What's coming up in theatres!

He Has THE BEAST WITHIN

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE Hits Home!

Jeri Jacquin

Coming this week only on Digital and later this month on 4K Ultra HD, Bluray, DVD from director Shawn Levy and Marvel Studios comes the film and story everyone has been waiting for with DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bonus Features include Finding Madonna: Making the Oner, Practical Approach: Celebrating the Art of Ray Chan, Loose Ends: The Legacy of Heroes, Wolverine, Filmmaker Commentary, Gag Reel, Deleted Scenes of: Elevator Ride, Do Nothing, Daddy’s in Love, and Fun Sack: Dr. Deadpool, Product Reviews, Wade is Back.

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – everyone deserves a happy ending!

The True Story of MY PENGUIN FRIEND

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital this week from director David Schurmann and Lionsgate is the unbelievable story of an unlikely friendship of MY PENGUIN FRIEND.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

In the end – this is an extraordinary friendship!

She is the DRAGONKEEPER

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – she learns about her own destiny!

BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They Fight BEFORE DAWN

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – leave no man behind!

HOW TO MAKE MILLIONS BEFORE GRANDMA DIES

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – trust your Amah!

They are Living with SUBSERVIENCE

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – don’t turn her on!

Remember to SPEAK NO EVIL

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

Now it is all about survival.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – beware of strangers!

The HBO Hit Series SUCCESSION Comes to Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No one sees how it is all going to end!

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

There are Lessons Through Music with CRICKET & ANTOINETTE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to On Demand and Digital from directors Luka Rukavina, Kristijan Milic, Dino Krpan and Lionsgate is the charming story of differences that are not so different with CRICKET & ANTOINETTE.

Antoinette (Raini Rodriguez) is the next Queen ant who wants to do things her own way. Graduating with her ant-hill class, Antoinette wants to do something else besides what everyone else is doing. After a bit of a windblown accident, she meets Ket (David Henrie), a cricket who plays music with his band for anyone around to listen and she is shocked. Getting to know one another on the walk back her anthill, Antoinette is greeted by her upset father Anton who can’t believe she brought Ket back.

The entire ant hill is losing its senses when they hear music believing it tears down walls! Helping Ket escape, Antoinette needs help from her friend Antenna so she can warn the crickets about winter, which they don’t believe in. Making her way back, she meets up with Ernest, Rudy, Anthal only to hear they don’t want here there. She meets fortune teller Betty and her snail George who tells Antoinette that maybe the crickets would listen to her singing about winter using a special hat.

Back at the anthill, Antheodor believes he is a gift to the ant colony and thinks he is entitled to do whatever he likes without permission. Dad Anton is worried about his daughter and sends out ants to look for her. Ket gets into it with his band but what they don’t know is that Antoinette is going to show them that she is capable of something remarkable and is immediately hired by Roach for Roachella!

She tries to convince Ket that winter is coming and he tries to convince her that an ant who sings won’t bring down the walls of the ant hill. They also learn that its possible to have wonderful feelings for each other no matter what the odds!

Rodriguez lends her voice to Antoinette and does such a lovely job of it too. Her voice fits filled with excitement, adventure and feeling as Antoinette stretches out into a wider world. Henrie voices Ket as a laid-back musician who is enjoying being with his friend’s making music at Roachella. Little did he know that his summer would be nothing like he could have imagined.

CRICKET & ANTOINETTE was nominated for the Pulcinella Award for Best Animated Feature Film from Cartoons on the Bay, winner of the Golden Arena Best Screenplay for Luka Rukavina and Rona Zulj, Best Music Score for Vjeran Salamon and Coco Mosquito and Audience Award “Golden Gate Pula” for director Luka Rukavina as the Pula Film Festival.

The film is such a delight to watch and if the story seems vaguely familiar, it is because it is a classic Aesop’s fable but now updated and given wonderful music. It is just wonderful to see two different insects set in their beliefs so strongly that it keeps them apart. When Ket and Antoinette meet, it is charming to see them learn from one another (even if they still aren’t quite convinced about music and winter) and still dare to find deep feelings for one another.

The crickets seem more laid back than the ants to be sure but that is based on their understanding that there are only three seasons and not four. Antoinette doesn’t want anything to happen to her new friends which is why she wants so desperately to help them believe. She has issues of her own in that the ants believe music is destructive and so it is not allowed. Its takes one special character in the film to work her magic on both sides!

My granddaughter and I watched the film together and she absolutely loved every moment. She thought the characters were so sweet and, of course being a music lover, she giggled to the songs. That’s how you know that CRICKET & ANTOINETTE is a wonderful family film filled with thoughtful lessons, fun, and what it means to help in need. I have to say that I found Roach’s speech of where he was going to be in winter hilarious.

If you are looking for a wonderful film to watch as a family, especially with the cooler weather coming, then this is the one to experience. Break out the comfy blankets, have some popcorn ready and cuddle up with the entire clan and spend a little time with CRICKET & ANTOINETTE.

In the end – they find connection through the music!

The Origins of TRANSFORMER ONE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Josh Cooley, Hasbro Entertainment and Paramount Pictures is the story of how it all began with TRANSFORMER ONE.

Orion Pax (voiced by Chris Hemsworth) works the Energon mines in Iacon City with buddy D-16 (Brian Tyree Henry) on their home planet of Cybertron. Pax believes there is so much more to them than just working day after day digging up the mineral to keep their planet going. The leader of the Autobots is Sentinel Prime (Jon Hamm) who constantly motivates the beings to keep mining. Pax gets the idea to be a part of a race and enlists D-16 and that gets attention of the other miners as well as Sentinel.

Thinking they would be celebrating their accomplishment; they are thrown in the deepest level of the planet where they meet B-127 (Keegan-Michael Key). Thrilled that he finally has company after being alone for so long, Pax and D realize he probably would know a way out.

Finding an escape up to the surface, Pax, D and B run into Alita (Scarlett Johansson) who wants to report them for getting away. That is until Pax shows her information that he believes leads to finding the Matrix of Leadership. Instead, what they discover what happened to the Prime’s and awaken Alpha Trion (Laurence Fishburne). Trion tell the group the truth about what has happened on Cybertron and D is outraged. Before they can get back to Sentinel, they meet Starscream (Steve Buscemi) who also wants Sentinel taken care of.

That party is crashed when D and B are taken to Sentinel, now Pax and Alita must find a way to get to their friends. D-16 is can not contain his anger and Pax wants to put a cog in every autoboot so they can find their own potential and Sentinel wants to destroy them both. Who will succeed?

Hemsworth voices Orion Pax giving the character a very ‘animated’ and personably transformer who is curious about everything. Pax wants something more and, as we all know, be careful what you wish for. Each step he takes brings him closer to the secrets being kept from them all and Hemsworth’s voice takes us on that ride. Henry as D-16 knows he shouldn’t follow Pax on his mad plans but does so because that’s what a good friend does. When he learns along with Pax what has been taken from the Autobots, a change comes over him in a way that no one could have imagined. Henry gives us good friend vocal vibes – until he doesn’t. Nicely done.

Johansson as Alita believes in doing everything by the book and doing it right. Leading her group, it is in hopes that a promotion is in her future. A strong female Autobot who is a tad hardheaded is just what the group needs to stay focused. Key as B gives us a very good reason to understand why he eventually goes silent. A talkative (sometimes babbling) Autobot is not good for any sentient beings’ ears! He is funny at times though so he gets that.

Hamm as Sentinel is both funny and scary at the same time. During his moments of humor, it is easy to see how the Autobots would believe what he has to say, although personally I’d question that gaslighting voice from jump. Hamm does sound like he is having a great time. Buscemi as Starscream is just on it. Personally, I’m a huge Buscemi fan from way back and to hear his voice of an angry Autobot just brought a smile to my face because he can be charming and then twist the knife, although I think angry Autobots would rather just use their cool weaponry to handle it.

Fishburne voicing Alpha Trion gives us his best deep Morpheus voice and it works beautifully. Telling Pax, D, B and Alita what they needed to hear, he does so in a way that kept my interest from start to finish. Thrilled he took on the voice of Alpha Trion absolutely.

Other cast include Isaac C. Singleton Jr. as Darkwing, Vanessa Liguori as Airachnid, Jason Konopisos-Alvarez as Shockwave, Jon Bailey as Soundwave and Evan Michael Lee as Jazz.

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

Hasbro Entertainment is a production and distribution company owned and operated by American toy and multimedia company Hasbro and succeeds Allspark, previously known as Hasbro Studios, as Hasbro's primary media production and distribution company and Entertainment One.

I will be honest, I raised four kids in the early years on Transformers cartoons and having my house covered in Autobots everywhere large and small, I didn’t know what to expect from the film. I did enjoy the 2007 TRANSFORMERS and kept following the films all the way through that vision of the franchise. So, TRANSFORMER ONE is just keeping the generational fun going with my grandkids.

The animation is pretty spectacular from start to finish and even with the dark underground city; it doesn’t affect the films action sequences at all. Instead, it is hyped up action that gives and gives and gives and trust me when I say this family was all for it. These are not stiff autobots but fast and gracefully fluid for being made of metal.

The film also has a lot of humor and fun mixed into the history of where the Autobots came from and how the Decepticons came to be. It isn’t a pretty story because, as we know, absolute power corrupts absolutely, but you can be sure this won’t be the last we will see as Optimus Prime and Megatron have a long history that needs to play out. That being said, I’m all for TRANSFORMER 2.

In the end - witness the origin!

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 World Seen Through LEE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Ellen Kuras, Vertical and Roadside Attractions is a look at a lifetime in pictures through the eyes of LEE.

Antony (Josh O’Connor) sits down with famed Lee Miller (Kate Winslet) who spent her life from American modeling to photography. While on an outing with friends in England, she meets Roland Penrose (Alexander Skarsgard) and they find a life together in London. As World War II is all around them, Lee is looking for a job and reaches out to British Vogue’s editor Audrey Withers (Andrea Riseborough). Using her talent as a photographer, she becomes a correspondent to the publication.

She becomes friends with David Scherman (Andy Samberg) who is a Life magazine photographer. Her initial photographs are of women who are helping in the war effort but she wants to be on the front lines. The problem is women aren’t allowed but Lee is not about to back down from her goal. Being American, she imbeds with a troop and begins documenting everything she sees. It is harsh and the realities are caught on film. Being away from Roland is difficult, but she feels a responsibility to photograph and tell what is happening.

Lee, along with David, find themselves photographing France and later come upon a very long train. As the soldiers begin to open them one by one, Lee is struck by the horror of what they find inside and is even more determined to expose the camps of their Jewish victims. Capturing it, she is furious to discover that British Vogue has not acknowledged the realities of war and its impact on humanity as well as Lee herself.

It may have taken time, but the world would still see the world through her eyes!

Winslet as Lee is absolutely spectacular, stunning and beautiful all at the same time. Portraying Lee as a woman struggling to find her place, her photographs are a new life and a way to help earn. As the war becomes more intense, Lee wants to capture what is actually happening and not sugar coat it. The only way for that to happen is finding a way to the front of the war and Winslet’s performance of her reaction to everything her character experiences hurts the heart and squeezes the soul. A stellar piece of filmmaking with an actress who does it complete justice.

Riseborough as Withers is a woman trying to keep British Vogue up and running but also sees that what Lee brings to the table is equally important. Fighting to make sure her photographs and stories get into print; it is a struggle. I absolutely love Riseborough’s vast choice of characters she plays and, in this film, she once again has made a very good choice.

Samberg as David has the same reaction to what he sees as Lee does. This is a different role for the usual character actor and he gives this every bit of feeling and heartbreak. Samberg is impeccable and also understands what Lee is trying to do pushing him further as well. Skarsgard as Roland is captivated with Lee from the moment they meet, even though it was slightly heated. He does come to understand her and, in his own way, support her decision to follow the war.

Shout out to O’Connor as Antony for his portrayal and surprise at the end. Following O’Connor’s career over the years, he just gets more amazing with every film he does. Also, Cotillard as Solange d’Ayen, Lee’s friend who must go into hiding in Parish to survive.

Other cast include Patrick Mille as Jean D’Ayen, Vincent Colombe as Paul Eluard, Arinze Kene as Major Jonesy, Samuel Barnett as Cecil Beaton, Zita Hanrot as Ady Fidelin, James Murray as Colonel Spencer, Enrique Arce as Pablo Picasso, Riley Neldam as Kurt, Noemie Merlant as Nusch Eluard and Marion Cotillard as Solange d’Ayen.

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

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

LEE is a remarkable film written by Liz Hannah, Marion Hume, and John Collee. Winslet portrays Lee as a woman who struggles to find her place and once she realizes that photography is her career, she leans into it whole heartedly and with a grit that no one expected. It is a very emotional time in history and there is something in Lee that knows it must be documented, talked about and photographed.

Her life is filled with grit, and a mental toughness that would have been needed to see the things Lee did. It wasn’t so much about breaking the mold, it was her intensity in understanding the world around her that makes this film so intense. Those she surrounded herself with might not have understood her mindset, but they did not try to stop her from the drive that almost consumed her.

The cinematography is so compelling and captures the feeling in such a way that holding your breath is going to happen. Add to that performances that do Lee Miller’s life justice is everything. If you didn’t know her before, you certainly will remember her name now.

In the end – her camera captured the truth!

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.

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

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

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!

DESPICABLE ME 4 Returns on 4K Ultra HD

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from directors Chris Renaud, Patrick Delage, Illumination and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is DESPICABLE ME 4.

Gru (Steve Carell) is attending a school reunion and runs into childhood nemesis Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) and girlfriend Valentina (Sofia Vergara). He is also there thinking he will finally win the Best Pupil Award that he longs for from principal Ubelschlecht (June Squibb). Disappointed once again, he watches Maxime show his newest transformation as a human cockroach. That’s when the Anti-Villain League (AVL) jumps in and they arrest Maxime.

That doesn’t last long and now Gru, wife Lucy (Kristen Wiig), and kids Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Madison Polan) along with baby Gru are now in danger. Silas Ramsbottom (Steve Coogan) packs up the family and relocates them to a safehouse providing each with a new identity. Worrying about the minions, Ramsbottom lets the family know they are under the care of the AVL.

Now Gru is Chet, Lucy is Blanche, Margo is Bree, Edith is Blair, and Agnes is Britney and they are attempting to be a normal family. Gru starts by introducing himself to neighbor Perry Prescott (Stephen Colbert), wife Patsy (Chloe Fineman) and daughter Poppy (Joey King). It is Poppy who stands out as she has a plan and uses Gru’s infamy to get what she wants.

Maxime also has a plan, to get back at Gru by taking Gru Jr.! With all the moving parts, Gru is trying to keep the family safe and once the super minions get involved, well, there is no telling what will happen next!

Carrel as Gru has picked up his iconic vocal mantle and jumped right in with both feet firmly planted in family life. Still part of the AVL, he also has unresolved schoolboy issues thanks to a principle and another villain. There is only one character that sounds like Gru and Carrel does it so well. Wiig as wife Lucy is always so full of fun, light hearted and sees the good in her family. She makes as many silly mistakes as Gru but when Lucy does it – it’s kinda cute. Wiig gives her character a sense of self and family which is so very cool.

Ferrell as Maxime actually sounds like Megamind with a French accent but it works. He has childhood issues and wants Gru to pay. The problem is he is messing with the wrong evil guy. Vergara as Valentina has a small role and it has its moments of laughs.

Cosgrove as Margo is growing up and discovering that her family is everything. Gaier as Edith is set in her ways and happy with herself in all aspects. I love her straightforward attitude. Polan as Agnes has a serious crisis when it comes to telling people her under-cover name teaching kids who watch that the truth is important.

King as Poppy has a streak in her that Gru can relate to but in his earlier years. Now he wants to get away from it but Poppy has struck a deal that he cannot avoid. King as Poppy is charmingly evil and it’s as simple as that, well maybe not that simple when a badger is involved. Colbert as Perry gives us the stuck-up rich guy but the minions take care of that. Fineman as Patsy is that charming southern tennis player who just wants everyone to get along.

Shout out to Coogan as Ramsbottom who loves being the director of the AVL and wants to help Gru’s family. Also, Squibb as principal Ubelschlecht is exactly the educator who knows how to use a ruler!

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

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

Bonus Features include 2 Mini-Movies: Game Over and Over and Benny’s Birthday, Deleted Scenes, Despicable Dialogue, Meet the Cast, Making of Mega Minion Mayhem, Rogues Gallery and How to Draw.

DESPICABLE ME 4 is fun, charming, hilarious, and an adventure that can only be had by the minions. The one thing about the franchise is that staying with the formula assures a win because who wants to change Gru, the family or the minions? We love the antics, the growing that Gru is doing as a dad and a husband. Less time in the lab and more time making pancakes is definetly a sign that Gru can be both a crime fighter and a good dad.

Becoming beloved icons, DESPICABLE ME 4 is a fantastic (and cool) way to spend time with family. This is the film that makes a huge tub of popcorn fun in every way. It is colorful with fantastic animation but, then again, I would expect nothing less from Illumination, director Chris Renaud and Chris Meledandri. My family is planning on a DESPICABLE ME marathon of all four films because laughing is our favorite thing!

The music from Heitor Pereira and Pharrell Williams brings the beat and the sweet minion dance moves which is a bonus for us all.

In the end – this daddy is a baddie!

A Family Adventure with THE WILD ROBOT

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Chris Sanders, DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures is the story of THE WILD ROBOT.

It is the future and on a pristine island, a robotic unit has found herself on its shores. Waking up is Rozzum 7134 (voiced by Lupita Nyong’o), a robot that seems aimed to please and is looking for an assignment. Surrounded by wildlife that are a little more than freaked out, the takes some time to learn each of their languages. When no connection happens with them, the robot decides to send a message to the company that made her, Universal Dynamics.

When that goes haywire, Rozzum “Roz” finds a goose egg and also a fox that would like to take it from her. Red fox Fink (Pedro Pascal) decides in his own way to help Roz when the baby goose hatches. Giving advice on what to do with the newly named Brightbill (Kit Connor), now Roz has a program that she can work to fulfill. Watching all of this are the surrounding animals along with Pinktail (Catherine O’Hara) the mama possum, Thorn (Mark Hamill) the grouchy grizzly, falcon Thunderbolt (Ving Rhames) and busy beaver Paddler (Matt Berry).

Brightbill discovers other geese and realizes he is the smallest of them all. A goose that has taken notice is Longneck (Bill Nighy), the elder goose who believes in Roz and urges the caring robot to continue with Brightbill. As winter approaches, it is time for all the geese to fly south. In the meantime, a storm has called on Roz and Fink to be a part of the island community in ways they could have never seen.

As time passes, Roz sees a ship coming and out of it pops Vontra (Stephanie Hsu) who is sent to retrieve the robot. The problem is, Roz and the island wildlife have other plans!

Lupita Nyong’o gives Roz a distinctive personality with innocence and a hunger for learning about her surroundings. Eventually she understands that fitting in isn’t something she is capable of doing when everything is afraid of her. Finding the baby goose gives her something to accomplish and even with her many mistakes, the charm is undeniable.

Pascal as Fink is a larger-than-life fox who can be a bit sarcastic, self-centered only thinking of what makes him happy. That being said, he sees the connection between Roz and gosling Brightbill and it warms him. Even when he seems to not want to do the right thing, he does it and becomes more and more loveable wanting the best for his friends. Conor as Brightbill is a small duck who doesn’t see how he can possibly fit in with his own kind. Yet Roz doesn’t stop helping him become the best duck he can be enlisting help from other animals to make him strong. On his own, he realizes the sacrifices Roz has made for him, now its his turn to show his worth.

O’Hara as Pinktail is the motherly comic relief that is always there for her children but also there for those who just need that motherly shoulder. She is brilliant giving voice to Pinktail. Hamil as Thorn gives us the grouchy element of the animal world but he is who he is. Rhames as Thunderbolt is the best at the sky and Brightbill is lucky to have him around. Berry as Paddler has a mission as well and will not be laughed out of its finish! Hsu as Vontra is polite in a way that you know her intentions aren’t good!

Shout out to Nighy and its basically because I have adored his work over the years and I’d know that voice anywhere. Taking on the voice of the elder goose, he is wonderful. Also, to Boone Storm as the young Brightbill who had us all ‘awwwww’ing’ the moment he began to speak.

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.

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

THE WILD ROBOT is an amazing film based on the work of author Peter Brown. The artistry is vibrant, stunning and lends itself to the story in the loveliest of ways. Roz, a robot, is the being that stands out as ‘what doesn’t belong here’ at the beginning. Surrounded by wildlife and wide-open spaces, a lush forest and clean water, Roz realizes in order to find her assignment, she must adapt. All of this is a comedy of errors that can be understood by anyone watching the film.

There is humor, love, connection, craziness, understanding, beauty, trial by learning, emotion and did I mention love? The animals learn from each other and there is a lesson in this film that is undeniable. The film will take everyone’s emotions on a roller coaster ride and all I can say is strap in because it is going to play on it all. I’d recommend a big box of tissue for all the laughing tears and the emotional ones as well.

My family intends to see THE WILD ROBOT again because we had such a great time together and this is definetly a film to be seen for the entire family. The film is pure perfection and pure joy in ever sense of the word. DreamWorks and Universal did the book justice from start to finish. This is one of the best animated films I have seen this year.

In the end – you must become more than you were programmed to be!

They Heed the AMBER ALERT

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and On Demand this Friday from writer/director Kerry Bellessa, Joshua Oram and Lionsgate is the story of an AMBER ALERT.

Jaq (Hayden Panettiere) is running late for a meeting downtown and the ride she ordered has decided to leave without her. As another drivers’ passengers leave, Jaq asks driver Shane (Tyler James Williams) if he would take one more passenger. At first Shane isn’t thrilled with the prospect, but Jaq is convincing and off they go.

Across town at a local park, Monica (Katie McClellan) is at the park with her children. Charlotte (Ducky Cash) is playing hide and seek when a car slowly puts up next to her. Moments later, Monica calls out for Charlotte and she is gone. Calling 9-1-1, operator Cici (Saidah Arrika Ekulona) takes the car from the frantic Monica and she takes it to Sgt. Casey (Kevin Dunn) to post an Amber Alert.

Jaq and Shane receive the alert on their phones and look to see the information. Within minutes, a car ahead of them catches Jaq’s attention. Calling 9-1-1, she also is patched into Cici who takes the information and thanks them for the call. Jaq can’t stop the feeling that something is wrong with this car and talks Shane into following it. He is not sure that this is all a good idea, not to mention that he it is causing a bit of family drama.

When Jaq gets a peek into the car, she is more determined than ever to follow it. What comes next is an understanding between driver and passenger that pushes them to continue. When Charlotte’s mother decides it’s time to intervene, Jaq and Shane know what they must do. It is dangerous but they know someone must stop what could come next!

Panettiere as Jaq is a woman who believes that following a car is not only right but imperative. Doing her best to talk Shane, a stranger, into following starts out difficult but with each mile that passes becomes easier. Panettiere portrayal is that of a woman following her instincts, even into a totally dangerous situation. Williams as Shane makes his living driving and when Jaq talks him into one more ride, he could never have imagined where it would take him. Williams gives his character a healthy amount of skepticism, but there comes a personal moment where he knows that he and Jaq are not going to stop.

Ekulona as Cici takes the calls and tries to do what she can. There also comes a shocking moment for Cici and Ekulona gives her role importance. Dunn as Sgt. Casey follows leads and when Jaq calls, he begins to understand that the road to finding Charlotte lies with two strangers. McClellan as Monica is a mother who is dealing with the guilt of her child being abducted but also a mother who is going to do what needs doing to get her child home.

Other cast include Krus Valero as Simone, Sean Ramey as Truck Driver, Jeffery Croft II as Officer Jameson and Kurt Oberhaus as The Man.

AMBER ALERT is a film that will resonate with all parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and everyone who has a child in their lives. We have been told over and over that it only takes a second and this film proves that. Lives are more hectic and distracting than ever before and with cell phones, it can cut that second of distraction in half. The Amber Alert was introduced in 1997 when 9-year-old Amber Hagerman was abducted. Since then, the world understands the sound the alert makes coming through our cell phones and on lighted highway signs.

The film also is an intense thriller that had me yelling at the screen a few times. That’s probably the mother/grandmother reaction in me coming out in full fierce force and I’m alright with it. That is what a film about such a delicate subject should do, cause a reaction that will stay with viewers for quite a while after the movie is over. Panettiere and Williams take us on the ride along with them as well as carry the film’s message and it works.

In the end – two strangers are her only hope!

HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON is Colorful on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from director Carlos Saldanha and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the adventure of HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON.

Harold (Zachary Levi) is a colorful character with a purple crayon that lets him do amazing things. Along with his friends Moose (Lil Rey Howery) and Porcupine (Tanya Reynolds), there time is spent having adventures and drawing inside their world. They listen to the Old Man (voiced by Alfred Molina) until, one day, the Old Man stops speaking to them. Harold decides that its time to go into the Real World to find him.

Opening a portal, he goes through and is filled with childlike wonder at a world of color and people. He sees and old man but quickly realizes there might be more than one in this world. He quickly finds Moose and draws up a mode of transportation to begin their search for the Old Man. What they don’t expect is a swipe by a car driven by Terri (Zooey Deschanel) and son Mel (Benjamin Bottani). Mel is instantly taken with Harold and Moose and when he learns they have no place to stay, talks Terri into allowing them to stay in the garage attic.

Again, Harold and Moose are just amazed at their surroundings but back to the business of finding the OLD Man. Mel has an idea of going to the library seeking the help of Gary (Jermaine Clement), the librarian who writes fantastical stories that can’t seem to find a publisher. Using his powers of persuasion (i.e. his mom), Mel gets Gary to use the internet to possibly track down the Old Man. When it doesn’t work, Harold, Moose and Mel decide to look around for themselves. Gary looks out the window and sees Harold and his purple crayon going to work.

Doing a bit of investigating himself, he discovers that Harold is actually looking for Crockett Johnson, Harold’s creator. Gary decides he has finally found a way to bring his own dreams to life and goes after the purple crayon. Harold could never have imagined that the real world has its own set of adventures!

Levi as Harold is so lovely giving with his childlike attitude of this character. He gives Harold a brightness and light that just brings a smile whether you want to or not. Seeing the world as such a wonderful place, he refuses to see any bad. Levi does such a wonderful job in this role and my family just fell for him and the purple crayon.

Bottani as Mel is just as childlike as Harold with his imaginary friends that mom doesn’t see. He believes in Harold and will do anything to help as Bottani embraces Harold’s world. It is fun to watch the young actor mix in with the adults and doing such a wonderful job. Deschanel as mom Terri is trying to understand her son’s need for imaginary friends while dealing with his new friends. Yet it is Harold that reminds Terri that dreams can come true no matter what our age. Deschanel is charming, as she usually is, as Mel’s Mom.

Clement as Gary is a bit whacky as he sees his creative writing dreams not coming to pass. Frustrated that his work isn’t being recognized or that his affections for Terri also go unrecognized, he turns a bit toward the dark side. Clement is actually funny in a dark way and I really loved his characters story idea even if the name is a tad strange.

Howery as Moose is Harold’s sidekick in the real world trying to keep him out of trouble. He doesn’t openly admit to liking the real world but Howery offers up a childlike wonder of it all. Reynolds as Porcupine is a sassy animal that has no time for nonsense. I actually enjoyed her way of thinking in the real world.

Other cast include Elizabeth Becka as Ms. Barnaby, Seth Robbins as Oscar, Camille Guaty as Detective Silva, Pete Gardner as Detective Love and Ravi Patel as Prasad.

Special Features include How to Draw Harold, porcupine & Moose, “Colors” Sing Along, How Do You Spell Imagination? and Deleted & Extended Scenes.

HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON is so much fun to watch. Harold sees his own world as a place of wonder but when he doesn’t hear the Old Man anymore, that’s when another adventure begins. It is one that he could have never imagined and Levi gives us that childlike wonder from beginning to end. Even though the search is for one thing, Harold, Moose and Porcupine find a colorful adventure they could never have imagined.

Deschanel and Bottani are in the real world dealing with real life problems but that is all about to change for them. Mom has forgotten her dreams and Bottani has an imaginary life that he loves – both of these characters are relatable for us all in one way or another. So, this film is a way to reignite dull imaginations into blooming and colorful ones once again. There is nothing wrong with being reminded that dreams don’t have an age limit nor do they expire unless we let them.

The animation in the film is so vivid and adds the perfect touch to a story about color and life! The children’s book Harold and the Purple Crayon began its own journey in 1955 being written and illustrated by Crocket Johnson. This is not his only book as Harold has nine other adventures finishing with Harold’s Treasure Hunt in 2020. Get the family together to enjoy the adventure of HAROLD AND THE PURPLE crayon on Bluray.

In the end – everything he draws is about to get real!

She Sees the WHITEBIRD

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Marc Forster based on the book WhiteBird: A Wonder Story by R.J. Palacio and Lionsgate is the remarkable story with the help of WHITEBIRD.

Sara (Helen Mirren) is visiting her grandson Julian (Bryce Gheisar) to discover he is in trouble at school. She is an artist in town for a Retrospective about her work but feels it is time to talk to her grandson about something important in her life in order to help him.

It is 1942 and Sara (Ariella Glaser) lives in a quaint town in France with her father Max (Ishai Golan) and mother Rose (Olivia Ross). Attending school with her friends, life seems idyllic and happy for the young girl. Also in school is the young boy Julian (Orlando Schwerdt) who has a disability and longs to be friends with Sara. Both of their worlds are about to change when the Nazi’s arrive in their village. As the Jewish children try to escape, they are rounded up quickly, all except Sara.

Trying to evade the soldiers, she is found by Julian who leads her through tunnels under the school and to a barn near his home. Helping her settle in he warns her to stay out of sight so that others do not know she is there. Worried about her parents, Sara keeps quiet and tries to pass the days hoping it will all be over quickly. To help her think of something else, Julian visits her every evening to keep her up with school work and play games.

But the Nazi’s are relentless and Sara realizes that she must stay hidden for a long time. That doesn’t stop the two from creating their own world where life is good and wonderful. Even Julian’s parents Jean Paul (Jo Stone-Fewings) and Vivienne (Gillian Anderson) make her life inside the barn something to remember fondly. Outside the barn is a totally different world as Julian deals with his own difficulties. Sara discovers the results of war and what comes after.

Glaser as Sara is a young girl who is about to have a life changing experience. When it happens, everything she has known is gone and the future is uncertain. Glaser portrays Sara seamlessly and with an insight of emotion that could be hard for a young actress dealing with this period of time. Instead, she gives such a range of mixed emotion of fear and love.

Schwerdt as Julian is absolutely stunning as a young man always feeling on the outside of things. Helping Sara is not something he needed to think twice about and while she is trapped on the inside, he is trapped on the outside with those who want to hurt him. Schwedt is lovely, beautiful and gives his character all of that as well.

Anderson as Vivienne and Julians mother comes to love Sara. She spends all the time she can in the barn with Sara helping to be the mother she is away from. Vivienne is just as protective of Sara as she is her own son. Anderson gives her character everything we’d hope a mother would and then some. Stone-Fewings as Jean Paul keeps up the home front and is aware of his surroundings and what can happen if anyone knows the family secret.

Shout out to Mirren as Grandmother Sara is splendid as the story unfolds. She has always been a formidable actress and, in this film, she proves that even a smaller role can have a big impact. Gheisar as teen Julian

Other cast include Stuart McQuarrie as Pastor Luc, Jem Matthews as Vincent and Patsy Ferran as Mille Petitjean, Priya Ghotane as Rahmiya, Teagan Booth as Dillon, Laura Hudeckova as young Sara, Mia Kadlecova as Sophie, Selma Kaymakci as Mariann, Jordan Cramond as Jerome, Yelisey Kazakevich as Henri and Vladimir Javorsky as George.

WHITEBIRD is a stunning film about love, loyalty and the will to fight against evil. The cast is so amazing taking on the roles of those who do the right thing against the wrong. The story is so filled with every emotion imaginable because, especially in this time, there is so much hate against people when there is no reason for it.

Sara and Julian are put in positions where they not only have to see the world as it has become for them, but also to create a world where they can find respite from the horrors happening in their town to family and friends. The story offers both worlds with so much emotion and reaction that it is very hard not to become emotionally invested just watching it all. Inside the barn, director Forster brings both worlds into Sara and Julian’s lives and we, as outsiders, are privy to see it all.

This is a beautiful film for all to see and embrace the lesson that Mirren’s character tries to imbue to us all and that is not to let history repeat itself.

In the end – kindness lives forever!

The Fear is LONGLEGS

Jeri Jacquin

On DVD and Bluray from writer/director Osgood Perkins and Neon comes a thriller when you fear LONGLEGS.

It is 1990 and Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) is an FBI agent who seems to have an unusual gift for understanding crimes, one might even say clairvoyant. Working with boss William Carter (Blair Underwood), they are dealing with a case of unusual murder-suicides. In each of the incidences, they find a letter signed by someone named Longlegs. What is even more unusual, the note is not written by any of the family members.

Lee begins to take each case apart piece by piece to find some similarities, one being that each family involved had a 9-year-old-daughter with upcoming birthdays. Trying to get a handle on the case, she does make her daily call to mom Ruth (Alicia Witt) who is living on her own promising to find time to see her. Ruth is understanding about her work but mainly wants to know that she is well. When she and Carter find an unusal doll at the crime scene, it is a clue that they must visit the only survivor of one of the attacks.

As they continue to follow the clues, Lee begins to feel that something is drawing her closer and closer to the answers she seeks but it is going to come at a very high cost. The thing is – sometimes you go looking for answers, you might not like what you find!

Monroe as Lee portrays an agent who is clearly into her work and not much else. Wanting to solve crimes, she delves in deep and uses her unusual ability to sense things and that comes to the attention of her boss. Monroe gives this character a haunting look and feel but, then again, what she is being asked to do is bound to bring about a sense of foreboding. It is a eerie performance and I am here for every second of it.

Witt as Ruth is much like her daughter but clearly has mental health issues. It feels as if her disconnect is what keeps daughter Lee away. When she must question her mother about her childhood, the answers are vague and unnerving. Well done! Underwood as Carter takes up the mantle to follow every lead no matter where it takes him. Noticing that Lee has uncovered so much so quickly, they go together to find clues and it gets stranger and stranger. Underwood is a strong presence with Lee being the quieter of the two and his trust in her skills is everything.

The huge shout out goes to Cage as Kobble. What a fantastically frightening transformation but it is something we should be use to. From his character of the no conscience of FACE/OFF Castor Troy, the film MANDY as Red Miller, or even the devilish Dracula in the film RENFIELD, it is easy to realize that he can play good guys of course, but man when he lets out the bad, it is BAD in the best possible way!

Other cast include Lauren Acala as young Lee, Dakota Aulby as Agent Fisk, Kiernan Shipka as

Carrie Anne Camera, Maila Hosie as young Carrie, Jason Day as Lee’s father, Lisa Chandler as Lee’s mother, Ava Kelders as Ruby Carter, Carmel Amit as Anna Carter, Peter Bryant as senior FBI Agent, and the fantastic Nicolas Cage as Dale Kobble.

Neon is a film production company that is best known for such films as I, TONYA and one of the most incredible Oscar winning film PARASITE. With a total of 12 Academy Award nominations, Neon appeals to audiences that are looking for in-your-face storytelling. For more information, please visit www.neonrated.com.

Bonus Features include On-Set Interviews with Osgood Perkins, Maika Monroe, Blair Under and Alicia Witt, Feature Commentary with Osgood Perkins, The Clues, The Evidence, Dirty & Sweet, Teaser and Trailer.

LONGLEGS is a film that can swim along with SILENCE OF THE LAMBS and probably be half a lap ahead. Set in the 1990s, it has the feel of films from that era and I absolutely love films from that time period. They aren’t all blood and gore but more mental freak outs and jumps which are much more fun. There is a solid story here and I was not prepared for all the twists and turns so had to pick my jaw up off the floor once or twice.

This is what a good thriller looks like on the big screen and a big flat screen with a good soundbar. Perkins knew exactly what he was doing while writing the script, he found a cast that absolutely embraces where the characters are going and found in it all, an actor who could deliver the evil required to take us all on this mind-bending ride. Turn the lights out and be prepared to pick up your own jaw off the floor!

In the end – it’s almost-birthday girl!

JOKER: Folie a Deux

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Todd Phillips and Warner Bros. Pictures is the follow up to the 2019 film with JOKER: Folie a Deux.

Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) has been at Arkham awaiting trial. Under the watchful eye of guard Jackie Sullivan (Brendan Gleeson), he is set into a routine of waking up, taking medication and watching television. Visiting him, attorney Maryanne Stewart (Catherine Keener), and he sees a young woman he later learns is Lee (Lady Gaga) and is instantly taken with her. At their first meeting, Lee makes it clear that she believes in the Joker.

Arthur finds a warmth in himself believing he has finally found someone who he can care for and be cared about. One thing stands in his way, the trail being held for the murders he committed. Stewart believes she can save her client by proving that his upbringing brought him to this point, but Arthur has other ideas. As his past, present and fantasy life collide – so does the life of the Joker.

Phoenix as Arthur/Joker has made the role his own and he did the best he could with what he was given. There is so much more than could have been done with this role but, instead, Phoenix’s talent wasn’t given the opportunity to expand the story toward a more believable storyline. That being said, if you are looking for the conflicted Arthur/Joker, Phoenix delivers.

Lady Gaga as Harley gives what she can to the role and that being her voice. This is not the Harley Quinn but instead just a Lee who sings through all the troubles in front of the “relationship” between herself and Joker.

Gleeson as Sulliver once again gets to play a tough character and he is so very good at it. Keener as Stewart wants to keep her client out of prison or death sentence but is fighting her own client to make that happen.

Other cast include Harry Lawtey as Harvey Dent, Leigh Gill as Gary Puddles, Ken Leung as Dr. Victor Liu, Jacob Lofland as Rickey Meline, Sharon Washington as Debra Kane, Bill Smitrovich as Judge Herman Rothwax, Ernie Bullock as Alfred Rubin Thompson, Zazie Beetz as Sophie Dumond, Steve Coogan as Paddy Meyers.

This has to be the biggest disappointment to date as far as highly anticipated films go. If I wanted to spend over two hours watching a musical then I would go see a musical. When going to see a sequel to one of the hottest films made, I come with a set of expectations of action, solid story and something that resembles connection. That being said, the script is horrible, the two leading characters are forced into oblivion or purgatory (whichever) singing all the way and all the other actors are relegated to the role of extras without a purpose.

Sorry folks, I will be quite honest and say this is a film I won’t ever see again, not even if it’s free or I happen to pass it while channel surfing. It is as if writers Todd Phillips, Scott Silver and Bob Kane went into separate rooms, wrote whatever they wanted to be in the story and then the three came together and mashed their work together with no editing or thought, when they should have followed Harley Quinn’s idea of lighting a match and burning the score into ashes. Instead, the reigns were given to Phillips so that he could torture the audience with over two hours of singing that doesn’t add anything to the messy storyline.

The horrifying fact of it is that in one two-hour swoop, two of the most recognizable characters in comics have been sent to the garbage heap of failed time lines. The budget of the film is estimated at 200 million dollars and all I can think is that there is a better use in the world for that kind of money, and the world would have been a lot better for it. But no, no one dared to tell anyone – get it right or don’t do it at all. Why does Hollywood continue to throw out this kind of money without someone saying, “hey, this isn’t working”. Oh, I know, because audiences that are excited for what they think they will see are going to pay – but in a way that isn’t nice.

Characters that we have come to know love do not exist in director Phillips’ universe, making it seem as if they never existed at all. Using music and songs to portray the “obsession” of Arthur and Lee but it didn’t even do that! The reason we love Harley Quinn and the Joker, aside from the horrible things they did, is the dark and deep obsession they have for one another – it’s not in this film at all. There is no connection between the two because they are too busy trying to sing. There is no story to their mind-bending obsession, even Harley’s character seemed more Joker-esque and it is uncomfortably awkward. Is this suppose show the audience that a woman control of the story? Even that doesn’t work. This was all so flat. The film is two hours and eighteen minutes of pure torture plain and simple.

In the title “Folie a Deux”, it means “Madness of Two” in French. Here’s a bit of trivia for you, it comes from two French psychiatrists in the 19th century came up with it referring to two or more people that share the same madness. That is about the only interesting thing that came from the film for me but, sadly, I am refusing to share in the madness.

In the end – the world is a stage!

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!

Washing up on KENSUKE'S KINGDOM

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from directors Neil Boyle, Kirk Hendry and Blue Fox Entertainment comes a story of survival and friendship in KENSUKE’S KINGDOM.

Sailing on the family boat around the world is the Peggy Sue. Young Michael (Aaron MacGregor) is with Dad (Cillian Murphy), Mom (Sally Hawkins) and sister Becky (Raffey Cassidy) along with family dog Stella. When a storm hits the boat, Michael runs up to the deck to retrieve Stella and a rogue wave takes them both.

He wakes up on an island and can’t find anyone else! Michael can not see fresh water or food until one morning he awakes to see the mysterious and very standoffish Kensuke (Ken Watanabe). Becoming hurt in the water, Kensuke takes the boy and his dog to his stunning tree home. When Michael wakes up, he can not believe what he is seeing and discovers that talking to Kensuke is going to be difficult. Neither speaks the others language.

But there is another way to communicate and Kensuke introduces Michael to the island world of animals and beauty. As the days pass, a growing friendship happens between the two and Michael starts to understand his new Japanese friend. He has spent his years protecting the island and its animal inhabitants from those who would attempt to destroy it.

But a time comes when the only to inhabitants of the island must tackle those who would try to hurt the animals and Kensuke must choose.

MacGregor voicing Michael is a young man who feels as if he is looked over on the family sailing trip. When the storm hits, his first and only thought is that of family dog Stella. He could never have anticipated what would happen next. On the island, his life is changed by a man who has been there for a long time. The changes are that of caring for another person and animals he could have never imagined would be in his life. Michael has growth of character and it is such a lesson for us all.

Watanabe as Kensuke is not exactly a chatterbox but when he does speak, it is actually filled with emotion. Himself becoming stranded years before, Kensuke has made the island his home in the most unique, inventive and beautiful ways. Instead of trying to change the beauty of the island, he becomes part of it by becoming responsible for it. Kensuke is a character that everyone should aspire to be.

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

Directed by Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry, KENSUKE'S KINGDOM is based on the best-selling novel by Michael Morpurgo and adapted for screen by BAFTA Award nominee Frank Cottrell-Boyce. Producers are Emmy Award-winning producers and founders of animation studio Lupus Films, Camilla Deakin and Ruth Fielding, Academy Award nominee Stephan Roelants of Melusine Productions.

KENSUKE'S KINGDOM is an emotional, beautiful, and memorable piece of storytelling from start to finish. The animation is equally stunning filled with color, life and a story all on its own. I watched this film with my nine-year-old granddaughter and we were so very moved. The conversation that followed was a discussion on the characters friendship, the animals and the final scene.

That is what absolutely makes this a family film. There is so much to talk about and hearing it from a child’s perspective is everything. Questions I wouldn’t have thought to ask (no spoilers here) brought another level of understanding to this very thoughtful film. Two people in the most unexpected place brought on by frightening circumstances forge a friendship with not only each other, but an island who embraces them both.

Author Morpurgo wrote a lovely book and Cottrell-Boyce was able to see how it could be brought to the screen. We plan to make this a part of our family’s return-to again and again

In the end – a story of the ultimate friendship!

They are Going SIDEWAYS

Jeri Jacquin

Coming home on Digital and Sideways 4K is now available for the first time at digital retailers (Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango) from writer/director Alexander Payne, Jim Taylor and Searchlight Pictures based on the book by Rex Pickett is the story of going SIDEWAYS.

Miles (Paul Giamatti) is a depressed English teacher living in San Diego who is trying to write a book and loves wine. He decides to take best friend Jack (Thomas Haden Church) on a road trip through the Santa Ynez Valley to go wine tasting before he gets married. On their way, Miles decides to go visit his mother but its not really to visit, its to get in and get out before he is caught – in more ways than one.

All Miles wants to do is golf, eat and drink wine but bestie Jack wants to have one more fling before he says ‘I do’! Finally making it to wine country and stop for a bite to eat, Jack notices Maya (Virginia Madsen) who happens to notice Miles. Jack also manages to send Miles on a drunk when he lets slip that the ex has remarried and is coming to the wedding. Jack hooks up with Stephanie (Sandra Oh) and decides maybe he doesn’t want to get married after all.

As Miles is centered on his depression, Jack has decided he is going to have as many flings as possible even if there is an angry husband waiting in the wings. Back in San Diego, Miles receives an unexpected call and it sends him knocking on a door!

Giamatti as Miles is just stellar but I would expect nothing less. I have followed his career since he first caught my attention in the 1998 film THE NEGOTIATOR in the role of Rudy. I knew then that he was somebody to keep my eye on. Giamatti has the uncanny ability to take any role and make it memorable – comedy, drama, historical, good guy, bad guy, sad guy, you name it. In SIDEWAYS he once again gives us the role of a man who just can’t find his happy.

Church as Jack also has the same role qualities as Giamatti. He can play so many roles, and some of them caught me unexpectedly, yet I love when I see he in a new film. In SIDEWAYS he is the guy who wants the world and is going to do everything he can to do what he wants when he wants. Trying to keep his buddy’s spirits up led me to laughing a lot. Putting Church with Giamatti is a stroke of genius which is the reason the film holds up today.

Madsen as Maya is sweet, charming and seems to have a real interest in Miles. He doesn’t see it because he has spent to long in his closed off little world. He does manage to enjoy her company and it is in those moments that Madsen is just delightful to watch. Oh as Stephanie gets a chance to hook up with Jack but, as often happens in life, its just too good to be true. I loved her in THE RED VIOLIN and UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN and it becomes clear why she is a force to be reckoned with still today.

Other cast includes Marylouise Burke as Mrs. Raymond, Jessica Hecht as Victoria Cortland, Lee Brooks as Ken Cortland, Missy Doty as Cammi, MC Gainey as Cammi’s husband, Alysia Reiner as Christine Erganian, Stephanie Faracy as Ginny, and Natalie Carter as Siena.

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 Commentary by Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church, 8 Deleted Scenes and Making of Featurette.

SIDEWAYS is a film that is so memorable and it won Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay) for Jim Taylor at the 2005 Academy Awards. Other awards include the Bost Society of Film Critics Award for Best Film, Best Supporting Actor for Church, Best Ensemble Cast, Best Screenplay and Best Actor for Paul Giamatti. Jim Taylor and Alexander Payne won a BAFTA for Best Screenplay, Critics Choice Award for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor for Church, Best Supporting Actress for Madsen and Best Acting Ensemble and the list of winnings goes on and on.

The ensemble cast is nothing short of fantastic and deserves to be recognized again and again. Giamatti and Church brought us into the story while Madsen and Oh kept us happy with a large glass of wine! They give us a story that is so memorable and relatable in the sense of heart ache and sometimes the recklessness we all deal in (maybe not so far as Jack!) when it comes to matters of the heart. Payne gets to direct us where he wants us to go and we go willingly, especially when it comes to watching and experiencing a film like SIDEWAYS.

In the end – wine can change their world!

The Thrill in Space with ALIEN: Romulus

Jeri Jacquin

Now on Digital (Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home) and coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD from writer/director Fede Alvarez and 20th Century Studios is the science fiction thriller that comes from a legacy with ALIEN: Romulus.

It is 2142 and Rain (Cailee Spaeny) is a young girl trying to make it on her own in the Jackson’s Star LV-410 mining community taking care of her brother Andy (David Jonsson). After being forced to work under a contract wo the Weyland-Yutani company, Rain is angry that they have extended her contract when all she wants to do is go to the planet Yvaga. That’s when she received a call from ex-boyfriend Tyler (Archie Renaux) who wants her and Andy, along with sister Kay (Isabela Merced), Bjorn (Spike Fearn), and Navarro (Aileen Wu) to head to an abandoned ship to get cryostasis chambers that will help them get to Yvaga.

Of course they need Andy to make their personal mission work. Why? Because Andy can talk to the computer system on the ship and help them get the cryo-chambers. The idea is to get in and get out quickly before the ship falls into a destructive orbit. Agreeing, Rain, Tyler, Andy and the crew take off in the Corbelan IV to meet up with the abandoned ship and discover there are two sections called Romulus and Remus.

After a few miscalculations, they are learning as they go but not soon enough to release something deadly into the ship. They find a synthetic named Rook (Daniel Betts) who tells them that he has a prime directive and is loyal to the company. Rook is completely honest with the crew when something is happening to Navarro but Bjorn decides Navarro, Kay and the situation to take matters into his own hands. When the Corbelan spins out of control, it crashes into the ship’s dock and those inside are now susceptible to what is taking over the ship.

Andy has the idea that to get to the part of the ship that can help them, Rain and Tyler are told they must control themselves to walk through more of the xenomorphs. Rook is sending them to retrieve a compound that the company wants but when things become out of control, Rain takes over and does what she needs to helping to take out as many survivors as possible. Finding the fight in her, Rain isn’t about to go down easy!

Spaeny as Rain is a young woman who is trying to do right by adoptive brother Andy. Trying to start a new life on another planet, teaming up with Tyler seems to be the only way left. Frustrated about the extension of her contract, Rain has to make decisions that are now going to put her face to face with horror. Spaeny gives us a strong, empathetic yet very smart character and following in Sigourney Weaver’s footsteps, she does an excellent job to the very last frame.

Jonsson as Andy is a synthetic who has found a home with Rain. She takes care of him and when things go wrong, she is always there to turn the key. Jonsson gives us a tad different perspective of a synthetic showing care for one person even if it is his directive. Taking on this incarnation, Jonsson does an extremely good job of giving fans someone to root for besides Rain. Renaux as Tyler also wants to start a new life on Yvaga but also knows he needs something Rain has. Gathering his crew together to make the decision to go, he leads and fights for them all.

Fearn as Bjorn has a chip on his shoulder against Andy and does not try to hide it in the least little bit. Merced as Kay has a secret of her own that is so explosive (sorry, had to) but in a way fans are not going to expect. Wu as Navarro gets the opportunity to be the chest bursting victim because what would an ALIEN’s film be without it.

Huge shout-out to Betts as Rook because the way they bring Ian Holmes original character of Ash through Rook is stunning with the AI and, in a weird way, I was happy to see him!

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 Return to Horror: Crafting Alien: Romulus, The Director’s Vision, Creating the Story, Casting the Faces, Constructing the World, Inside the Xenomorph Showdown, Alien: A Conversation, and Alternate/Extended Scenes.

An added note is that the original 1979 sci-fi thriller, ALIEN, is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. Fans can experience the terror in a 2-movie collection digital bundle (Alien & Alien: Romulus) on October 15 in 4K UHD, HD and SD.

Remembering vividly the first time I saw ALIEN in 1979, it was mind jolting because it was a new way to look at a thriller with space being the “box” this is all happening in. There was no where for Ripley, or anyone on the Nostromo, to run! The creation of a new cold, calculating and acid blood alien was and still is absolutely stunning in every way. Since then, any fan of ALIEN has followed each story that has come about and flocked to theatres to see them.

This new cast has given us another look at the space-horror-thrill but added easter eggs that are not hidden at all. They are there and when something works as effectively as they have from other films in the franchise, then use it right? The face-to-face scene between the xenomorph and Rain is an absolute classic scene as a nod to the original scene in ALIEN. Things like that just draw fans in and we are here for it. I’m thinking, it’s an ALIEN franchise binge weekend because ALIEN: Romulus is up on space deck!

In the end – in space no one can hear you!