukawa. The story is about Inu-Oh and his friend Tomoari. Living in Japan during the 14th century, the dancer and musician have shunned by those around them but nothing is going to stop them from being creative.

Their performances bring unwanted attention but the troupe they perform with tell the story behind what has happened to Inu-Oh. How a young boy, a father and a mask all bring about a performance that will come again in the future with Tomoari’s patience.

GKIDS brings award-winning feature animation for both adult and family audiences. The company has received ten Best Animated Feature Oscar nominations including The Secret of Kells, A Cat in Paris, The Tale of Princess Kaguya and The Breadwinner. GKIDS is also a distributor for Studio Ghibli films including Spirited Away and Princess Monokie and many more. To learn more about GKIDS please visit www.gkids.com.

Special Features include English-language dub of THE NIGHT IS SHORT, WALK ON GIRL for the first time on Bluray, Two Short Films by Masaaki Yuasa – Happy Machine (2007) and Kick-Heart (2013), Filmmaker Commentaries for MIND GAME, LU OVER THE WALL and INU-OH, and Scene Breakdowns and Commentaries from Each Feature Film, Masaaki Yuasa Draws Characters from MIND GAME, LU OVER THE WALL, and INU-OH.

Also, Filmmaker Interviews About LU OVER THE WALL, THE NIGHT IS SHORT, WALK ON GIRL, and INU-OH, A Night Out with Yuasa: An Exclusive Interview with Masaaki Yuasa at a Los Angeles Speakeasy, Where He Discusses His Inspirations, Favorite Type of Restaurants, Perfect Vacation, Dancing, and more, a 60-Page Book Featuring an Essay by Emily Yoshida and Excerpts from Masaaki Yuasa’s Sketchbooks and more!

This is a stunning collection and any anime fan would be absolutely thrilled to receive it as a gift. There are intense stories here but also vivid color, fantastic scenes, and brilliant animation from start to finish. The story telling is ethereal and, in fact, mesmerizing to watch come to fruition. If allowed to have a favorite, it would be RIDE YOUR WAVE because I live near the ocean and the colors are stunning in the film with a story that touches my heart.

Yuasa brings visual artistry and is the most visionary animator who is beloved and celebrated all over the world. This collection includes stunning art by Yuasa in the packaging, a 13x21 poster of the new art and an exclusive 60-page book celebrating the work of this one-of-a-kind storyteller. There are excerpts from the creative’s sketchbook and this six-disc set of MASAAKI YUASA: Five Films can be ordered on GKIDS.com/Yuasa and ShoutFactory.com.

Adding MASAAKI YUASA: Five Films to your own home entertainment library is going to be the crown jewel in any collection. Now, you still have time to ask Santa for that last special treat in time for Christmas too! Happy Holidays!

Surf’s Up with the Return of POINT BREAK

Jeri Jacquin

Returning on 4K Ultra HD and Bluray in a Collector’s Edition from Oscar winning director Kathryn Bigelow and Shout! Studios is the return to the waves with POINT BREAK.

Johnny Utah (Keanu Reeves) is an FBI Agent who is sent by Agent Angelo Pappas (Gary Busey) to discover who is responsible for bank robbers. Known as the Ex-Presidents, the robbers disguise themselves as Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Richard Nixon and Lyndon B. Johnson. Pappas has his own theory that they are surfers who use the money to follow the waves.

Going undercover, Utah meets Tyler (Lori Petty) who saves him from drowning as he tries to learn to surf on his own. Sharing his cover story, she introduces him to Bodhi (Patrick Swayze) and his group Roach (James LeGros), Grommet (Bojesse Christopher) and Nathaniel (John Philbin). Bodhi wouldn’t have accepted him so quickly if not for recognizing Utah as a former football player. Utah begins to experience their adrenaline filled life at the same time working on the case.

When a robbery goes wrong, and the DEA operation is blown, Utah believes he knows who the Ex-Presidents are. Staking out a potential bank, the Ex-Presidents strike and Utah runs after one of the robbers injuring himself. Tyler discovers something upsetting and Bodhi decides it is time to bring Utah in on the gang. The scheme goes wrong it will take some time before Utah finds his one chance to bring it all to an end.

Reeves as Utah is working his way through the FBI and Pappas knows he is the perfect agent to handle the case. The young Reeves takes to the waves and to the company of Swayze to offer up a budding good guy-bad guy set up and it is so well done. Swayze as Bodhi shines and opposite

Reeves makes it all look fluid, natural and it is perfection between these two actors.

Petty as Tyler is a wild child of the waves and takes to Utah fairly quickly. Their relationship becomes more serious which is what makes it difficult for her to understand what she feels is a betrayal. Petty is young and thrilling to watch as she fits into the boy’s club. Busey as Pappas gets a chance to not only be a little wild but also push the boundaries as he is determined to find the criminals. Busey is always charismatic, a bit funny and a presence that can never be missed on screen.

Other cast include John C. McGinley as FBI Director Ben Harp, Lee Tergesen as Rosie, Vincent Kyln as Warchild, Mike Genovese as FBI Corey, Chris Pedersen as Bunker, Sydney Walsh as Miss Deer, Dave Olson as Archbold, Anthony Kiedis as Tone, Jack Kehler as FBI Halsey, Galyn Gorg as Margarita, and Tom Sizemore as DEA Deets.

Special Features in the 2-Disc set include New Master and Restoration from a 2023 4K Scan of the Interpositive Dolby Vision, Additional Scenes, 4 Featurettes and Theatrical Trailer.

Reeves and Swayze are everything in this film. Good vs. bad or is it bad vs. good – its hard to say because these characters are truly complex. Knowing the rights and wrongs of the world, each chooses to test the limits and cross onto each other’s playing field so to speak. These two actors bring their roles in strong and that is what has made this film memorable and iconic.

POINT BREAK is that film that when it comes across our screens, we have to stop and watch it. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve seen the film; I still enjoy it immensely. Partly to enjoy Reeves and Swayze on screen together, partly because I am a beach/surf admirer and all together because it is a wonderful time filled with suspense and action.

Having it arrive again on 4K Ultra HD with so many special features, it puts a shine on the iconic part of the film. Wax your board and prepare for another turn in the waves!

In the end – they run on pure adrenaline!

BUTCHER’S CROSSING

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from writer/director Gabe Polsky and Saban Films from the novel of the same name by John Edward Williams is the tale of BUTCHER’S CROSSING.

The west is still wild in 1874 when Will Andrews (Fred Hechinger) has decided to head west and experience it all. Joining Miller (Nicolas Cage) on a buffalo hunt, he learns what it takes from a true buffalo hunter taking him to Colorado. Wanting to see it all for himself, Andrews puts up the money for the adventure of a lifetime in Colorado.

Along is Charlie Hoge (Xander Berkeley) to be their camp cook and skinner Fred Schneider (Jeremy Bobb) and neither believe that Miller knows of the place where the buffalo still roam in big herds. When Miller finds the herd, weeks of slaughter begin and Will begins to feel the emotional strain of it all. When Schneider points out that they have more than they can carry, Miller refuses to stop even though winter is on its way.

When a blizzard comes in, the four men must find a way to survive which is the easy part since they are all turning against one another. If that isn’t horror enough, the spring and return to Butcher’s Crossing bring another setback. Will realizes that the romantic notion of the west he once had has turned to dust and Miller’s dreams of his own are equally worthless.

Welcome to the west.

Cage as Miller once again plays a role that he does oh so well, that of a man out of control to the point that no one knows what will come next. The moment his character discovers the large herd of buffalo, nothing else matters, not even the men he is with. The character of Miller doesn’t have much to say but when he says it you had better pay attention. I enjoyed watching Cage get his western chops on film, especially getting to play a character that is so unnerving.

Hechinger as Andrews is a young man who leaves a prestigious college to go out and see the west and all the wild he hopes it will have. Taking his own money to bring that dream to fruition, it is nothing that he anticipated. What he discovers is that there are men, like the ones he is with, that are as unpredictable and dangerous as the land surrounding them. Hechinger brings his character face to face with reality and the emotional toll that all of it takes on the human body and soul.

Berkeley as Hoge is a man who can not deal with what is happening around him and it doesn’t help that the skinner continually harasses him. Yet, he is a man of the wilderness who knows how to deal with it all in his own way. Bobb as Schneider hates that Miller is controlling everything and not listening to reason. He also is a character who seems to enjoy tormenting those around him for his amusement and that will cost him.

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.

First of all, the cinematography of the film, shot on the land belonging to the Blackfeet Nation in Montana, is stunning with its beauty and openness. That lends to the story that Polsky is trying to tell as the scenery is a silent character in the film and in that silence screams. Just absolutely amazing and worthy of praise.

BUTCHER’S CROSSING is the story of four men caught in a situation that won’t resolve itself with ease. Dominating with fear and brutality, Cage’s character Miller leads the cast with an insanity that permeates every frame of the film. Offsetting that brutality is Hechinger’s character Andrews, who just wanted to see the west, discovers quickly that what is in his head, his body can not handle. Dealing with what he is seeing sends him in a tailspin.

This film is well done, well directed and equally stunning visually. It is not filled with emotional music and special effects but instead, a brutal look at a world that none of us could ever comprehend. It also addresses the effects of bison hunting and who has stepped up to save what is left of these powerful animals.

In the end – who is the true savage animal?

THE FLYING SWORDSMAN Lands on DVD

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on DVD from director Lei Qiao and Well Go USA comes the tale of secrets, power and revenge with THE FLYING SWORDSMAN.

There are secrets and conspiracy between a group of villains and a sword master who are all looking for a box that has the destination for treasure. Death follows the group where ever they go destroying village after village trying to put the two together. In the middle of it all is Qing Wen/the Hidden Fox (Chen Yusi) who, as a young boy, has been living with Miao Reneng (Mark Cheng) and his daughter Zheng Sanniang (Chen Zihan).

Now grown, he follows the deceitful plot of Reneng wanting to find both the map and the key before the others in the group of villains. Each villain has a power that the others don’t know about and as they continue their search, the tables are turning as death and destruction come to the villains.

Each of them will soon discover that revenge has a way of coming around!

Yusi as Qing Wen is a powerful character in that he does not have much to say but is observant to everything happening around him and what everyone has to say. He is cautious in following out the plans played out before him but certainly makes it clear that no one is going to stop him from his ultimate goal. Yusi is engrossing to watch in this role and when its time to get serious, his moves are swift and powerful.

Zihan as Sanniang is a beautiful young woman who is obedient to her father and has no problem taking on any fight that comes her way. She, like Qing Wen, does not say much but when she does you can be sure that something bad is about to happen to you! I enjoy watching female characters that don’t mind getting their hands dirty and Zihan’s character is all in from start to finish.

Cheng as Reneg is an evil man using every one around him to get what he wants and that is especially true when treasure is involved. He may be a vindictive villain but he definetly has plans of his own and doesn’t care what anyone else says or wants. Using his daughter and ward Qing Wen to obtain his devilish goals, Cheng is on the mark with the mix of emotions for his character but evil always wins out in his case.

Other cast include Ray Lui as Tao Baisui, Ben Ng as Hu Yidao, Chu Yu Shan Shan as Bao Shu, Fu Jia as Yin Ji, Huawei Zhao as Gui Yu and Yi Yang as Zhou Yunyang.

THE FLYING SWORDSMAN is a in Mandarin with English subtitles and has a running time of 104-minutes of action.

The film definetly embraces action and swordplay but with each of the eight villains having their own powers that are unique. I enjoyed that each didn’t know what the other’s power was which made for interesting and continual plot twists. The setting for the film is set in snow, blizzards and fog acting as a silent villain if you ask me. That being said, it is a perfect set up allowing the moments of scenic color to truly feel vibrant.

Director Qiao has taken given this story many levels and it is important to keep up with the timeline. The tale has so many twists, turns and subplots that one bowl of popcorn wasn’t enough for me. So, make sure the bowl is big enough and settle in for an epic tale of revenge, greed and secrets!

In the end – soon there will be no more secrets and plenty of revenge!

THE CHILDE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from writer/director Park Hoon-jung and Well Go USA is the story of a fight for life when it comes to THE CHILDE.

Marco (Kang Tae-joo) is attempting to deal with the needs of his very sick mother. One way is by illegal fighting that goes on in the Philippines paying him but he is always looking for other ways to earn money. Marco is also using his money to find out where he’s father, who is Korean, might be to help pay for a surgery she needs. A friend offers him a side job but it proves dangerous as it goes wrong.

He receives a call saying his father is actually looking for Marco and wants to see him. With the promise of paying for surgery and leaving his mother in the care of a hospice nurse, Marco flies to Korea to meet his father. On the plane he meets a man who explains he is a friend but what he tells Marco doesn’t make sense. Arriving and whisked away to meet his father, he is ambushed by an assassin called the Nobleman (Kim Deon-ho), the same man he met on the plane.

But, the Nobelman isn’t his only concern as Han Yi-sa (Kim Kang-woo) has decided that Marco’s father’s fortune should be his and Yoon-ju (Go Ara), a woman with a mystery of her own. Now Marco is on the run in a country he doesn’t know with people not explaining why it is all happening to him. When he does discover what it is all about, he will certainly need a friend to guide him through it all.

Sometimes a friend is all you have!

Tae-joo as Marco is a man who has spent years taking care of his mother and it’s getting more difficult. Trying to find his father is the answer, or so he thinks. Once he has made contact with his father, going to Korea seemed the next logical step but what happens the moment he lands in Korea is a whole other story. Watching Tae-joo taking on such a physical role is absolutely impressive. From his boxing scenes to constantly being on the run, this actor takes on the mystery and the madness.

Seon-ho as the Nobleman is absolutely stunning in this role. He is devilishly hilarious, calm to the core, impeccably dressed (gawd forbid he gets blood on his shoes), laser focused, saucy and very patient. These are all unusual but seriously awesome in this role. Seon-ho delivers to the point that I found myself giggling at some of the things he says and how he behaves. The action he delivers is straight forward and bloody yet still weirdly calm. It actually was quite enjoyable and, may I say, I love Seon-ho’s portrayal of the Nobleman! Well played Seon-ho, well played!

Kang-woo as Yi-sa is arrogant and believes that the world should do whatever he wants. He sees no consequences for his actions and thinks taking someone out is the way to go. He is ruthless and only knows one thing, causing havoc for his own personal gain. Kang-woo gives his characters moments but it must be said, those moments are viciously brutal.

Ara as Yoon-ju has her own way of handling things and it is clear she is a stunner behind the wheel of a car. Ra-el as sister Ga-young is arrogant, full of herself and knows that the family is dangerous but perhaps not as dangerous as she can be.

Other cast include Lee Ki-young as Kim Seon-saeng, Heo Joon-seok as Andrew Kang, Caroline Magbojos as Marco’s Mother, Jeong Ra-el as Han Ga-young, Choic Jung-woo as Chairman Han and Justin Harvey.

THE CHILDE is in Korean with English subtitles coming in at 118 minutes.

THE CHILDE is definetly a thrill ride of plot twists, storylines and characters you will likely never forget. The secrets keep Marco on his toes most of all as he attempts to discover what his role in the chaos is. As the pieces come together, Marco realizes that everything he had hoped for his life has all just been thrown to the wind.

The car chases are filmed beautifully and the cinematography is just so darn well done. Director Park Hoon-jung has written a story and put every thrilling moment on film. It is so well done and full of thrills as Marco and the Nobleman carry each and every frame of film they are in.

This is one of the finest thrill rides to enter us into 2024 and I absolutely will be watching it again. That’s my favorite thing to do when a film has captured my attention, a second watch is required! So, buckle up because they are not about to slow down for anyone or anything and get in their way and bullets will fly!

In the end – he is on the run!

Denzel Washington is Back with EQUALIZER 3

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from director Antoine Fuqua and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the return of the man known as the EQUALIZER 3.

Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) is sitting in a winery of crime boss Lorenzo Vitale. He is waiting to get a key that will help him get money that was stolen and while leaving, is shot in the back. Driving to get help, he passes out and is found by cop Gio Bonucci (Eugenio Mastrandrea) and taken to Altamonte where Dr. Arisio (Remo Girone) takes care of him.

Recovering, he calls Emma Collins (Dakota Fanning) who now works for the CIA to tell her what is happening and what he found at the winery. The CIA, with Collins go to Sicily and finds cash and drugs. Walking around the town, Robert watches and listens to what is happening to the people. A man named Marco Quaranta (Andrea Dodero), a member of the Camorra, is part of a plan hurting the villagers, taking their money or their house and brutalizing small business owners.

Robert decides to intervene softly but to no avail and the Camorra now have something to really worry about. The Camorra fire bomb a fish store, Bonucci is attacked and Collins is under attack. Camorra’s Vincent (Andrea Scarduzio) is taking great pleasure in putting further fear into the town by demanding they hand over Robert. Forcing Vincent and his gang to retreat, Robert knows this is something he has to do alone.

Finding solace in this town, he is going to make sure they are safe and that Collins knows he still keeps an eye on her from afar. Has Robert MacCall finally found peace?

Washington as McCall plays a man who knows how to be destructive and does it in a subtle way. Never loud and angry, but what he says, he means and those who don’t believe it are shocked on their way to being dead. It is an interesting twist to this character and Washington could teach a master class on it. I enjoy this part of his career in that he doesn’t need to be hugely physical to make a point with the character of McCall. He is just smarter about how he handles it thanks to Washington.

Fanning as Collins is coming from behind the desk into the field trying to figure out who McCall is and why he feels the need to help her so much. It is nice to see Fanning and Washington together again as she creates her own side of the Equalizer story.

Mastrandrea as cop Gio Bonucci has a family to protect and a town that relies on him. Helping McCall was the first step to helping and it does cost him a bit. He is part of the solution to bringing justice to their lovely seaside town and McCall is going to help him get it all back.

Scarduzio as Vincent has been taking and taking with no one challenging his growth in power. McCall does because there isn’t anything for him to lose. Vincent, however, loses a brother and he wants payback of the biggest kind all while keeping the CIA away from his businesses. He has no fear of anyone or anything and Scarduzio is kind of scary actually1

Other cast include David Denman as Frank Conroy, Alessandro Pess as Viking, Daniele Perrone as Angelo, Dea Lanzaro as Gabriella Bonucci, Sonia Ben Ammar as Chiara Bonucci, Bruno Bilotta as Lorenzo Vitale and Gaia Scodellaro as Aminah.

Special Features on 4K and Bluray Over 15 Minutes of Deleted Scenes, Blood Brothers: The Collaboration of Denzel Washington & Antoine Fuqua, Call to Action, Robert McCall: A Man of the People, Denzel and Dakota: A Reunion, Postcards from the Amalfi Coast, and Jacob Banks “Monster” Lyric Viceo.

EQUALIZER 3 is an intense storyline that takes everybody up and down the emotional roller coaster following McCall. The good and the bad go head-to-head the only way they can – with destruction and a gun. Washington’s character only wants to find a place to rest and maybe even call a bit of home but, with evil all around him, it becomes difficult.

Not for McCall, the difficulty is for the bad guys who just don’t seem to realize that he doesn’t know the word quit. Every move he makes is clear and every warning he gives is verbal and using small words for criminals to understand. Yet, there are moments of pain, suffering and innocence lost but which happens when a town decides enough is enough.

Washington and Fuqua give it all and so much more. This story is not for the faint of heart but every moment of it has everything you need to know about Robert McCall.

In the end – justice knows no borders!

Christmas is Here with LOVE ACTUALLY

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from writer/director Richard Curtis and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment celebrating its 20th Anniversary comes the beloved new classic for

the holidays with LOVE ACTUALLY.

English Rock n’ Roller Billy Mack (Bill Nighy) is making a statement for Christmas bringing his own unique version of the song Love Is All Around. He promotes it but makes it very clear that it is horrible and he doesn’t mind in the slightest. Rather than party the night away, he joins his bff Joe (Gregor Fisher) for a night of drinking.

Mark (Andrew Lincoln) is the camera man on the day of friend Peter (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and his love Juliet (Keira Knightley). Peter wonders why Mark seems to dislike his chosen bride but Mark is keeping a heartfelt and longing secret. Jamie (Colin Firth) discovers that his relationship is over, gets away to a cottage to write and meets Aurelia (Lucia Moniz). She doesn’t speak English which gives Jamie some relief except for one thing, words aren’t always necessary.

Harry (Alan Rickman) runs an agency with Mia (Heike Makatsch) as his secretary. Wife Karen (Emma Thompson) is a stay-at-home Mom who makes sure the ship runs smoothly with their two children Bernard and Daisy (Lulu Popplewell). Harry seems to have become caught in a web that Mia is spinning and Karen is the one that gets caught in it surprised by a Christmas morning present. Also at the agency is Sarah (Laura Linney) who happens to be crushing on Karl (Rodrigo Santoro) but is dealing with the issues of her brother.

David (Hugh Grant) just happens to be Prime Minister and Karen’s brother. At 10 Downing Street there are a lot of people and Natalie (Martine McCutcheon) is one of them. Together they work well until David begins to wonder if there is more and doesn’t want to be accused of any impropriety. Sometimes the heart wins.

Colin (Kris Marshall) decides he is only going to find love in America and ends up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. John (Martin Freeman) works as a film stand-in and meets Judy (Joanna Page) while doing love scenes. Both seem comfortable with one another and John discovers he can say how he feels.

Daniel (Liam Neeson) is taking care of his young stepson Sam (Thomas Sangster) after the passing of his wife. Sam is going through his own heart story with the very cute school girl Joanna (Olivia Olson). Speaking with Daniel about it all, Sam wonders how best to get her attention, especially since she is moving away soon.

Neeson, Rickman, Firth, Nighy, Grant and Lincoln, Freeman, Marshall, Santoro, Ejiofor, and Fischer what can I say boys? Your storylines are wonderful and I couldn’t get enough of the wisdom from a step-father toward a boy who he sees as no step but just a wonderful son, to a PM who can shuffle with the best, to a man who will speak the language of love, to an aged rock star, to a man who should know better than to flirt with trouble and a man who knows when to hide his heart – you are all perfectly flawed human beings and we wouldn’t have you any other way.

Thompson, Page, Olson, McCutcheon, Knightley, Makatsch and Linney – ladies, just brilliant. You carry the light of family and see the frailty of husbands, to not being afraid of a powerful man, to discovering that a quiet love is closer than you think, to understanding that even though you may find love that other obligations can get in the way of the heart, to trying to take what isn’t yours, you are all women who make sacrifices in the name of dedication to love in all its forms and sometimes to the detriment.

Shout out to Rowan Atkinson as Rufus who kept me laughing the first time I saw the film and keeps me laughing still. I have never received a gift so well thought out and packaged and I’m not sure how I would react if I did however, if its Atkinson doing it – I’m all in!

Other cast include Julia Davis as Nancy, Ruby Turner as Jean, Adam Godley as Mr. Trench, Michael Fitzgerald as Michael AbdulSalis as Tony, Claudia Schiffer as Carol, Nina Sosanya as Annie, January Jones as Jeannie, Elisabeth Margoni as Eleonore, Meg Owen as Mary, Colin Coull as Gavin, Elisha Cuthbert as Carol-Anne, Ivana Milicevic as Stacey, Shannon Elizabeth as Harriet, Denise Richards as Carla, Marcus Brigstocke as Mikey, and Billy Bob Thornton as the U.S. President.

Bonus Features include Making LOVE ACTUALLY – Join writer/director Richard Curtis along with the cast and crew as they reflect on the making of the film and its legacy twenty years later, Deleted Scenes with Introductions by Richard Curtis, The Music of LOVE ACTUALLY with Introductions by Richard Curtis, The Storytellers – A featurette exploring the film’s main storylines, featuring interviews with the cast discussing their characters and the major elements within each on-screen relationship.

Also included is Kelly Clarkson “The Trouble with Love is” Music Video, Bill Mack “Christmas is All Around” Music Video and Feature Commentary with Director Richard Curtis and Actors Hugh Grant, Bill Nighy and Thomas Sangsters.

This film stole my holiday heart when I first saw it in 2003, yes it started out because Liam Neeson and Alan Rickman were in it but man, the entire cast just gave me Christmas tingles. The story is so heartfelt and sticky sweet which I usually barf over but I couldn’t help myself, I fell in ornament hook, lights line and full stocking sinker. The cast is absolutely brilliant and each character having a story of their very own is stunning still.

Look, I love me a good rom-com but LOVE ACTUALLY is so much more than that. Yes, it is on my Christmas stack of must-watch holiday movies after DIE HARD (get over it – think of it as an Alan Rickman double feature if you must). This film is about relationships, love, messiness of being a human being, whacky emotions trying to find the right places to settle, pushing the limits of the heart into places they/we are scared to go, and, of course the joy of Christmas that give us the extra push to say those three little words ‘I love you’ to someone who needs to hear it.

There is nothing, and I mean nothing that writer/director Curtis left out of this film. If anything was ever to be changed, I think I might have to throw a huge fit and Santa wouldn’t like that. It is a film of joy, love, celebration and by the end of the film, no matter how many times you watch it, the heart is just giggling with joy.

So, Happy Anniversary LOVE ACTUALLY, you have not aged a day and the world still loves you and isn’t that what it’s all about?

In the end – love is actually all around!

It is the Story of THE CREATOR on 4K Ultra

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD from writer/director Gareth Edwards and 20th Century Home Entertainment is the future when they are all looking for THE CREATOR.

Joshua (John David Washington) is a happy man living on a remote tropical island with his love Maya (Gemma Chan). Expecting their first child, it is the calm of the island and the sound of the waves that keeps them happy. But this is the future and A.I. has become a serious issue and after a horrific incident in Los Angeles, the A.I. are being hunted by the hundreds. The military and their leaders are looking for Nirata, the one responsible for creating more of the A.I.

When it becomes clear that Joshua has a plan, Maya tries to escape the island with the military led by Colonel Howell (Allison Janney) closing in for destruction. Taking Joshua to Los Angeles, he now has the job of cleaning up the A.I. that are destroyed. He is then approached General Andrews (Ralph Ineson) and Howell wanting help in finding the location of the Nirmata and his chance to see Maya once again. They want the secret weapon they believe will control all A.I. and destroy the human race.

Who Joshua discovers is Alphie (Madeleine Yuna Voyles), a young A.I. who knows where Maya is. During a fire fight, they are rescued by Harun (Ken Watanabe) who begins to see a connection between Joshua and Alphie but there is no time as Howell and bulldog McBride (Marc Menchaca) are not going to let them get away. Jumping from place to place, everyone is looking for elusive Nirmata.

It is up to Joshua and Alphie to stop the military from their continual destruction, the same destruction they blame on the A.I.’s.

Washington as Joshua is a man on a mission, but what mission might that be? In a world that has turned itself upside down, the question becomes who is the good guy and who should be feared? Joshua’s only goal in all of the goings on is to find his love Maya, but along the way he learns what the truths are and his goal is to once again protect love. I enjoyed Washington’s performance given that most of his time is spend running.

Voyles as Alphie is charming and probably smarter than everyone else around her. Although this character is filled with emotion, Alphie manages to overcome the urge to react to them in a way that is destructive. The youngling sees the best and worst the world has to offer and responds in kind. Voyles is captivating as Alphie and enjoyable to watch her take this role and make it her own.

Janney as Col. Howell is exactly what you would expect from a psycho military colonel who will use any manipulation possible to get results. She is twisted, hard and doesn’t mind shooting anything that gets in her way. Janney has the uncanny ability to choose characters that are multi-dimensional but this character has one goal – destruction.

Chan as Maya is Joshua’s love and spent her childhood being raised by A.I. She supports their cause and will do anything to help them. Chan knows a bit about A.I. acting as Mia in the 2012-18 series HUMANS. Menchaca as McBride is the mirror image of Col. Howell wanting to wreak havoc and destruction all in the name of ‘humanity’. Ineson as Andrews is the dark horse, almost literally, as we don’t really see his face but instead a hauntingly low growl of orders commanding the human military.

Shout out to Ken Watanabe as Harun as he continues to prove how his presence on screen is so powerful. Personally, I think his eyes show so much depth in the way his character responds to love, caring, anger, distress and that becomes important in playing this particular role.

Other cast include Sturgill Simpson as Drew, Amar Chadha-Patel as Omni, Robbie Tann as Shipley, Michael Esper as Captain Cotton, Veronica Ngo as Kami, Ian Verdun as Daniels, Daniel Rodriguez as Hardwick, Rad Pereira as Lambert, Syd Skidmore as Bradbury, Karen Aldridge as Dr. Thankey and Teerwat Mulvilai as Boonmee.

Bonus Feature includes TRUE LOVE: Making the Creator – Join director Gareth Edwards and crew for nearly an hour look behind the scenes. Hear from actors about the filming experience, and learn about the production’s documentary-style approach, the innovative camera and lighting work, and much more.

THE CREATOR is a futuristic look at the complicated and destructive behavior driven by the fears of humanity toward their own creations. The concept and characters of the story, however, aren’t new. Watching the film, I can easily see the influences of STAR WARS (1977), THE GOLDEN CHILD (1986), INDEPENDENCE DAY (1996), A.I. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (2001), AVATAR (2009), ELYSIUM (2013), EX MACHINA (2014), HUMANS (2015) and FINCH (2021) along with so many, many more.

It seems the film mainly shows off its ability to creative stunning visuals of machinery and its capability. There are some deep color and emotional filming of what is called ‘New Asia’ from villages to the temples that are very cool. The action sequences are just that, filled with action, chases, and weaponry.

The ‘human’ side of the story mainly comes from those fearful and angry carbon-based units who do not consider A.I.’s to be human at all. Their ability to destroy is the main focus of everything that happens in the film. On the flip side are the A.I.’s who make it clear to Joshua what it is they truly want and it is embrace worthy.

Coming in at two hours and thirteen minutes but it is a wild ride with a few twists and turns. The concept of love, relationships and fighting for what is right come out loud and clear.

In the end – humanity evolves!

JUSTFIED: City Primeval Season One Returns

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from FX and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the return of a successful series with JUSTIFIED: City Primeval Season One.

Willa Givens (Vivian Olyphant) is a fifteen-year-old problem child for Raylan (Timothy Olyphant) and it doesn’t get easier when criminals steal his car. That means he can’t take Willa off to camp meaning he now has to take her at the same time he is extraditing men to Michigan. Things don’t go easier in Detroit but, Raylan gets a gig with judge Guy (Keith David) as someone is trying to kill him. Things doing go according to plan when there is a third problem involving Clement Mansell (Boyd Holbrook) and Skender and they aren’t going to stop.

Rayland and Detective Robinson (Victor Williams) don’t know there is a history going back to 2017 and a robbery. Interesting that the good detective remembers the woman Sandy (Adelaide Clemens) and she is off telling Mansell the cops are snooping around and Sweety Sweeton (Vondie Curtis-Hall) is also in on what is happening. Later, Willa sees what her father is capable of when he deals with Mansell his way.

Mansell tells Carolyn but the police have other plans. One of the men working for Sweety finds the gun that could cause trouble and re-hides it. Things are getting heated as there is a larger plan that Raylan is getting involves with. Knowing this, Raylan has it out with his daughter making it clear she is returning to Florida.

Knowing that he is in bigger trouble than he could imagine, Mansell has Skender’s uncle after him. Sweety has no intention of helping Carolyn, especially when he learns that Judge Guy has a notebook that could destroy a lot of people and the Albanians are on the hunt as well. Raylan is in over his head with Carolyn and Mansell starts off his blackmail schemes to get money from anyone in the notebook.

Rayland, working with detective Downey (Marin Ireland) are trying to get information about the notebook as well. Everyone wants their name off the list and will do just about anything to get it. It’s all starting to fall apart when they learn where the mysterious gun might be and everyone starts singing like a flock of birds. When it is all said and done, Raylan wants to high tail it back to Miami to continue his retirement but – when the phone rings…..

Olyphant as Raylan brings back the swagger the series became known for and he picks it up like a favorite overcoat and the fit is perfect. The one thing about Raylan the viewer can be sure of, his involvement in things is not surface but goes deep with so many twists and turns that you could get whiplash keeping up. That’s what made the series so successful and I’m thrilled to see him back in action.

Other cast include Norbert Leo Butz as Norbert Bryl, Ravi V. Patel as Rick, Paul Calderon as Det. Cruz, Amin Joseph as Jamal, Regina Taylor as Diane, David Cross as Dickey, Terry Kinney as Toma Costia, Natalie Zea as Winona, Luiz Guzman as Officer Ramirez, Matt Craven as Dan Grant, David Koechner as Dep. Sutter, and Walton Goggins as Boyd Crowder.

Episodes include City Primeval, The Oklahoma Wildman, Backstabbers, Kokomo, You Good?, Adios, The Smoking Gun, and The Question.

JUSTFIED: City Primeval is the perfect season one to binge on and, just to make things more interesting, I watched all the previous seasons prior. That made for a fun time getting to spend a little quality time with Raylan (come on, you know you love it) and remembering bits and pieces about the character that I had forgotten.

FX did a fantastic job creating this series in the first place with its memorable (shout out Goggins!!) characters. I don’t see this as much as bringing it back and picking up where we left off. There is no way that the character of Raylan was going to ‘retire’ because it is just not in his wheelhouse. Instead, he is still as good as he always was and will continue to be so, thanks to good writing, as we wait for a potential new season.

In the end - dust off your cowboy boots and hats because the handsome sheriff is back in town!

It is Gold to the Classic AMERICAN GRAFFITI

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from director George Lucas and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment celebrating its Golden 50th Anniversary is the iconic AMERICAN GRAFFITI.

Curt (Richard Dreyfuss), Steve (Ron Howard), John (Paul Le Mat), and Terry (Charles Martin Smith) are spending what is left of their freedom after graduating high school basking in the summer of 1962. Meeting up at Mel’s Drive-In they are getting together because Curt and Steve are leaving for college. Steve’s girlfriend Laurie (Cindy Williams) joins them as they have a conversation about where their relationship is going.

On their way to the dance, Curt sees a white Thunderbird and the lady driving says “I love you” and it sends Curt on a journey to find her. The leader of the gang “The Pharaohs” tells him she is a hooker but he doesn’t believe it. Steve decides to let Terry have his car while he’s at college and all sorts of mayhem happens from that bad decision which involves Debbie (Candy Clark) and a beat down. All the while John is stuck with a precocious Carol (Mackenzie Phillips).

A race changes everything for a group of friends and Curt turns to Wolfman Jack to help him find the woman in the sports car as he races back to Mel’s Drive-In and the pay phone. You never know what you will see from an airplane window!

Dreyfuss as Curt is everything I loved about this character. He gives us angst, uncertainty, a longing for something he isn’t even sure really exists, friendship and the journey away from the small town of Modesto, California. The last summer is the one we carry with us forever because it is when a part of life ends and another begins and that summer is the limbo in between.

Howard as Steve is not Opie for sure (google it children) but he has an idea for his future. Then again, that’s what happens when you are in that limbo, leaving where you have been is so hard but the future is such a pull. Smith as Terry has always been underappreciated as an actor but in this film, he set the groundwork and standard for me following his work and, his character is so charming.

Williams as Laurie is every high school girl’s worry when the ‘love of your life’ goes away with promises of returning to that high school love. I can’t count how many times Laurie had me putting my hand over my heart with an ‘awwww’ moment. Phillips as Carol is a smart mouthed (even if she might get it wrong) girl who doesn’t let anyone get the better of her, until they get close and she needs a bit of rescuing. She is so good in this role.

Shout out to Harrison Ford for his role as Bob because he took on Carol and it was hilarious to watch.

Other cast include Bo Hopkins as Joe, Manuel Padilla Jr. as Carlos and Harrison Ford as Bob Falfa.

Bonus Features include The Making of AMERICAN GRAFFITI – Genesis of the Project, A Personal Story, Casting, Production Begins, Production Stories, Post Production, Final Words, Screen Tests, Ron Howard, Richard Dreyfuss and Paul Le Mat, Ron Howard and Cindy Williams, Mackenzie Phillips and Paul Le Mat, Charles Martin Smith, Theatrical Trailer and Feature Commentary with Director George Lucas.

AMERICAN GRAFFITI is all the words you can find that describe something as a classic and iconic. What a beautiful look at a time that will never come again and that the sadness of it actually. In 1972, my class would have almost the same feelings because that’s what the final summer is about. Challenging the norms, trying to find out where, as a young person, we all fit in the grand scheme of things.

Some of us knew and some of us didn’t, some of us went head first into the future nervous but unafraid of what we might find and some held back and tried to stay in the world that was slowly dissolving making way for the next batch. I actually know quite a few people who still, in their 60’s (ironic, no?) never left their last summer.

AMERICAN GRAFFITI is stunning to watch in 4K Ultra HD, all the colors, imagination, beauty, and youth of the actors is bold and reminiscent. The connections are there and the story hasn’t lost an ounce of fascination and fun. This is the film that deserves to be watched repeatedly not only for what Lucas created and put on film but for the cinematography as well.

Happy Golden 50th AMERICAN GRAFFITI!

In the end – where were you in ’62?

VIOLENT NIGHT Celebrates the Holidays on 4K Ultra HD

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from director Tommy Wirkola and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is a different look about the man from the North Pole with VIOLENT NIGHT.

The holidays are here and Santa Claus (David Harbour) is disillusioned, disgusted and dismayed at what has happened to Christmas. Not his usual ho-ho-ho self, he does the minimum to get the job done and not with an ounce of jolly.

Jason Lightstone (Alex Hassell) gets wife Linda (Alexis Louder) to agree to go to mom Gertrude’s (Beverly D’Angelo) house for Christmas. Taking daughter Trudy (Leah Brady), it becomes clear quickly that there are family issues. Waiting for them is Jason’s sister Alva (Edi Patterson), her bad actor husband Morgan (Cam Gigandet) and son Bert (Alexander Elliot).

There is the usual sibling bickering about the family company and money. That is until all Christmas breaks loose as Mr. Scrooge (John Leguizamo) enters their festivities. He brings his band of merry gun-toting mercenary elves with only one mission – get money and go!

The problem is, they didn’t expect Santa to be in the house who catches on real quick that this is not the house to be visiting. Finding a radio, Santa hears Trudy on her radio telling him not only what she wants for Christmas but what is happening in the house. Wanting to walk away, there is something about Trudy that makes Santa decide that he needs to remember who he is and that makes all the difference.

It’s skull cracking time!

Harbour as Santa Claus is hilarious, sweet, a little vicious but has a story to tell. Once the gang realizes there is a Santa in the house, the chase is on and Harbour gets down and dirty. That makes the film so much more fun in a twisted sort of way. It is next to impossible not to cheer for Harbour’s character and, to be honest, I was all for it. That is part of the fun of the film and trust when I say it is Harbour who makes it thrilling every frame of film.

Leguizamo as Mr. Scrooge is a guy who has serious issues of his own. Money starts out being the motive for the madness but I suspect that Leguizamo’s characters issues run holiday deep. Deciding to go all out to get what he wants, there is nothing or no one, not even Santa that is going to stop this well-designed plan. Then again, Scrooge vs. Santa is a whole other knock down drag out.

Hassell as Jason wants his family back but has to go through a lot this night to see if that can happen. Louder as Linda knows the Lightstone family are a lot but puts it all aside to do the right thing for her daughter, bet she wished she had made other plans! Patterson as Alva is just one hot mess who thinks she has what it takes to take her own brother down, yea, about that…..! Gigandet as Morgan is that family member that just can’t help but show why everyone else rolls their eyes.

Brady as Trudy is just a sweet young girl who wants her parents to be happy and spending Christmas together. When the chaos happens, she reaches out to Santa for help and does not seem surprised when he comes through. There is a bit of another film mixed into Brady’s characters bag of tricks and it’s pretty funny. Well done young lady, well done. Elliot as Bert portrays all the kids us older folk can’t stand to be around and he does it really well!

Let’s talk about D’Angelo as Gertrude. She is saucy, mouthy and can take a hit. She knows what her family thinks of her and it doesn’t change anything about her naughty attitude. I just love this character and D’Angelo did it all with nothing short of bad attitude sprinkled with Christmas glitter!

Other cast include Brendan Fletcher as Krampus, Mike Dopud as Commander Thorp, Stephanie Sy as Sugarplum, John Lowe as Pub Santa, Andre Eriksen as Bjorn, and Erik Athavale as Richard.

Exclusive Bonus Feature include Deleted and Extended Scenes, Quarrelin’ Kringle, Santa’s Helpers: The Making of VIOLENT NIGHT, Deck the Halls with Brawls and Feature Commentary.

VIOLENT NIGHT does not waste a moment and from beginning to end it is Harbour that is a mixture of comedy, drama and charming. Oh sure, Santa has a history and sure he seems like a crushing Ninja but that does not change the fact that he brings gifts to believers. Don’t get me wrong, the film is really violent, really bloody but it is also really hysterical.

Now that being said, it has been quite a while since I’ve seen a film that had me cheering, making faces and dropping my jaw. Okay, so tried to close my eyes and ended up looking through my fingers at one point but darn it was fun. The cast assembled bring a holiday film that I will predict right now will become a holiday tradition (at least in my house).

I think we found another twisted film to add to the family’s equally twisted Christmas binging tradition.

In the end – you better watch out!

THE WAY WE WERE Celebrates its 50th Anniversary

Jeri Jacquin

Celebrating its Golden Anniversary from director Sydney Pollack and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is a timeless classic of storytelling and filmmaking with THE WAY WE WERE.

Katie Morosky (Barbra Streisand) is a young college woman with a strong opinion on just about everything. Catching her eye is Hubbell Gardiner (Robert Redford), a good-looking carefree college student who watches Katie with interest because of her way of defending social causes. There mutual admiration is nipped early as they graduate college and go their separate ways.

World War II has everything shaken as Katie finds work at a local radio station. While out one evening, she meets Hubbell again but this time he has had a bit too much celebrating. Katie decides to help him and, with time, they discover they are in love. The problem again is that Katie makes it clear her feelings on the political front much to the amusement of Hubbell’s friends but not so much for Hubbell himself.

She does encourage Hubbell to write a novel and when Hollywood comes calling, they move to California. Settling into that glam life, it is short-lived when McCarthyism comes into their lives. As Katie stands strong, it begins to have an effect on Hubbell’s Hollywood reputation. The strain on their marriage grows greater and greater but can love be the answer?

Streisand as Katie, let’s be clear here, what can I possibly say that hasn’t already been said or felt? Growing up with her music and seeing her on screen has solidified her place in film and music history. That being said, in her role as Katie, she gives us a powerful woman in a time when the idea of a powerful woman on screen was unheard or thought of. In the midst of that strength comes the human frailty that love can bring. Streisand portrayed everything I wanted to be when I grew up. Just a beautiful character!

Redford as Hubbell plays the stereotypical college guy who is popular, athletic and lives a very ‘easy’ care-free life. Katie catching his eye is out of curiosity but also an attraction that he can not quite place. She is the total opposite of him in that she has direction and cause, Hubbel does not. He falls into writing, falls into Hollywood and continues to fall into whatever comes his way. Hubbel also can not balance the strength of Katie and love her at the same time. Redford is just as beautiful and pairs with Streisand in such stunning fashion.

Other cast include Bradford Sillman as J.J., Lois Chiles as Carol Ann, Patrick O’Neal as George Bissinger, Viveca Lindfors as Paula Reisner, Allyn Ann McLerie as Rhea Edwards, Murray Hamilton as Brooks Carpenter, Herb Edelman as Bill Verso, Diana Ewing as Vicki Bissinger, George Gaynes as El Morocco Captain, James Woods as Frankie McVeigh, Sally Kirkland as Pony Dunbar and Susan Blakely as Judianne.

4K Ultra HD Disc and Bluray features include Featuring Both the Original 118-minute Theatrical Version and an All-New 123-minute Extended Version, Both Versions Remastered in 4K Resolution from the Original Camera Negative, 5.1 Audio and Original Mono for the Theatrical Version, Director’s Commentary (Theatrical Version Only), Making-Of Documentary “Looking Back” and Theatrical Trailer.

In close collaboration with Barbara Streisand and in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Sydney Pollack’s classic film, Columbia Pictures presents a new extended version of THE WAY WE WERE – restoring two important scenes where the love story and the political story come together alongside the original theatrical version.

THE WAY WE WERE captured the hearts of audiences fifty years ago and even made hearts thump at the unusual ending to the story. It has continually stood the test of time and can never be duplicated. Streisand and Redford are absolutely impeccable in their roles and bring heart and soul to the film. I remember the first time I saw this film and re-watching it, the feeling is still exactly the same.

It is the story of two worlds and two people who collided – one is head-strong and has a clear point of view about the world and its injustices and the other does not truly understand what is point of view is. In the mix of that is an undeniable love between these same two people that couldn’t keep them apart for long. Even at the end, their emotions are still so strong and palpable and that is the heartbreaking part of all.

In the end – everything seemed so important then…even love!

THE COMPLETE STORY OF FILM

Jeri Jacquin

Currently in a four-disc set from photographer/writer/director Mark Cousins and Music Box Films

Narrated by Cousins, the viewer is taken back into time and place to discover the hidden secrets of filmmaking. What is in this review is a tiny fraction of what these discs invite the viewer to know and experience.

The first disc includes Chapter One - 1895-1918: The World Discovers a New Art Form, Chapter 2 – 1918: The Triumph of American Film and the First of its Rebels, Chapter Three – 1918: The Great Rebel Filmmakers Around the World, Chapter Four – 1930s: The Great American Movie Genres and the Brilliance of European Film, and Chapter Five – 1939-1952: The Devastation of War and a New Movie Language.

Thomas Edison “a dark room where light matters” and W.K.L. Dickson begin to think about how to make pictures and take them into world of movement but it only allowed one person at a time to look at what was created inside a box. Louie & August Lumier create a projector and films and in December 1895, the Lumier brothers bring ARRIVAL OF A TRAIN AT LA CIOTAT (1896).

From George Melles A TRIP TO THE MOON with special effects, to the first female director in Alice Le Blanche, to Albert Smith and Ehoch J. Rector with his 63 mm wide-screen, cinema begins to expand as the imagination of what could be heightens. Edwin Stanton Porter creates editing as Buster Keaton explores using double exposure, Charles Pathe creates parallel editing and Charles La Bargy creates reverse angle shots as films can no longer be contained in a box.

Movie stars come into focus with Florence Lawrence in the 1909 film THOSE AWFUL HATS becomes the most recognizable woman and is instantly famous. She is followed by Gloria Swanson in STAGE STRUCK in 1925. Scandinavia brings their own brand of film famous in 1910 with Benjamin Christensen’s THE MYSTERIOUS X and the masterful film HAXAN. Viktor Sjostrom brings INGEBORG HOLM and years later THE PHANTOM CARRIAGE.

Studios are now being built and the 1906 film THE STORY OF THE KELLY GANG brings Charles Tait as director and Cecil B. DeMille films THE SQUAW MAN, Alice Guy’s 1912 film FALLING LEAVES, Louis Weber’s film SUSPENSE in 1913. D.W. Griffith had a range of films from THE HOUSE WITH CLOSED SHUTTERS in 1910, WAY DOWN EAST in 1921, ORPHANS OF THE STORM in 1921, the classic 1915 BIRTH OF A NATION and the three and a half hour 1916 film INTOLERANCE. Japan contribution is the 1921 SOULS ON THE ROAD from director Minora Murata. In twenty years, films have now exploded from nickelodeons to film houses.

Investment money comes in from east coast bankers as Paramount, MGM, Warner Bros. Studios are built and sound stages grow as Hollywood becomes a production line cranking out film after film. Costuming, makeup, engineers, dollies, new cameras and the list goes on as to what is needed. Films begin to have themes of love, action and adventure as well as the most popular thing today – comedy.

Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd would pave that road, and even become directors in order to get what they wanted on film. Keaton directs THE CAMERAMAN, ONE WEEK, SHERLOCK JR., THREE AGES, and THE GENERAL. Chaplain would direct LIMELIGHT, CITY LIGHTS, the iconic THE KID and, my personal favorite the 1941 THE GREAT DICTATOR. Harold Lloyd put himself in such adoring films as LUKE’S MOVIE MUDDLE, NEVER WEAKEN and SAFTEY LAST.

Documentaries begin with the film NANOCK OF THE NORTH from director Robert J. Flaherty. Director Erich von Stroheim’s 1919 film BLIND HUSBANDS and 1924 film GREED. King Vldor film THE CROWD has seven endings. Emotionalism comes to film with director Carl Theoder Deyer’s 1928 film THE PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC or his 1919 film THE PRESIDENT.

In disc-two, the director explores the years through Chapter 6: 1953-1957: The Swollen Story: World Cinema Bursting at the Seams, Chapter 7: 1957-1964: The Shock of the New: Modern Filmmaking in Western Europe, Chapter 8: 1965-1969: The New Waves Sweep Around the World, Chapter 9: 1967-1979: New American Cinema, and Chapter 10: 1969-1979: Radical Directors in the 70s Make State of the Nation Movies.

Melodrama brings the 1950’s in with wide-screen and color as James Dean show emotions that are out of control. Egypt starts as director Youssef Chahine brings the 1958 film CAIRO STATION. India also understands the feeling of Chahine, director Guru Dutt brings the 1959 great Indian film PAPER FLOWERS. Realism with 1936’s SANT TUKARAM directed by Vishnupant Govind Damle. In Calcutta, director Satyajit Ray brings the 1955 film PANTHER PANCHALI and changes the view of Indian film forever.

China also brings its culture to cinema. TWO STAGE SISTER directed by Xie Jin, along with director Akira Kurosawa films IKIRU, STRAY DOGS, SEVEN SAMURAI and THRONE OF BLOOD. In Latin America, there films are on the rise. The 1955 Brazilian film RIO 40 DEGREES from director Nelson Pereira dos Santos returns to the screen with his neo-realism. In Mexico, the film DONA BARBARA, LA PERLA and LOS OLVIDADOS.

America is idealized in filmmaking, the 1955 film ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS from director Douglas Sirk is a prime example. David Helpern brings the 1975 film I’M A STRANGER HERE MYSELF as well as directors Nicholas Ray’s, Kenneth Anger, Delbert Mann’s, Elia Kazan’s film ON THE WATERFRONT in 1954. The 1948 RED RIVER film shows that methods between John Wayne and the sensitive man Montgomery Clift as directed by Howard Hawkins.

That ideal is shown with James Dean in the 1955 Nicholas Ray directed REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE. Orson Wells, Alfred Hitchcock, Howard Hawks, and John Ford are making masterpieces. Wells directs the 1958 TOUCH OF EVIL, Ford directs the 1956 film THE SEARCHERS, Hitchcock brings the 1958 film VERTIGO and the Hawks directed 1959 film RIO BRAVO.

British films keep their feelings under cover, so to speak, led by director David Lean with the 1946 classic GREAT EXPECTATIONS and LAWRENCE OF ARABIA. The 1953 film O DREAMLAND from director Lindsay Anderson. France gives the world Brigit Bardot in the 1956 film …AND GOD CREATED WOMAN directed by Roger Vadim as well as directors Ingmar Bergman, Robert Bresson, Jacques Tati and Federico Fellini.

Bresson saw life as a prison and he made four films with that philosophy. PICKPOCKET is his 1959 film and 1966’s AU HASARD BALTHAZAR. Jacques Tati brings MR. HULOT’S HOLIDAY and MON ONCLE. Fellini’s film derives from the circus directing FELLINI’S CASANOVA, THE NIGHTS OF CABIRIA, and 8½ in 1963. The French new wave directors have arrived, Agnes Varda begins the waters in the 1962 film CLEO FROM 5 TO 7, Alain Resnais, Francois Truffaut, Jean-Luc Godard and his 1960 film A BOUT DE SOUFFLE with close ups and UNE FEMME MARIEE in 1964.

Italy brought new excitement to their cinema, Pier Paolo Pasolini brings his 1961 film ACCATTONE and THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW (1964). Sergio Leone took another direction as in the 1964 western A FIST FULL OF DOLLARS using the Italian created Techni-scope and written with Bertolucci, their film ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST in 1968 becomes epic. Luchino Visconti brings the 1954 film SENSO and the 1954 film ROCCO AND HIS BROTHERS. Michelangelo Antonioni sees the world a bit more abstractly as in his 1954 film L’ECLISSE or the 1975 film THE PASSENGER. In Spain, Marco Ferreri is pushing the limits with the 1960 film THE WHEELCHAIR.

Director Pedro Almodovar, in 1984, also pushes dysfunction with WHAT HAVE I DONE TO DESERVE THIS? In 1961, director Luis Bunuel’s film VIRIDIANA also pushes mockery. In Sweden, director Vilgot Sjoman and his 1967 film I AM CURIOUS (YELLOW) uses politics as fantasy.

New wave gets a gut punch beginning with the 1973 film LA MAMAN ET LA PUTAIN directed by Jean Estache. In Poland, director Andrej Wajda’s 1958 ASHES AND DIAMONDS and TWO MEN AND A WARDROBE directed by Roman Polanski along with the 1962 film KNIFE IN THE WATER and THE FEARLESS VAMPIRE KILLERS.

In Czechoslovakia, animation and puppetry could be seen in the 1966 film THE HAND directed by Jiri Trnka. Milos Forman in 1967 creates THE FIREMAN’S BALL, Vera Chytilova film DAISIES, and Hungary’s director Milos Jancso creates his 1968 film THE RED AND THE WHITE. The Soviet Union, filmmakers push to create films with Chris Marker in 2000 with UNE JOURNEE D’ANDREI ARSENEVITCH or ANDREI RUBLEV, Andrei Tarkovsky’s film THE MIRROR or STALKER and NOSTALGHIA show his ability with the long shot, to tell the story.

Sergei Parajanov created the 1965 film SHADOWS OF OUR FORGOTTEN ANCESTORS gives angles from up and down using foreground widely. Japan in the 60’s had an angry tone, director Nagisa Oshima brought the 1969 film BOY, IN THE REALM OF SENSES, director Shohei Imamura’s film THE INSECT WOMAN and the 1970’s NIPPON SENGOSHI – MADAMU ONBORO NO SEIKATSU.

India of the 1960s include Ritwik Ghatak 1958 film AJANTRIK, 1960 THE CLOUD-CAPPED STAR, and 1975 with JUKTI, TAKKO AAR GAPPO. Director Mani Kaul brings landscape to the 1970 film USKI ROTI. Brazil offering was Glauber Rocha’s 1964 film BLACK GOD, WHITE DEVIL. Cuba’s cinema produces director Mikhail Kalatozov’s 1964 I AM CUBA.

In Iran, director Forugh Farrokhzad’s 1963 film THE HOUSE IS BLACK is about a leper colony as she films in black and white. Senegal brings the film BLACK GIRL directed by Ousamane Sembene. England brought films in the 60s such as Karel Reisz 1960s film SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY MORNING, director Ken Loach and the film KES and Richard Lester film A HARD DAY’S NIGHT.

Ending in America radical voices are coming through film. Director Robert Drew’s 1960 documentary PRIMARY, John Cassavetes’s film SHADOWS does the same, and Alfred Hitchcock classic PSYCHO. Directors Jorgen Leth brings 66 SCENES FROM AMERICA, Mike Nichols WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOLF?, Haskell Wexler’s MEDIUM COOL, director Dennis Hopper with EASY RIDER, and Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 iconic 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY.

Now, the 70s satire comes to film with Buck Henry who wrote the script for THE GRADUATE in 1967 and the 1970 film CATCH 22 both directed by Mike Nichols and director Robert Altman’s MASH came out the same year and. Director Milos Forman comes to America to make the 1975 stunning film ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST.

Referring to these directors as “dissident filmmakers”, the honors go to Dennis Hopper with THE LAST MOVIE, Altman’s McCABE AND MRS. MILLER, Francis Ford Coppola brings THE CONVERSATION and Martin Scorsese’s MEAN STREETS and the breathtaking 1976 film TAXI DRIVER and RAGING BULL again with Robert DeNiro. Paul Schrader arrives in 1980 with AMERICAN GIGOLO and 1992’s LIGHT SLEEPER.

Charles Burnett made KILLER OF SHEEP in 1977, director Woody Allen brings ANNIE HALL and MANHATTAN the same year. Peter Bogdanovich with the film THE LAST PICTURE SHOW, Sam Peckinpah’s THE WILD BUNCH and 1973’s PAT GARRETT AND BILLY THE KID. Also, Terrence Malick’s BADLANDS and DAYS OF HEAVEN. Director Bob Fosse directs the 1972’s CABARET, Francis Ford Coppola’s THE GODFATHER and director Roman Polanski’s CHINATOWN.

The 70s also rings in the radical directors as the world of cinema begins to ask questions. Rainer Werner Fassbinder shows FOX AND HIS FRIENDS, THE BITTER TEARS OF PETRA VON KANT and in 1974’s FEAR EATS THE SOUL. Wim Wenders brings ALICE IN THE CITIES. Women decided they wanted to tell their point of view as director Margarethe von Trotta is show in 1978’s THE SECOND AWAKENING OF CHRISTA KLAGES.

Italy is also dealing with a war past look for identity as director Pier Paolo Pasolini brings ARABIAN NIGHTS, Bernardo Bertolucci is next with THE SPIDER’S STRATAGEM and THE CONFORMIST in 1970. In British films, Ken Russell directs WOMEN IN LOVE and Nicolas Roeg directing PERFORMANCE. Roeg also shows his 1971 Australian film WALKABOUT, Peter Weir’s film PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK and Gillian Armstrong’s MY BRILLIANT CAREER.

Japan films tried to reshape the country as director Noriaki Tsuchimoto brings the 1971 documentary MINAMATA, THE VICTIMS AND THEIR WORLD and Kazuo Hara’s film THE EMPEROR’S NAKED ARMY MARCHES ON. In Africa, Assia Djebar directs LA NOUBA DES FEMMES DU MONT CHENOUA and LA NOUBA. Ousmane Sembe’s XALA remove colonialism, Djibril Dio Mambety brings two films with the 1970 film BADOU BOY and HYENAS, and female director Safi Faye’s PEASANT LETTER and KADDU BEYKAT, and Haile Gerima’s 1976 film HARVEST: 3,000 YEARS.

Kurdish filmmaker Yilmaz Guney makes the 1970 film HOPE followed by the film YOL. In Chile, directors Patricio Guzman film THE BATTLE OF CHILE and Alejandro Jodorowsky’s THE HOLY MOUNTAIN hit theatres.

Innovation and pop-culture comes in the 70’s and it is world-wide. Hong Kong’s Sir Run Run Shaw brought its own studios where their own films were made. Director King Hu filmed A TOUCH OF ZEN and Robert Clouse 1975 hit ENTER THE DRAGON. Also, 1986s A BETTER TOMORROW directed by John Woo and Woo-ping Yuen’s film THE IRON MONKEY. Tsui Hark having directed 44 films shows his work in the 1991 film ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA and DRAGON’S INN.

India grew and created epics larger than anything Hollywood could do. Director Gulzar brings the beauty to the film MAUSAM, Prakash Mehra’s ZANJEER and Ramesh Sippy’s 1975 SHOLAY. Arab filmmakers take on THE MESSAGE from director Moustapha Akkad in 1976 and Youssef Chahine releases the 1972 THE SPARROW.

In America, the era of the block-buster had arrived. Beginning with director William Friedkin’s 1973 horror THE EXORCIST, Steven Spielberg’s 1975 JAWS, CLOSE ENCOUNTER OF THE THIRD KIND and the 1993 film JURASSIC PARK. Then the smash from a galaxy far, far away - George Lucas lands with the 1997 film STAR WARS.

In disc-three, Chapter 11: The 1970s and Onwards: Innovation in Popular Culture Around the World, Chapter 12: The 1980s: Moviemaking and Protest Around the World, Chapter 13: 1990-1998: The Last Days of Celluloid, Before the Coming of Digital, Chapter 14: The 1990s: The First Days of Digital: Reality Losing its Realness in American and Australia, and Chapter 15: 2000 Onwards: Film Moves Full Circle and the Future of Movies.

This section speaks about truth to power beginning with China and a rebirth of film. Tian Zhuangzhuang came alive directing his 1988 film THE HORSE THIEF and Chen Kaige’s film YELLOW EARTH. Two of my favorite films of all time come from director Zhang Yimou and the 1991 film RAISE THE RED LANTERN and 2004’s HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS.

The Soviet Union told stories about things that were not to be talked about. Director Tengiz Abuladze’s 1984 film REPENTANCE, Elem Klimov’s 1985 film COME AND SEE and director Kira Muratova’s 1971 LONG GOODBYES. Polish director Krysztof Kieslowlski brings the 1988 story A SHORT FILM ABOUT KILLING. African films move toward a different storytelling like director Gaston Kabore 1982’s film WEND KUNNI and YEELEN from director Souleymane Cisse.

In the United States, on the big screen FLASHDANCE in 1983 from director Adrian Lyne, Tony Scott’s skyward offering of TOP GUN, David Lynch gives two films THE ELEPHANT MAN and BLUE VELVET in 1986. Spike Lee also emerges with DO THE RIGHT THING.

France shines again starting with Luc Besson’s 1985 film SUBWAY and Leos Carax film LES AMANTS DU PONT NEUF. The 1982 Pedro Almodovar film LABYRINTH OF PASSIONS, Victor Erice’s THE QUINCE TREE SUN in 1992. In Britain, Stephen Frears offers the 1985 film MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE, Bill Douglas’s film MY CHILDHOOD, GREGORY’S GIRL from Bill Forsyth, and Terrence Davies 1988 film DISTANT VOICES, STILL LIVES.

Also, Peter Greenaway with A ZED AND TWO NOUGHTS in 1986 and Derek Jarman brings THE LAST OF ENGLAND. Director David Cronenberg shows his starkness with the 1983’s VIDEODROME, CRASH and Denys Arcand’s 1989 JESUS OF MONTREAL.

Before digital and the internet, directors are celebrated for the celluloid and the coming of an end of an era. In Iran, director Samira Makhmalbaf starts with the film THE APPLE, Mohsen Makhmalbaf’s A MOMENT OF INNOCENCE and Abbas Kiarostami’s three films WHERE IS THE FRIEND’S HOUSE?, LIFE GOES ON and THROUGH THE OLIVE TREES in 1994.

Hong Kong, still in the action movie stance, takes a turn into filming real life with Wong Kar Wai’s 1970 film DAYS OF BEING WILD and IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE. From Taiwan is director Hou Hsiao-hsien’s film CITY OF SADNESS and VIVE L’AMOUR in 1994 from Tsai Ming-liang. Japan wants to scare as director Shinya Tsukamoto shows TETSUO and TATSUO II: Body Hammer in 1992. It would be Hideo Nakata, in 1998, that would show fright with RINGU and Takashi Miike’s AUDITION.

Coopenhagen gets back to human nature as director Lars Von Trier starts with the 1996 film BREAKING THE WAVES and DOGVILLE. France shares director Mathieu Kassovitz’s 1995 film LA HAINE, Bruno Dumont’s film L’HUMANITE and in the same year directors Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne offer up the 1999 film ROSETTA. Claire Denis puts her work in the 1999 film BEAU TRAVAIL. Poland has director Dorota Kedzierzawska’s film CROWS, Viktor Kossakovsky’s WEDNESDAY, Michael Haneke’s FUNNY GAMES and CODE UNKNOWN.

America and Australia now come into view. Ridley Scott creates epic digital scenes like from his 2000 film GLADIATOR or James Cameron’s film TERMINATOR, TERMINATOR 2: Judgement Day and TITANIC. CGI and animation are now taking control. Steven Spielberg proved the work with his 1993’s JURASSIC PARK. John Lassiter brought CGI to life with the 1995 wonderful TOY STORY. The inexpensive 1999 Daniel Myrick, Eduardo Sanchez fright THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT exploded at the box office.

Director Yimou Zhang’s 2004 film HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS shows the epic-ness of CGI as well. Martin Scorsese keeps it real with GOODFELLAS, Quentin Tarantino offers up the RESERVOIR DOGS and PULP FICTION. Oliver Stone’s 1994 NATURAL BORN KILLERS uses color and video for its post modernism. Joe and Ethan Cohn rule the 90’s starting with MILLER’S CROSSING, THE BIG LEBOWSKI, THE HUDSUCKER PROXY and 2000’s O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU?

Gus Van Sant brought MY OWN PRIVATE IDAHO, PSYCHO, ELEPHANT, GERRY, and 2005’s LAST DAYS. Paul Verhoeven’s ROBOCOP and the guilty pleasure STARSHIP TROOPERS. Jane Campion lights up with AN ANGEL AT MY TABLE and THE PIANO in 1993. Director Baz Luhrmann brings largeness to the screen with ROMEO + JULIET and the even larger is the 2001 MOULIN ROUGE.

Now, the 21st century makes its grand entrance into cinema with a returning clash. Documentaries rose as the twin towers fell and director Michael Moor’s film FARHENHEIT 9/11 and action at the box office with Paul Greengrass THE BOURNE SUPREMACY. Director Nicolas Philibert’s ETRE ET AVOIR in 2002 and ZIDANE – A PORTRAIT IN THE 21ST CENTURY in 2006.

Andrew Dominik’s 2007 film THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD came to the screen with sweeping photography. Nuri Bilge Ceylan offers up CLIMATES from Turkey, Romania from Christi Puiu with THE DEATH OF MR. LAZARESCU and Argentina with Lucrecia Martel’s THE HEADLESS WOMAN. From Mexico, director Carol Reygadas’s releases BATTLE IN HEAVEN in 2005.

Korea changes up its features with director Lee Chang-Dong’s 2002 OASIS, Bong Joon-Ho’s 2003 MEMORIES OF MURDER and the iconic Park Chan-Wook’s 2003 OLDBOY. Yet the U.S. isn’t done with their stunning work as David Lynch portrays the Hollywood life in the film MULHOLLAND DR. Darren Aronofsky invites us into REQUIEM FOR A DREAM. Roy Anderson, from Stockholm blurs the story lines with 2000’s SONGS FROM THE SECOND FLOOR or Roger Avary’s RULES OF ATTRACTION and James Cameron film AVATAR.

Thailand tries something different with director Apichatpong Weeresethakul’s TROPICAL MALADY as does Alexander Sokurov with the 1997 film MOTHER AND SON and RUSSIAN ARK. Innovation like Michel Gondry’s ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND or perhaps Christopher Nolan’s 2010 INCEPTION capture movie goers.

The fourth disc has a fascinating look with A New Generation: Part One – Extending the Language of Film and Part Two – What Have we Been Digging For?

Finally, in this disc set comes the passion and innovation of the stories that come to film with a new generation. Starting with director Todd Phillips 2019 JOKER and the animation of directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck in the smash 2013 FROZEN. The dream state can be found in the 2015 Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s film CEMETARY OF SPLENDOUR. Now the story talks about the language of film.

Jordan Peele breaks out in the 2019 film US, Olivia Wilde’s 2019 BOOKSMART, the Hindi 2014 film PK, and 2016 Tim Miller’s DEADPOOL, director Nabwana I.G.G’s 2014 CRAZY WORLD take us from horror to comedy. Bruno Dumont brings French comedy to light in the 2014 film P’TIT QUINQUIN.

Action films come into play starting with the five-hour long Anurag Kashyap 2012 film GANGS OF WASSEYPUR, Jonnie To with VENGEANCE, Argentina’s ZAMA directed by Lucrecia Martl, directors Benny and Josh Safdie show GOOD TIME and George Miller’s futuristic world in MAD MAX: Fury Road in 2015. Edgar Wright delivers the hit BABY DRIVER using music into its story, Melina Matsoukas’s BEYONCE: Lemonade and Steve McQueen’s SMALL AXE: Lovers Rock in 2020 use it as well. In Bollywood, dance reigns supreme – Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2018 RAM-LEELA.

Bodies have always been a means for the eyes and some make a subtle point as with 2019’s Lorene Scafaria’s HUSTLERS and Barry Jenkins film MOONLIGHT. Hou Hsiao-Hsien’s 2005 THREE TIMES, Joao Pedro Rodrigues’s THE ORNOTHOLOGIST, Lucia Puenzo’s XXY, Alfonso Curon’s 2013 GRAVITY, Lucile Hadzihalilovic’s EVOLUTION, Rungano Nyoni’s I AM NOT A WITCH, Claire Denis’s 2018 HIGH LIFE and Jeremy Clapin’s 2019 film I LOST MY BODY also bring body and cinema together.

Horror in cinema rapidly comes back with an intensity as in Lucia Guadagnino’s film SUSPIRIA, Australia’s Jennifer Kent’s THE BABADOOK, IT FOLLOWS from David Robert Mitchell the same year, and Astonia’s film NOVEMBER from director Rainer Sarnet, and Ari Aster’s MIDSOMMAR brought a new level of what is expected of a horror film.

Changing gears into slow cinema with the 2006 Pedro Costa film COLOSSAL YOUTH, Kely Reichardt’s CERTAIN WOMEN, Lav Diaz’s 2013 NORTE, THE END OF HISTORY, and 2018’s AN ELEPHANT SITTING STILL directed by Hu Bo. Documentaries come into play again as well starting with Hanna Polak’s SOMETHING BETTER TO COME, Waad Al-Kateab and Edward Watts’ 2019 FOR SAMA, Patricio Guzman’s THE PEARL BUTTON and Anand Patwardhan’s REASON. Greece brings ATTENBERG from director Athina Rachel Tsangari and Aleksei German’s three-hour long 2013 film HARD TO BE GOD.

Asking the question ‘what have we been digging for?’ comes into focus starting with director Leos Carax HOLY MOTORS, 2013’s UNDER THE SKIN from director Jonathan Glazer, director Joanna Hogg’s THE SOUVENIR, Amin Sidi-Boumediene’s 2019 film ABOUT LEILA, Abbas Kiarostami’s film TEN and Castaing-Taylor and Verena Paravel brings LEVIATHAN in 2012.

Cell phones come into play as well as new inventive techniques shown in the 2017 Michael Haneke film HAPPY END, Sean Baker’s film TANGERINE, Jean-Luc Godard’s GOODBYE TO LANGUAGE, Laurie Anderson’s HEART OF A DOG in 2015, BLACK MIRROR: Bandersnatch from director David Slade in 2018, Tsai Ming Liang’s STRAY DOGS, I DON’T WANT TO SLEEP ALONE and 2017’s THE DESERTED done in VR.

Documentary filmmaker Kirsten Johnson films the CAMERAPERSON, THE LOOK OF SILENCE from Joshua Oppenheimer in 2014 or with Christine Cynn in THE ACT OF KILLING and in the same year Slavo Martinov shows PROPAGANDA. Performance capture comes alive with Matt Reeves’ WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES, 2019’s THE IRISHMAN from Martin Scorsese and DAU DEGENERATION from Ilya Khrzhanovskiy. Using no technology, Lenny Abrahamson introduces us to the 2014 film FRANK and Laszlo Nemes 2015 SON OF SAUL.

Now cinema reveals who we are starting with the 2018 Radu Jude film I DON’T CARE IF WE GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS BARBARIANS, Jordan Peele’s US and Korean director Bong Joon-Ho’s PARASITE, Ala Eddine Slim TLAMESS, and Mati Diop comes in the same year with ATLANTICS. In animation, the 2014 SONG OF THE SEA by Tomm Moore is flowing and transformative. BLACK PANTHER brought Wakanda from Ryan Coogler and in the same year BORDER from Ali Abbasi bring ‘paradise lost’. THE FARWELL by Lulu Wang brings family together, and QUO VADIS, AIDA? from Jasmina Spanic in 2020 (one of my favorites that year).

From Asia, director Hirokazu Kore-eda’s SHOPLIFTERS, from Russia is Evgenia Ostanina and Zosya Rodkevich’s WHITE MAMA, Debra Branik’s LEAVE NO TRACE and Alice Rohrwacher’s HAPPY AS LAZZARO all come in the same year. Rounding out years 2017 -2019 there is A FANTASTIC WOMAN from director Sebastian Lelio, 13th from Ava Duvernay, SHOP OF THESEUS from Anand Gandhi, PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE from Celine Sciamma and COLD WAR from Pawel Pawlikowski.

Incoming to theatres are more points of view and what cinema is offering us is a frame by frame look at ourselves and we love every moment of it.

If you are a filmmaker, a film lover, a student of film, a person who studies film for pleasure – then this is a must have, absolutely. It is challenging, thought provoking, informative, enlightening and goes in directions that are stellar and interesting. Being captivated is sometimes a hard thing to do, but A STORY OF FILM does it second by second.

I have always loved film, from my first viewing of BAMBI to the recent film THE CREATOR, I have witnessed the inventive of storytelling and embraced the good, bad and ugly of it all. Creator Mark Cousins has now become the voice in my head regarding film and a new point of view. There have been a few teachers in my life that have stood out and have followed along my life, Cousins is now added to that list as the newest teacher who taught an old dog new tricks in a sense.

To experience it all in five discs is breathtaking and equally exhausting, but the kind of exhausting that comes with learning something so fulfilling, that it will take time to recover from and process it all with joy. This is an 18-hour master class that is powerful, thoughtful and worthy of a standing ovation.

Prepare for a stunning master class!

LIFE OF STRAYS

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from director Josh Greenbaum, written by Dan Perrault and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is a dog’s world of STRAYS.

Reggie (voiced by Will Ferrell) is a small and loveable Border Terrier who lives with Doug (Will Forte). Not realizing he is being treated badly by Doug, Reggie sees their almost daily game of ‘find your way home’ as fun. That is until one day Doug goes way out of his way to play the game leaving Reggie in a world he doesn’t know.

That’s when Reggie meets Bug (voiced by Jamie Foxx), a Boston Terrier who may be small but has a huge, well, attitude and view of the world. He almost immediately takes Reggie under his paw to show him the life of being a stray. Reggie tries to explain he is not a stray and Reggie realizes the very sheltered life his new friend has lived.

Bug introduces Reggie to his friends Maggie (Isla Fisher) is a lovely Australian Shepherd with a nose like no other and Hunter (Randall Park) a Great Dane who might be a therapy dog but needs a bit of therapy himself. When they all hear Reggie’s story, they group decides to return to Reggie’s home so that he can show Doug what he really thinks of him.

Along the way, they all experience some of the craziest things known to dog kind and their reaction is, well, howlingly perfect!

Ferrell as Terrier Reggie is adorable, accepting and just sees the world in a sweet way. That is until he realizes that perhaps his new friends are telling him the truth. He is torn between wanting to be accepted by Doug and seeing the world in a whole new light. Ferrell lends his voice giving Reggie such sweetness but even sweet will talk a dog only so far.

Foxx as Boston Terrier Bug may be small but he makes his presence larger than life. Not about to take anything from anyone, man nor beast, he makes his stray rules clear and lives by them completely. Bug is inappropriate and hilarious all at the same time and Foxx lends his voice in such a way that I certainly wouldn’t want to mess with him, well, most of the time anyway.

Fisher as Maggie is a gorgeous Australian Shepherd who is almost the mother figure of the bunch but knows what she is good at and that’s sniffing! She has a bit of the feels for one of the pack but isn’t quite sure how to handle it. Fisher gives us charming, loveable, protective and one-of-the-boys without giving up being one-of-the-girls!

Park as Hunter the Great Dane is just a hot mess of issues. Insecure about his failures and hiding behind what our family calls ‘the cone of shame’, Hunter has a bit of the feels for a member of the pack as well. He wants so badly to be as brave as the others and sometimes questions it all but man, I just love Parks voice as a big dog with a small voice.

Forte as Doug soon realizes that perhaps revenge against an ex-girlfriend has the huge potential of being the worst thing he could have done. That being said, he is a manipulating, lying, using bit of an a-hole who really deserves everything he gets from both human and beast. When a dog adores you, don’t abuse that or else, well, Doug knows what the what else is!

More cast include Josh Gad as Gus, Havey Guillen as Sh%*stain, Jack De Sanz as Munchkin,Phil Morris as Bubsy, David Herman as Underbite, Charity Cervantes as Jenna, Rob Riggle as Rolf, Brett Gelman as Willy, Jamie Demetriou as Chester, Sofia Vegara as Deliliah the Couch, Greta Lee as Bella, Jimmy Tatro as Finn, and Dennis Quaid as Dennis Quaid.

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

Bonus Features include Talk Like a Dog, The Ultimate Treat: Making STRAYS, Poop, Booms and Shrooms, Will Forte: STRAY Actor, Training to be STRAY, A New Best Friend, and Feature Commentary with Director/Producer Josh Greenbaum and Screenwriter/Producer Dan Perrault.

STRAYS is a cute dog movie, yes, but it is not, I repeat, is not meant for children at all. Okay, now that that’s out of the way let’s get down and dirty because that’s what STRAYS is. It is a raunchy, dirty, pushing the limits and then jumping off the cliff comedy about what the hounds may be thinking, saying and doing when humans aren’t paying attention.

The jokes are good, the dogs are awesome, but man oh man be prepared to see things you never thought to see on the screen done by dogs. Is this raunchy humor, absolutely, did I laugh a lot, absofrakkenlootely. Mixed in with the laughter were moans, groans, ewwwwwww’s and every other human emotion regarding the things our four-legged furry friends might be thinking.

This is the kind of film that lets you know up front it isn’t about to play the cutsie game (even though there are cutsie moments) and its every dawg for themselves. No bones about it, when the big dog comes out, stand back because the poop is going to fly.

In the end – listen to their bark or face the bite!

Return to the Beginning with INSIDIOUS: The Red Door

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from director Patrick Wilson and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the next installment of a horror that is following a family with INSIDIOUS: The Red Door.

It has been nine years since the Lambert’s household was dealing with the terror that struck their home and family. Neither Josh (Patrick Wilson) or his son Dalton (Ty Simpkins) remember what happened but that hasn’t stopped the trauma. Since then, Josh and Renai (Rose Byrne) are divorced and the death of his mother Lorraine has caused even more strain.

Josh’s relationship with Dalton just doesn’t seem to work but dad wants to take Dalton to college. Thinking it would be an opportunity for them to bond, father and son only end their trip with an argument. Dalton is an art major and in college he gets the chance to really create. He also meets a new friend, Chris (Sinclair Daniel) who is funny and has a way with people.

Once home, Josh decides to get help for what is happening to him, especially when a mysterious man seems to be haunting him. In the meantime, Dalton begins his art class and a dark and intense drawing starts to cause him to see things as well. Both father and son do not realize that they are experiencing the same thing.

Chris figures out what is happening to Dalton and shares her suspicions. She becomes involved more and more as her life is in danger as well. Once Renai explains to Josh what she knows about it all, it is time for Josh and Dalton to stop ‘the Further’ from becoming part of their lives again.

They must find a way to close the red door!

Wilson as Josh cannot seem to figure out what is happening to him. The losses in his life have become part of the problem yet there is something nagging at him. There is something deep pushing him and it is running his life. So much so that he has little to do with a family he once held so dear. Wilson hasn’t skipped a beat portraying Josh and taking on the director’s role, he knows how the story needs to come together and it works really, really well.

Simpkins is back as the college bound Josh who, if he only really talked to his dad, would see that both are experiencing the same thing. When he realizes his art is telling him what is about to happen, it is also telling him about a past he has forgotten and a way to stop more pain from his family. It is great to see Simpkins come back so many years later to take the role once again and see where it could go.

Daniel as Chris begins to see what her new friend is going through and wants to help. It is her curiosity that leads to a YouTube video explaining what Dalton is experiencing. Chris has a way about her and Daniel makes it look smooth as silk, even when she is caught in it herself.

Byrne is back as Renai and she has her own story to tell. Hoping that the lid was put on the events nine years ago, there comes a point when the lid has to come off if she is to save both the man she truly cares about and her son. Byrne’s role is not a large but it is important to the story.

Other cast include Hiam Abbass as Profressor Armagan, Andrew Astor as Foster Lambert, Juliana Davies as Kali, Steve Coulter as Carl, Peter Dager as Nick, Justin Sturgis as Alec, Leigh Whannell as Specs, Angus Sampson as Tucker, Lin Shaye as Elise Rainier and Joseph Bishara as the Lipstick-Face Demon.

Special Features include Past, Present, Further and A Possessed Director.

INSIDIOUS: The Red Door takes one more look at what could happen when you keep secrets in the family. Wilson knew exactly what he was signing up for when deciding to direct as well as reprise his role as Josh. The equal amount of time to both Josh and Dalton’s journey is done very well.

I will admit that I jumped at least twice and hollered at least three times and that’s how I know this film is good. It is not filled with gore and such but instead it reaches into the part of us that loves tension and can’t wait to be scared. I spent more time with popcorn on the outer reaches of my mouth than actually made it in and the circle of popcorn that made it to the floor when I jumped!

If you are looking to revisit the Lambert family, see where they are now and how it will all turn out, then grab a bunch of scary film fans, turn out the lights and make it a night to remember.

In the end – it ends were it all began!