What's coming up in theatres!

The Secrets to THE WISDOM OF HAPPINESS

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres in time for the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday from directors Barbara Miller, Philip Delaquis, Theorem Media and Abramorama is the wonderful words about THE WISDOM OF HAPPINESS.

Tenzin Gyatso is known all over the world today as the 14th Dalai Lama and he comes to the screen to offer what he believes is happiness. He begins immediately with “we are all the same human being” and it sets the tone for everything one hears for the following one hour and thirty minutes. He speaks on fear, anger and hatred that are so prevalent in the world today. He wants to share about a peaceful life – now. It begins with the easiest thing we do, and that is breathing.

At 16, the Dalai Lama dealt with the military occupation by China in Tibet. By the time he turned 24, things were becoming more intense and he escaped to India. Thousands of Tibetans followed him as the people in his country continued to suffer. The world embraced him immediately.

He saw compassion in his mother who was a farmer. He started learning at a very early age and through it all was his mother’s compassion. Using nature as an example, the Dalai Lama spoke of how animals work together and live simple which brings them happiness. The same with children in that they don’t care about differences but as they grow the differences are learned. He admits that some of his father’s traits came about but he worked on himself to keep it out of his life.

Describing human beings as social animals, he explains that the negative feelings cause our inner emotional doors to close. Intelligence is a source of inner peace says the Dalai Lama. Loving science, he looks to investigate everything and ask questions such as “what is mind?” To change the mind of destructive emotions, he says we must have willpower. He is very clear in saying happiness is within ourselves but we get blocked by such things as money, desire and wanting more. Unhappiness is division and that brings war which has no victors.

Speaking of his own country, there have been over one million Tibetans have been killed since 1959. He speaks of male dominance being the most destructive thing of all. The Dalai Lama believes the women can make the world safer. He points out that important leaders are women and it is women who re-create the Lama with hopes of someday there might be a woman Dalai Lama.

He also speaks of the earth and how it is feeling what humanity has done as well and saying the world is so busy fighting itself, it doesn’t see that time to be in our world is sliding away fast. All of these things are based on emotion believing discourse is where all of this flows from and emphasizing that breathing can reconnect with inner peace. Meditation can bring compassion and by thinking of others your mind opens. He also smiles mentioning that it doesn’t matter how long it takes, just continue!

What does he want for his own country? That the Chinese government to allow Tibetans to keep their own culture without fear of hate or violence but with compassion. To do that, there needs to be calm dialogue, peaceful dialogue. The Dalai Lama believes every community should be based on compassion. In that is education; sing the brain to be constructive in the world. It begins with ourselves and then outward to others through positive emotions.

Abramorama is the preeminent global theatrical distributions and rights partner for many documentary and music films and is recognized for the consistent high quality of its work on award winning features. Over the course of 20 years, Abramorama has successfully distributed and marketed hundreds of films including Ron Howard’s Grammy Award Winning THE BEATLES: EIGHT DAYS A WEEK, Stanley Nelson’s MILES DAVIS: BIRTH OF THE COOL, as well as Academy Award Nominee and IDA Best Documentary Winner THE LOOK OF SILENCE. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.abramorama.com.

THE WISDOM OF HAPPINESS Film Festival Selections include Best Film at the 2025 Croatian International Film Festival, Official Selection at the 2024 Zurich Film Festival, Official Selection at the 2024 DOK.fest Munich, Official Selection at the 2024 Thessaloniki Documentary Festival, Official Selection at the 2024 Millennium Docs Against Gravity (Poland), and Official Selection at the 2024 Biografilm Festival (Italy).

Executive Producers include actor Richard Gere, Oren Moverman, Walo Kamm, Tashi Albertini-Kaiser, Monlam Maurer-Adotsang, Tobias Asch, Annette Werenfels and Ann-Marie Le Flanchec. Gere says of the film, “Watching how the Dalai Lama embodies love, generosity, and kindness allows viewers to pause, reflect, and reconnect with themselves in a way that feels real and achievable”.

I first learned of the Dalai Lama when I was 15 and was fascinated by his life. I read everything I could throughout the years about him, his life and how he saw the world. What I cam to feel was the calmness that he always seems to express, the way he walked among people from all walks of life, his ability to laugh with people oh goodness, a smile that just draws one in. Even before reviewing the film, I have listened to him speak about each of our parts in the world. What directors Miller and Delaquis have done is allow the Dalai Lama to bring the word of happiness again to people from all over the world.

Sharing his early life, how his family made an impression on him, the sadness of having to leave his beloved Tibet, his daily life now in India and his continual journey to spread the word on finding happiness. What is the most amazing thing about the Dalai Lama is his ability to speak with such eloquence, humor and – yes, compassion, that it is impossible not to take in every word. Perhaps he knocks gently on that door he knows many of us have closed, gives us a smile and invites us to remember all the things about life we may have forgotten.

He is quite aware that the world is a harsh place sometimes, he knows from experience that it would be easy to point fingers, scream and holler. Instead, he asks us to remain calm, find peace and then approach is all in such a way that we do good and not be part of the problem. The timing of the film coming to theatres is so important, especially right now since so many are suffering from TPF (Twisted Political Fatigue I’ve coined it). Listening to the Dalai Lama speak on what is possible is so uplifting and feels like a snap back into what is possible for a life that not only brings us joy but spreading it to others through the one word he repeats over and over – compassion.

In the end – life is compassion!

Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of PRIDE & PREJUDICE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from director Joe Wright, Focus Features and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is a celebration of the stunning Jane Austen story of PRIDE & PREJUDICE.

In England, Mr. Bennet (Donald Sutherland) and Mrs. Bennet (Brenda Blethyn) live a relatively quiet life in Hertfordshire. Along with daughters Jane (Rosamund Pike), Elizabeth (Kiera Knightley), Mary (Talulah Riley), Kitty (Carey Mulligan), and Lydia (Jena Malone), their home is always lively with the young girls as Mrs. Bennet attempts to find husbands for them all. She is thrilled when a ball is announced at Netherfield Hall and the young bachelor Charles Bingley (Simon Bingley) will attend with sister Caroline (Kelly Reilly).

The family gathers together for the carriage ride to the event where Jane is quite taken with Charles. Along with them is family friend Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen), who Elizabeth immediately sees as extremely full of himself, especially when she overhears him speaking so ill of her. The next day when Jane visits Netherfield Hall once again, she falls ill and Charles immediately wishes for her to stay until she is well. Elizabeth follows days later to check on her sister only to be met by Mr. Darcy and a very side-eyed Caroline.

At home, more pressing issues are about to arrive in the form of Mr. Collins (Tom Hollander), a clergyman who would be next in line to inherit the Bennet home and on the serious hunt for a wife to the advice of his patron Lady Catherine de Bourgh (Judi Dench). The girls also meet George Wickham (Rupert Friend), a soldier who has some ties to the Darcy family. After a bit of wife seeing, Mr. Collins and Elizabeth’s friend Charlotte (Claudie Blakley) seem to have hit it off. Jane is taken with Charles but there is someone in their way, the same someone who asks for Elizabeth’s hand with a swift rejection and a chastising regarding Mr. Wickham.

Darcy gives Elizabeth a letter to explain things she could not possibly know as she takes a trip with Mr. Gardiner (Peter Wight) and wife Mrs. Gardiner (Penelope Wilton). Turn after turn of events bring Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth in each other’s company, from a mother who can’t stay out of her own way, a father who is happy to allow the chaos and daughters who each are unique in their ability to love. Welcome to the Bennet home!

Knightley as Elizabeth portrays her as a young woman who has no problem speaking her mind regarding mostly anything. She is sharp witted, very attentive to everything that is going on around her and a bit amused by the actions of her own mother. Love is not a part of her life seeming happy with her books, long walks and time with sister Jane. Knightley is flawless in her portrayal and constantly makes me laugh under my breath because her character is so relatable.

Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy has basically ruined many a woman with his portrayal of this dark brooding man who doesn’t have time for folly of any kind. That is until Elizabeth catches his eye and he finds himself a bit stunned by her in the way he reacts when she is around. His idea of love is, in fact, not so dissimilar than that of Elizabeth, they just have different ways of showing it. One would be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn’t think that the scene of Mr. Darcy walking through a field toward Elizabeth is anything but pure magic and memorable. Yes, Macfadyen gives Mr. Darcy the right amount of being misunderstood mixed with moments where the puppy dog eyes give everything away to anyone paying attention. So well done and, to be truthful, makes us all want a Mr. Darcy in our lives.

Sutherland as Mr. Bennet is a character I always thought to be misunderstood as well. When I speak to people about the book, this character is always seen as not caring about the girls and their plight of being female yet, I don’t see that. I believe Mr. Bennet is the quiet in the storm of chaos who absolutely understands the predicament of his daughters but it’s hard to see that through the noise of – Mrs. Bennet. Blethyn as she is boisterous, loud, emotional, plotter and drama queen of the story. I just love her in that sense as her life is lived in a constant state of panic.

Friend as Wickham is exactly the man mothers warn about with his charm and constant compliments all wrapped up in a lie. That being said, I think Friend is such a fabulous character actor and he proves it time and time again. Pike as Jane is such a shy bit of a young woman but truly loves her family. I have seen Pike’s range over the years from good female characters to crazy ones, but in this film, it is an opportunity to see her play such a delicate side. Malone as Lydia is just as much a whirlwind of chaos as her own mother, it’s a mini-me if you will. Mulligan as Kitty is charming and a cross between her mother and father in demeanor.

Hollander as Mr. Collins is the most irritating character of all but it does prove one thing, that the woman of the 18th century had to keep their ladylike demeanor in the midst of a narcissist. That being said, I just love his inability to understand that only Lady Catherine has in interest in what Mr. Collins says. Woods as Bingley is the young man who has no problem showing his feelings and is completely enamored of Jane (and who wouldn’t be). I see his open heart as the tender mood of the film and so well done. Reilly as Caroline is using her stings early in preparing for the later role as Beth in the series Yellowstone!

Shout out to the grand dame herself, Dame Judi Dench as Lady de Bourgh. She has the amazing ability to make you love to dislike this character. The love part is her ability to throw a good glare and the dislike is pretty self-explanatory.

Other cast include Tamzin Merchant as Georgiana Darcy, Pip Torrens as Netherfield Butler, Roy Holder as Mr. Hill, Sinead Matthews as Mrs. Betsy, Meg Owen as Mrs. Reynolds, and Cornelius Booth as Col. Fitzwilliam.

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.

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

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 Conversations with the Cast, Jane Austen: A Head of Her Time, A Bennet Family Portrait, HBO First Look: PRIDE & PREJUDICE, The Politics of 18th Century Dating, The Stately Homes of PRIDE & PREJUDICE and Feature Commentary with Director Joe Wright.

Deborah Moggach is the screenwriter of the film and she explains, “I tried to be truthful to the book, which is already a perfect three-act structure, so I haven’t changed a lot. It is beautifully shaped as a story – the ultimate romance about two people who think they hate each other.” Producer Paul Webster describes Pride & Prejudice as ‘the original romantic comedy’. Director Wright shares his thoughts that, “this is a film about love…like a fairytale on an emotional level, PRIDE & PREJUDICE is a true story worth telling again and again through the generations.”

Restored for the first time on 4K Ultra HD, the 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition comes in a stunning and elegance sleeve with lovely artwork. Inside, a book that opens to the discs followed by pages of stunning photographs, and an introduction by Paul Webster, Deborah Moggach, the cast, costumes designs and music. This is a beautiful way to embrace not only a beloved Jane Austen story, but to see and experience it again and again.

PRIDE & PREJUDICE is, and it must be said Austen is one of my adored writers, pure stunning in every way. The cinematography by Roman Osin lends itself to a beautiful character in the film from the small home of the Bennet’s to the adorned home of Mr. Darcy, the color and sharpness that is just breathtaking. The cast fits into their characters with such depth, no matter if their characters truly have character or not. The set designs are a true compliment to the story and I am always in for a period piece. The costumes done by Jacqueline Durran are impeccable and embrace the 18th century. Now, the music, the luscious and intoxicating music created by the Italian composer Dario Marianelli and is joined by pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet and English Chamber Orchestra. The album of the music just brings one back to the story in its place and time while making the heart skip a beat.

It is time to gather up every Austen fan you know, every person who loves love for an evening of wine with a side of PRIDE & PREJUDICE.

In the end – sometimes the last person on earth you want to be with is the one person you can’t be without!

Up Against the FRONTIER CRUCIBLE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray, DVD and Digital from director Travis Mills and Well Go USA Entertainment is the ultimate western when up against the FRONTIER CRUCIBLE.

In the town of San Carlos, illness has broken out and Major O’Rourke (William H. Macy) needs medical supplies delivered, but not by the Calvary. Not wishes to bring attention to the wagon, he Merrick Beckford (Myles Clohessy) to make the journey on his own. On the road, Beckford comes across a group of people attacked by the Apache. Jeff Butler (Eli Brown) has been shot and wife Valerie (Mary Stickley) is trying to keep him alive.

She is not finding much help from Charlie McKee (Thomas Jane), his son Billy (Ryan Masson) and companion Edmund Fisher (Armie Hammer). Beckford agrees to help but makes it clear that the wagon and supplies are headed south to San Carlos. Almost immediately, he is met with hostility from Fisher and a momentary stand off lets the others know, Beckford isn’t to be trifled with.

What starts out as helping a group of people in need, quickly turns into serious problems that can’t be avoided with the Apache. Chief Victorio (Eddie Spears) is going to hold those responsible for murder the Apache way. Now the question becomes, who are the real savages?

Clohessy as Beckford immediately holds the screen from start to finish. He absolutely exudes the 1960s less-is-more speak and wary Clint Eastwood vibe and I’m not mad at it. Let’s be honest, the reason Beckford doesn’t get his ass handed to him is because he’s not playing from a stance of trying to gain anything from the others, he is focused and he sees each for who they are. He’s already seen it, experienced it and understands what is in front, as well as what is behind him. Meaning? No monologuing necessary! In FRONTIER CRUCIBLE, Clohessy gives Beckford control, quickness and a bit of heart.

Clohessy is not unknown to me as an actor having seen several of the television mini-series and work in the series The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin. That being said, he has also delved into directing and writing. Bringing those two talents together, see the 2022 film THE REDEEMER, nominated for several awards by the American Indian Film Festival.

Spears as Chief Victorio gives his character a very straight forward attitude. During this era of time, justice was based in traditional accountability. Spears’ Victorio did just that with this character, and literally for one character, an eye for an eye. More poignant is the connection between Beckford and Chief Victorio, probably the most momentarily frightful and eventual respectful scene of the film between the two. Representation of Native Americans in film is so important and taking writer Whittington’s work and putting it on screen Spears brings Chief Victorio back to the screen. The last time was 1953 in HONDO and with stereotypes of the time in film.

Jane as McKee is the sneaky player in the trio game. He keeps his moves sly, underhanded and talks a big game. The mixture of that and trying to play Beckford, Jane does it so well with a bad-guy smoothness that adds a hint of, dare I say, fun? Then again, it’s all fun and games until Apache justice knocks him to the ground. Brown as Butler gives wish-wash vibes in that he’s fine being on Beckford’s side when he thinks he’s dying but the minute, he gets a better offer, he turns into a character I’d hold under the water till the bubbles stopped! That’s how you know you’ve done a good job Mr. Brown! Stickley as Valerie is a woman in the middle of wild west testosterone. Wanting to be a good wife, fighting off bad guys and feeling a pull toward Beckford, she definitely has her tin pan plate full. Giving weak and strong moments, Stickley gives exactly what one would expect from a woman trying to survive the 1800s.

Masson as Billy is the ultimate kid who wants to be as wild as the wild west itself. Playing that up, Masson’s portrayal is that of a kid caught up in the violence and pushing those limits, until the limits push back. Hammer as Fisher is the one that all of them need to keep their eye on. It’s always the quiet ones and, with the exceptions of a few intense moments, he has his own plan.

Shout out to Macy as Major O’Rouke.

Other cast include Zane Holtz, Juwan Lakota, Joshua Odjick, Leon Garcia, Derek Riley, Rurik Riley, Wambli Eagleman, John Marrs Travis Elliston, and Jay Hizer.

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

Bonus Features include Making of FRONTIER CRUCIBLE and Trailer.

FRONTIER CRUCIBLE is adapted from the 1961 Western novel by Harry Whittington entitled Desert Stake-Out. The film definitely gives off that 1960s western feel thanks to Clohessy. Dallas Sonnier of 2015s BONE TOMAHAWK fame is one of the producers of the film. Director Travis Mills knows exactly what a western should look like, then his 2024 piece THE LEGACY OF THE 12 WESTERNS is a great set up to his thought process. Beckford’s long gun reminds me of the trailer from the 1964 Sergio Leone film A FIST FULL OF DOLLARS with, “This long gun belongs to the man with no name” and the smoke in the first scene as well.

The opening scene lets the viewer know what they are in for! Buckle up and prepare to be transported back to the 1870’s, when there is no law around and ruthlessness is the unspoken law of the land. Each of the characters, thanks to a stellar cast, has a story to tell and Mills lets that happen throughout the film. What also doesn’t hold back is the brutality that caught me off guard yet, at the same time, didn’t surprise me. The old west wasn’t a pretty place and here it is, up close and personal.

The story, cinematography, location – all absolutely stellar, then again, I am a complete fan of westerns in all forms. They are an iconic form of storytelling and, when done right, touch on so many themes that are in FRONTIER CRUCIBLE. It wasn’t called the ‘wild west’ because the title was cute, no, it was wild in violence, wild in expectations and wild in clashes between cultures – it just happened to be in the west.

It is a two hour and five-minute western that had me yelling at the screen, cheering for the certain characters (you’ll known when you know), giggling at a few lines in the film and loving the cast. The films score is a fantastic addition to the storytelling by singer-songwriter Sean Rowe. Gritty, raw and dark, just like the underbelly of the film. So, popcorn up and let FRONTIER CRUCIBLE remind you how westerns are an irreplaceable genre!

In the end – you don’t have to die to go to hell!

A Hit with PROJECT HAIL MARY

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Prime/MGM+ from directors Christopher Miller, Phil Lord and Amazon MGM Studios is a journey in space to save the universe with PROJECT HAIL MARY.

Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) is a middle school science teacher who wakes up on a spacecraft. After a bit of panic, he realizes that he is one of three on the ship that is light years away from Earth, but the only survivor. How did he get there? Before being a teacher, he was a molecular biologist and that is why Eva Stratt (Sandra Huller) has come to see him.

The sun is dimming and it has to do with the Petrova line, a line that goes from the Sun to Venus. What is causing it is something scientist call Astrophage and that gives Earth only thirty years before catastrophe. Getting himself together on the ship, Grace realizes there is one planet not affected by the Astrophage. Heading that way, he comes in contact with another ship with a passenger dealing with the same problem.

Rocky, a five-legged-alien, becomes a partner with Grace in trying to discover what can stop the Astrophage. Learning to communicate and putting their brilliant minds together, they both have the chance to not only save their planet but get home. The partnership between Grace and Rocky cause them both to make sacrifices in the name of universal friendship.

Gosling as Grace is absolutely stunning and total perfection in this film. As a man who doesn’t mind helping the cause of saving the planet, he doesn’t see himself as brave enough to do what’s necessary. What Gosling does with this character is never letting him be anything other than himself. This film is wrapped up in so many emotions and Gosling delivers at every level. From insecurities, to sadness, to pure joy, Gosling never once lets the audience catch their breath. All of it is like a Christmas present in March! The relationship with Rocky melted me completely and, makes me think it’s time to bring pet rocks back…with legs.

Huller as Eva is the one person one earth who believes in Gosling. From the moment they meet, she sees that he is different than most of those working on the project. It is that difference that she needs to make everything work. Huller gives her character a quiet strength that seems to be the one holding the biggest candle of hope without letting anyone around her knowing it.

Two important shout outs here. The first, Lionel Boyce as Carl, the man assigned to Grace in the beginning. I just love how he is this government guard yet, there are moments where his character is less strict and works with Grace in the oddest and best way. James Ortiz is the voice of Rocky and, after laughing through all the voice choices, Ortiz gives the little alien such a personality that I’m in love with (feel free to send any toys of Rocky my way!). When there are characters like this in films, the voice is everything and Ortiz is everything and more.

Other cast include Travis Jay as Tilt-a-Whirl, Bastian Fuentes as Parker, Milana Vayntrub as Olesya Ilukhina, Ken Leung as Yao, Priya Kansara as Mary, Mia Soteriou as Dr. Browne, Annelle Olaleye as Olivia, Maya Eva Hosein as Rekha, Paul Lambert as Dr. Scyther, Orion Lee as Dr. Li, and Aaron Neil as Narender.

PROJECT HAIL MARY is from writer Andy Weir who has also brought about the film THE MARTIAN, another space films that I absolutely adore. ARTEMIS is still in the works. More than novels, Weir has written serial novels, short and long stories, comics and graphic novels. I’m excited to see what he writes next.

First of all, the film comes in at one hundred and fifty-six minutes and I loved every single, solitary moment. To be fair, THE MARTIAN (2015) is a film I have seen to many times I can’t even count and it is because of the mixture of intelligence and humanity. It has been my favorite since then but, the reign has come to an end. Now, PROJECT HAIL MARY has taken the lead and, for the very same reasons. The best part? They were both written by Andy Weird so, it’s a win-win.

Gosling runs away with the film with his love of science, even if it didn’t go in the direction he thought in the early years. Once called upon to help save the world, Grace might have hesitated but, in the blink, he’s in space doing just that. There is so much to say about Gosling’s performance but I have to admit, I don’t know if I can ever see him cry again because, the audience in the theatre with me were crying along with him. He wrecked an entire room and, he wrecked the unwreckable (insert me here).

The space scenes are so beautiful, colorful and could quite easily make anyone want to go to space. Inside the ship looks so complex in the beginning, but, with the help of Rocky, comes to be ever more complex yet, easy to follow along with each characters thought process. Thanks to Neil deGrasse Tyson, I even understood a lot of the space references. Now, about Rocky, I can’t even believe how dang cute he is and, although oddly shaped, I wouldn’t change one bit of him.

I loved the Easter eggs in the film, as I’m sure Steven Spielberg does as well. The humor totally had me laughing, the story is just so smart that I now need to read the book to see if I missed anything and tissues should be handed out before entering the theatre. This is a film that is such a must-see and my space favorite of 2026 and beyond. The ending, so you know, is amazing!

Go spent time this weekend weightless in space and cheer on the saving of the universe!

In the end – believe in the Hail Mary!

THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU

Jeri Jacquin

Currently in theatres from writer/director Jon Favreau and Walt Disney Studios are the characters created by George Lucas, and from the series The Mandalorian comes the epic film THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU.

Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu are now working with the New Republic to track and capture Imperial warlords from a deck of cards held by Ward (Sigourney Weaver). Back from a mission, Ward wants the Mandalorian to go to the Hutt twins, who have information about the next warlord, Commander Coin (Jonny Coyne).

Once in front of the Hutt twins, they want to trade the information in exchange for the safe return of their nephew Rotta (voiced by Jeremy Allen White) on Shakari. Agreeing, Djarin and Grogu make their way to the planet only to discover that Rotta is revered in the fighting pits. Not believing that the Mandalorian is there to rescue him, things take a turn that puts Djarin, Grogu, and Rotta in a very dangerous situation. It is only when they escape that it comes to their attention that they just left the commander!

Now, Djarin and Grogu are in even more danger as the Hutts want him punished for not seeing their contract through. Leaving Grogu in the hands of Anzelians’ (Shirley Henderson), Djarin takes on the Hutt twins only to be hurt. Never fear, Grogu knows what to do, and when it's all said and done, the Hutts have no clue who they are up against. That’s what happens when you fight for good and have friends who have your back!

Pascal, as the Mandalorian, brings his small-screen persona to the big screen, and it works. The relationship between Djarin and Grogu has become stronger, especially since his little ward has learned many new abilities. Pascal continues to bring his character such growth and the conscience to not do things just for the sake of money. Even the moment of his helmet’s removal, it doesn’t change his reason for working with the New Republic. I don’t know how many more films or series that Pascal does, but he has cemented himself in this character.

Weaver as Ward is part of the New Republic and keeps sending the Mandalorian on missions to capture, if he can, Imperial warlords. I actually thought it was so cool to see Weaver take on such a strong role and to see her in the ‘air’ because there has never been a time when I didn’t think sitting in the seat of an X-wing wouldn’t be the coolest. Coyne as Commander Coin, although his role is small, set the pace for the story to move forward.

White as the voice of Rotta is a very interesting character in that he is the son of the deceased Jabba the Hutt. Nothing like his father, he is up against and Aunt and Uncle who want him to return home. The relationship that comes about between Djarin, Grogu, and Rotta is very cool to watch come to fruition. Henderson as the Anzelians’ is nothing short of hilarious. I love the way they talk and am thrilled they have a bigger role in the film.

Other cast include Hemky Madera as Commander Barro, Cullen Douglas as Prefect Nobah, Stephen Henderson as Gatori, Steve Blum as Garazeb Orrelios, Matthew Willig as Hogsbreth, Martin Scorsese as Hugo Durant.

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

THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU is such a family film that, of course, I took the family! We had such a good time cheering, laughing, and awwwww’ing at our favorite cute little big-eared Grogu. The story starts immediately with where Djarin and Grogu are in their lives and what they are capable of as a pair. The Mandalorian makes it clear that he may be a bounty hunter, but there are still lines he doesn’t cross. Grogu is still full of mischief yet, as the story moves along, it is clear that what he has learned is of help to all.

For Star Wars fans, the film is filled with everything one would want to see in a two-hour film. Action, ships, space, planets, and creatures that are both memorably seasoned and characters that are new. There isn’t a moment that isn't worthy of being part of the Star Wars universe. Favreau has seen to that with the way he kept the film focused, cinematically beautiful, with a look and feel of every Star Wars film.

That is what is bringing audiences into theatres to see THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU. It feels as if we never left the galaxy far, far away because it feels so near, near to our hearts.

In the end – they are part of the New Republic!

The Gang is Back ForToy Story 5

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from directors Andrew Stanton, McKenna Harris, Walt Disney Studios, and Pixar Animation Studios is the next adventure with TOY STORY 5.

Bonnie (Scarlett Spears) is now eight years old and still very shy. Playing in her yard with Jessie (Joan Cusack) and Buzz (Tim Allen), she wishes the neighbor kids would join her. That’s when Mom and Dad decide to get a Lilypad tablet like all the other kids. Almost immediately, Bonnie becomes addicted to the games with online friends. That means now Jessie, Buzz, and the gang are being left behind.

Trying to reason with the tablet Lily (Greta Lee), Jessie lets her know that Bonnie needs her play friends. Lily decides that she can do one better and connects the little girl to her dance classmates. Jessie feels the need to contact Woody (Tom Hanks) to ask for help. Meantime, Buzz is trying to figure out how to tell Jessie how he’s feeling about her. Being invited to a sleepover at Chelsea's, Bonnie takes Lily while Jessie and Bullseye stowaway in her luggage.

Once at the sleepover, almost immediately, Chelsea and the other guests tease Bonnie about her toys, but it’s short-lived when she breaks out her Lilypad. Jessie and Bullseye escape, and by accident, a couple finds them and sees a name and address on Jessie. The problem? It is the name and address of Jessie’s previous little girl. At the farmhouse, Jessie meets Smarty Pants (Conan O’Brien), who tells him of Blaze (Mykal-Michelle Harris), his kid, who has forgotten him, along with other toys.

When Woody arrives at Bonnie’s, both he and Buzz realize that Jessie and Bullseye are missing! Confronting Lily, they both know that getting to her may lead them to Jessie. With the help of Smarty Pants and his friends, Jessie learns that technology can help them reunite with Bonnie, but it is also a chance for Bonnie to find a true friend!

Hanks as Woody returns to the fold to help his bestie, Jessie. Wanting to do whatever he can, it will take working together again with Buzz. There is a little more to it this time as emotions tend to get in the way. I just love Hanks as Woody, and hearing him return as Woody is just everything to the TOY STORY franchise. Allen returns as Buzz, and this time, we get to see this character play out the emotions that he has managed to hide for so long. Allen proves that he is perfect as Buzz and this time around, is so charming.

Cusack as Jessie is the main character who is now experiencing what Woody and Buzz went through so many years ago with Andy. Just as Woody was with Buzz, now Jessie is dealing with a more powerful problem – technology. Cusack gives Jessie such depth of feeling that we get a chance to see a little more of Jessie’s story and where her pain comes from. Just so sweet. Lee, as Lily is the mean part of technology that brings about a divide, separating Bonnie from the friends who have always been there for her. Lee uses her voice with such personality that will make parents recognize the problems with kids on tablets, and also how Lily finds a happy medium with Bonnie’s toys.

Spears as Bonnie is still the same shy little girl as when Andy met her. Having a difficult time to connect with kids, it is the Lilypad that expanded her reach. Spears has such a wonderful voice of a young girl filled with insecurities and uncertainties that her age comes with. I think I can speak for many when I say we just love Bonnie because she is so relatable. Harris as Blaze lives away from the city in a world all her own. When Jessie and Bullseye come into her life, she remembers play again and mixes it with the technology that she had forgotten about. Harris gives us a spunky young lady who isn’t afraid to be who she is. A lesson she is going to share.

Other cast include Wallace Shawn as Rex, Jeff Bergman as Mr. Potato Head, Shelby Rabara as Snappy, Tony Hale as Forky, Craig Robinson as Atlas, Lori Alan as Mrs. Anderson, Blake Clark as Slinky Dog, John Hopkins as Mr. Pricklepants, Jay Hernandez as Mr. Anderson, Kristen Schall as Trixie, Ernie Hudson as Combat Carl, Krys Marshall as Mrs. Manoukian, Anna Vocino as Mrs. Potato Head, Benito Ocasio as Pizza, Matty Matheson as Dr. Nutcase, John Ratzenberger as Hamm, Melissa Villasenor as Karen, Alan Cumming ass evil Bullseye, Bonnie Hunt as Dolly, and Keanu Reeves as Duke Caboom.

The film’s song I Knew It, I Knew You sits at Number One on Billboard’s Hot 100, bringing Taylor Swift a bit back to her country roots. It is also Number One on the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Billboard Global 200. Anyone who listens will understand the depth of the song and understand how it fits into the story.

My whole family was excited to screen TOY STORY 5 because we have been there from the beginning in 1995. Every adventure that Woody, Buzz, and eventually Jessie experienced, we have been there time and time again. It is also a permanent fixture in our home entertainment library. How could anyone not be? Woody and Buzz started out rough but came to be the most loyal of friends, teaching everyone that differences are no barrier to becoming friends. Especially in this group of very, very different friends. From dinosaurs, to Potato Heads, to slinky dogs and Bo Peep, Andy and now Bonnie proves that adventure brings everyone along.

The premise of technology interfering with play is something many parents and grandparents can understand. I remember sharing a tablet with my granddaughter when she was young as a teaching tool; she was hooked immediately. The good news is that her parents and I learned quickly to regulate it so that she didn’t forget her play-friends, and she still does. Lily starts off wanting to control every part of Bonnie’s life, and it is up to Jessie, Woody, and Buzz, along with old friends and new, to show that the two can co-exist.

Once again, we are all invited into the world of toys, and it is a wonderful place to be. Does it hold the same charm as previous storylines? Maybe a little less, but it doesn’t stop from loving every moment of time together with family, experiencing the understanding that has come from all the TOY STORY films. What I truly appreciate is that the voice cast from the original came back while welcoming new characters like Smarty Pants, who had us laughing so much. It goes without saying that Pixar brought the color and life on full blast, as anyone would expect them to.

This is for the entire family, so gather up and spend time with old friends who are making new friends. The charm is back, the magic is beautiful, and these friendships are forever.

In the end – the battle for playtime begins!

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2

Jeri Jacquin

Currently available on digital, streaming platforms, and coming to 4K Ultra HD and Bluray from director David Frankel and 20th Century Studios is what we have been waiting for with THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2..

It has been twenty years since Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) and Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) were in the same room together at Runway. Spending years as a journalist and winning an award, Andy discovers that her job has become expendable, along with fellow journalists. At the same time, Miranda is with an article accusing her of using sweatshops for fashion. Erv Ravitz (Tibor Feldman), owner of Runway, is working on finding a way to restore the magazine's credibility.

Without speaking with Miranda, Ravitz hired Andy to become the features editor for Runway, to start on that credibility process. Miranda is not happy, but then again, when is she, and how can you tell? The first thing that needs dealing with are the advertisers. Miranda, Andy and Nigel (Stanley Tucci) head to a meeting with one such advertiser at Dior, Emily (Emily Blunt). Shocked to hear that Andy is the features editor at Runway, Emily’s claws are sharpening on Amanda’s plight.

When Andy’s articles aren’t getting the traction Runway needs, she kicks into high gear getting the one interview that no one else seems to be able to get. That is with recluse Sasha Barnes Lucy Liu). Miranda is thrilled that it puts a promotion Erv has been promising back in play. Andy’s life picks up because of it and she brings a man into her life, Peter (Patrick Brammall). As Nigel starts to make plans for the Milan runway show, a tragedy makes huge changes as Jay Ravitz (B.J. Novak) starts to make everyone’s life incredibly difficult.

Then, Andy gets an idea that can change the face of Runway with the help of Emily and her boyfriend Benji (Justin Theroux). Sometimes, what looks like a good idea brings about the truth about old feelings that just never go away. That doesn’t mean you should never stop trying, at least in Andy and Miranda’s minds!

Hathaway returns as Andy, a woman who has made her way up the journalistic ladder on to be shot down once again. Making it clear in a rant that goes viral about the loss of value for writers, she finds herself back where she began, in front of Miranda Priestly. What I love about Hathaway’s return is that although she has definitely changed her style a bit, not everything about her has changed. She still believes in the fight, her reconnection with Nigel and isn’t quite sure how to feel seeing that Miranda is being forced to change. Also, I love that she still has friendships from the previous film.

Streep as Miranda is exactly how you might think she would be twenty years later. Still dismissive, still standoffish, but finding that the world that she has always been in control of, might be slipping away. You have to give this character props for having the ability to not only stand her ground but also show vulnerability when the pressure isn’t turning into a diamond. Streep became the icon for Miranda Priestly, and no one, absolutely no one, could have taken over this role. I love her feistiness, and the reality of change brings her back to the fact that she has to let others in, including Andy.

Tucci as Nigel, lovely, lovely Nigel is just as insightful as ever. Watching everything happening around him, he never stops pushing forward. Watching Tucci and Hathaway rekindle their friendship is just heartwarming and funny, as he still is the only one to be able to dress her. Ever loyal to Miranda, no matter how many times he is overlooked, I love that Tucci’s portrayal is quietly loving, loyal to a fault, and still sees things that no one else does. It must be said, Nigel is the friend we all need, especially when access to a dress closet is included.

Blunt as Emily also hasn’t changed in the slightest. Working at Dior, she finds enjoyment in lauding Miranda’s problem over her. Always one step ahead of Andy, there are moments of brilliance and moments of jaw-dropping, but it’s to be expected of Emily. Blunt is chic, very cool, a bit of a narcissist (like we didn’t know that), and is about to discover that old grudges never serve well. I just adore her, though!

Novak as Benji is following in his father’s footsteps, but more so in the social world than in the hard copy of Runway. His role is a little different, as it should be, because twenty years ago, Runway was all print; he recognizes that medium isn’t working. Theroux as Benji is just a tad creepy from beginning to end. At first, I didn’t recognize him, but there he is, being a weird AI dude who forgets that the world doesn’t live in his realm of belief, as he is about to find out.

Shout out to Branaugh as Stuart, Miranda’s current husband, who seems to be so secure in himself that he lets Miranda be Miranda. Supportive and loving, he is just a charming addition that doesn’t need what it seems everyone else does.

Other cast include Rachel Bloom as Talia, Larry Mitchell as Mack, Pauline Chalamet as Ilana, Wes McGee as Frank, Simone Ashley as Amari, Caleb Hearon as Charlie, George C. Wolfe as Paul, Helen J. Shen as Jin Chao, and Tracie Thoms as Lily.

Cameos include Ciara, Doyoung, Kara Swisher, Amelia Dimoldenberg, Kal-Anthony Towns, Jon Batiste, Callum Harper, Rory Mcllroy, Law Roach, Ronny Chieng, Moon Ga-young, Heidi Klum, Jenna Bush Hager, Lady Gaga, Naomi Campbell, Winnie Harlow, Donatella Versace, and Marc Jacobs.

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

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 Level Up: Updating the Icons: Join the cast, crew, and other notables as they look back on the iconic first film and its timelessness. Then see how the characters and their

wardrobes have evolved for the sequel, and follow the shoot in New York, Inside the Fashion Closet: Sit down with the cast, filmmakers, and lead costume designer Molly Rogers as she talks about dressing Miranda, Andy, Emily, and Nigel. Discover their of-the-moment but timeless fashion looks that shine a spotlight on each of their personalities, Front-Row Access: Shooting in Italy, join the cast, crew, and director David Frankel as he talks about the production in Italy and shooting during Milan’s fashion week. Hear how top design houses supported the production and how Runway’s own fashion show and concert was created.

“Runway” Music Video by Lady Gaga and Doechii: Turn it up with Lady Gaga and Doechii in their music video for the movie’s new song, “Runway,” Gag Reel: Check out the fun on set in these outtakes from the making of the movie and Audio Commentary by David Frankel, Aline Brosh McKenna, and Molly Rogers: Watch the film with audio commentary by director David Frankel, writer Aline Brosh McKenna, and costume designer Molly Rogers.

DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 doesn’t try to capture lightning in a bottle but instead guides us twenty years into what the world is now, which is another kind of lightning. Social media, digital articles, clickbait, and AI are bringing Runway into the future but not without its bumps and growing pains. That is where we are now in the world, as a writer, I totally understand the problems and aggravation that Andy and Miranda are struggling with.

Both Andy and Miranda are wholehearted believers in the tradition of the written word and in the beauty that should be shared traditionally. Instead, they are both met with the harsh reality that no one seems to care about that. Being they are both fighters, they still need time to figure out where they fit in the grand scheme of things without losing their moral code. I love that about this film, that the original characters are holding on to that and that, although willing to compromise on some levels, they refuse to let go where it counts.

So, for all the fans of the original THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, you will be thrilled at the new story, the return of iconic characters, and that Andy, Miranda, Nigel, and Emily do not fail to deliver. THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 brings laughs, freshness, love, fashion, the tests of loyalty, friendship, and perspective – what a way to bring our beloved characters together again.

In the end – the devil is in the details!

Spectacular is Back in Theatres with

THE ODYSSEY

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Christopher Nolan, Homer, and Universal Pictures comes the epic poem of Homer to the screen with THE ODYSSEY.

Odysseus (Matt Damon) is the King of Ithaca and married to Penelope (Anne Hathaway). Off to fight the Trojan War with Agamemnon (Benny Safdie), he leaves behind a wife and son who wait for his return. After the war and on a ship for the return home with Eurylochus (Himesh Patel) and his men, problems arise. Back in Ithaca, Penelope and her son Telemachus (Tom Holland) are dealing with the constant issue of suitors arriving for Penelope.

The voyage home brings Odysseus and his men to confront Cyclops, then the Sirens, the mythical creatures of the ocean, the Underworld, the witch Aeaea (Samantha Morton), and after a fierce storm, to land on an island with Calypso (Charlize Theron). In between, he is constantly met by Athena (Zendaya), who is a companion no one else sees. Waiting at home, Penelope and her son are dealing with the likes of Antinous (Robert Pattinson), who tries his best to be the one Penelope chooses to marry next. Antinous believes the first thing he needs to do is get rid of Telemachus. Watching out for the family is Eumaeus (John Leguizamo), a faithful servant who warns the king’s son.

Telemachus sails off with Mentor (Ryan Hurst) to meet with the King of Sparta, Menelaus (Jon Bernthal), to discover news of his father. There, he also meets Helen of Troy (Lupita Nyong’o), who has her own story to tell. Hearing what he needs to, he returns home knowing that the suitors have gotten out of hand. Arriving on the shores of his home, Odysseus is much older and manages to pass for a beggar to get inside his castle.

There, he decides it is time to reclaim what he lost!

Damon as Odysseus is an immediate powerhouse from scene one. I can not even imagine the physicality it took for him to play this role, and yet, he made the character of Odysseus all his own. He is a hero in the eyes of those left behind, but to his crew and the mythical creatures he encounters, he is clearly just a man fighting anything in front of him to get home. That means he also shows anger, poor decision-making, and an inability to admit he has lost his way. That’s what I love about Damon’s portrayal; he shows those frailties with ease and brought me along for the ride.

Hathaway as Penelope, is a Queen with her own plans to keep the riffraff out of her space. Being the dutiful wife, she believes her husband will return, no matter who may say otherwise. Hathaway gives us the performance of an even-tempered woman (when people are around) and occasionally makes her feelings clear to her son. Her movements are deliberate, and her cool pays off, and I’m here for it. Holland as Telemachus, is the dedicated son to a father he doesn’t really remember. Disgusted by the rowdy suitors for his mother’s hand, he reaches the point where going out to look for his father is the only way to save her. His journey into the world gets noticed by others who plot against him. Holland takes this role and gets stronger and stronger as each scene he is in plays across the screen. It doesn’t surprise me that he stands out so much in this film. Watch the 2012 film THE IMPOSSIBLE and see how I knew he could play such a strong character.

Pattinson as Antinous is as despicable and ruthless as one would expect of someone who turns on family. He is antagonistic and pokes the bear to get others to do his dirty work. There are moments when he doesn’t have to say a thing, and I didn’t like him. That’s how you know he’s wrapped up in the role of believability. Leguizamo as Eumaeus is clearly dedicated to the royal family on so many levels, and is as slippery when he needs to be. I enjoyed his role as so very important, but he slips constantly under the radar to help at every turn. Bernthal, as Menelaus may be the King of Sparta, but he is also the only man who tells Telemachus the truth as it truly is about his father, and why he needs to transform from a boy to a man, and quickly.

Morton as Aeaea is so stunning and amazing to watch. Her calm demeanor, even during frightening moments, just tickled me so much. There truly isn’t anything this actress can’t do, but I can honestly say I’ll never forget her in this role. Nyong’o as Helen of Troy is equally amazing in this role. Even though it may be smaller, it still has such strong moments. Theron, as Calypso has kept Odysseus at bay as the story starts to come to the surface. Her role is also quiet in a sense, and she makes it her own. Zendaya as Athena is just a presence trying to help Odysseus come to terms with his own decisions, and she is stunning for it.

A shout-out to Ryan Hurst as Mentor for two reasons: 1) His character is the man standing behind a King’s son no matter what, and 2) it’s about damn time he gets screen time in such an epic tale. Am I partial? Absolutely!

Other cast include Bill Irwin as Polyphemus, Corey Hawkins as Polybus, Mia Goth as Melantho, Logan Marshall-Green as Melanthius, Elyes Gabel as Elatus, James Remar as Tiresias, Elliot Page as Sinon, Travis Scott as Bard, and Jimmy Gonzales as Cepheus.

The film starts out with Scott telling the story of Odysseus to all those in the hall, trying to get their hands, literally, on the queen. The story is that of the Trojan War. Now, with the audience’s attention, Nolan breaks into the epicness of not only Ithaca and the Queen’s plight but also of where Odysseus has been in his travels to get back home. The ride doesn’t hold back and doesn’t cut corners. As if the actors playing their spectacular roles weren’t enough, Nolan throws in effects that are so good it’s frightening. Seamless, beautiful, and adding such richness to the story that it is easy to forget they are effects.

There is not one thing wrong with THE ODYSSEY, even if Nolan takes liberties here and there in the storytelling. What audiences are going to get is battle scenes, equally epic creatures that have one goal: destroying Odysseus and his men, and a cast of characters that each has a story of their own to tell. Homer's poem is filled with so many themes, and although many thought it impossible to put it on the big screen, it clearly is not. In the hands of someone who understands both the poem and how to bring it to life, the audience will believe in the return of the word epic. We also get the flaws of humanity, the greed for power, loyalty, the insecurities of one man, dedication, revenge, and love on many levels. Who could ask for more?

In the end – defy the Gods!

War Has Built in PRESSURE on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on streaming, on Bluray and Digital from director Anthony Maras, Focus Features and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes the true story of the seventy-two hours before D-Day, when they are all under PRESSURE.

The plans have been made, and General Dwight D. ‘Ike’ Eisenhower (Brendan Fraser) is preparing for all contingencies. The one thing he cannot predict? The weather. That’s when the general calls in Group Captain James Stagg (Andrew Scott), a man recommended by Churchill himself. His job is clear: to do whatever is needed to accurately predict the weather on June 5th, 1944, when all the Allied Forces are due to land on the beaches of Normandy.

Stagg is a no-nonsense man who gets to work, even if Eisenhower’s weather prediction by Irving Krick (Chris Messina) says everything is a go in sunny skies. Keeping an eye on Stagg is the general’s right-hand woman, Kay Summersby (Kerry Condon), who sees that Stagg is up against it. When called to give a briefing, Stagg tells a room full of military men things they don’t want to hear. The loudest complaint comes from Bernard Montgomery (Damian Lewis).

When Stagg and Krick are at odds with one another, it is on Eisenhower’s shoulders to make the decision that will decide the fate of every soldier who is to hit that beach. There are memories he deals with that make his choice between the two men’s reports extremely difficult. When the choice is made for him, Stagg and Krick come together, and there is only one moment in the clouds that turns the tide.

Fraser, as General Dwight D. Eisenhower, hits the screen in a bold approach to the role. Anyone who knows history will immediately pick up on the fact that Fraser does not attempt to mimic the historical figure. Instead, the actor portrays him as a deeply human leader under extraordinary strain. Fraser’s Eisenhower is tired, somewhat guilt-ridden, and quietly desperate, all while maintaining a general’s outward appearance. Fraser’s emotional depth ultimately anchors the film.

Scott as Stagg brings in meteorologist James Stagg as a man who clearly understands the assignment, literally. Scott captures the anxiety of a man whose calculations could change history, portraying Stagg as both brilliant and haunted by the weight of responsibility. His performance injects urgency into scenes that might otherwise feel static. I’m a huge fan of Scott, and this performance in PRESSURE is absolutely one of the reasons why.

Condon as Summersby portrays a woman who clearly understands what it means to know her boss. Strong, very intelligent, and swift in her delivery, Condon also portrays a person who is in the midst of a war, never forgetting her humanity. I adore that about this character. Messina, as Krick, is the polar opposite of Stagg. He may be a man of weather science, but he tends to lead with more of a lax attitude than his counterpart. Following charts and patterns instead of reality, it is what causes conflict. Well done.

Lewis, as Montgomery portrays a man who is definitely in war mode, and he doesn’t want anything, even the weather, to get in his way of success. He doesn’t believe in what Stagg is trying to do and is often very confrontational with Eisenhower. Watching the top brass have a go at one another can be amusing, but Eisenhower knows how to put a stop to that!

Other cast include Tamsin Topolski as Lizz Stagg, Jojo Macari as Andrew Carter, Con O’Neil as Air Marshal Leigh-Mallory, Alexander Hanson as General Omar Bradley, and Robert Portal as Admiral Bertram Ramsay.

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

Exclusive Bonus Features include Building Pressure: Go behind the scenes as the filmmakers and cast break down the story’s origins and the complex characters who were pivotal in changing the course of history, and An Authentic World of War: From set design and camera choreography to period props and costumes, filmmakers reveal the details they used to shape an accurate recreation of the era.

In PRESSURE, director Anthony Maras delivers a gripping and unexpected take on World War II, shifting focus away from the battlefield and into the tense confines of Allied command rooms. Centered on the crucial days leading up to D-Day, the film explores how one decision—based largely on uncertain weather forecasts—could determine the fate of thousands.

What makes PRESSURE so compelling to watch is its restraint. This is not a traditional war epic filled with explosions and combat sequences. Instead, it thrives on dialogue, moral dilemmas, and the suffocating tension of uncertainty. The film unfolds like a high-stakes chess match, where every move is debated, second-guessed, and fraught with consequences.

Visually, the film leans into tight rooms where decisions are made, which adds another level to the title of the film. War rooms are tense, where a ticking clock is what replaces gunfire. There are a few moments where the film takes a breather in its pace, but the film succeeds in offering a fresh perspective on a well-known historical event. The film does remind me of other historical pieces such as CHURCHILL and THE IMITATION GAME.

PRESSURE is a thoughtful and quietly intense drama. It may not satisfy viewers looking for action-heavy war spectacle, but for those interested in the human side of leadership and the invisible forces that influence monumental decisions, it delivers a compelling experience.

In the end – one decision changed the world!

There are Consequences with a MUTINY

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Jean-Francois Richet and Lionsgate is the story of a man, loyalty, and revenge with MUTINY.

Cole Reed (Jason Statham) is a guard to wealthy businessman Taran (Jason Wong) and his son Kameron (Chaneil Kular). After celebrating the sale of his company, Reed drives Taran home. The problem is, they are ambushed, and now Reed is out for blood. He discovers that one of the hitmen looks a bit like him and works on one of Taran’s ships, the KMG. Managing to board the ship, he discovers that the police want him for the murder of his friend. While on the ship, he discovers a shipping container has human beings alive inside.

Arriving on the ship and being called for duty, Angie Ellis (Annabelle Wallis) is not happy because it means not seeing her daughter. Introducing herself to Captain Marko Madsen (Roland Moller) with an attitude. While on watch, she discovers the same container of people that Reed found. Going to the captain with the news, she soon discovers that he is keenly aware of their cargo, as is the crew. Running for her life, she finds Reed; they form a plan to help the kidnapped men, women, and children to get them away from Madsen.

Angie makes a call to any ship close to them and is answered by the U.S. Navy’s captain (Adrian Lester), who becomes suspicious about the story the ship's captain is spewing. While Reed and Agie turn the ship inside out and upside down to keep the kidnapped people safe, they have to hurry. Coming up close is another boat that wants the human cargo. What they don’t know is that Reed is in revenge beast mode and finding those responsible for Taran, the kidnappings, and hurting Angie; well, what comes to them shouldn’t surprise anyone.

Well, let’s just say the water is going to get rougher than anyone on that ship could imagine.

Statham as Reed does what he is good at. First, the action is intense, and the fight scenes are going to have people shouting out loud. The characters he plays aren’t always very talkative, and in this film, it is true. He’s a man of few words and loads of action, showing no mercy, especially with things like a lock on a container. Don’t worry, you’ll understand when you see it. His character is ruthless, focused, and has no problem with taking the hits. I think his character sees each hit as like pouring gasoline on an already intense bonfire!

Wallis as Angie is a young mother trying to get back to her daughter. Being called into work with the threat of being fired, it doesn’t stop her from having an attitude or taking a hit herself. She is clever and strong, not showing an ounce of fear to the bad guys. Wallis gives her character sassy and intelligent, making it very plain that she is not a victim, but a fighter. Wong as Taran is the key reason for Reed’s need for vengeance. Seeing Reed as family, Taran knows everything will be taken care of, but not in the way he may have thought. Wong portrays his character as a man of deep feeling and quiet introspection. He is the calm in the madness.

Moller as Captain Marco Madsen is as cool as a cucumber at all times. Hard to rattle and even more difficult when he realizes Reed is on board. He’s like a dog with a bone, not about to give up easily. The highest compliment I can give Moller is that he reminded me of Hans Gruber from DIE HARD, but on the water. The final scene between him and Statham is epic and memorable. Well done, sir! Moller gives Kular, as son, Kameron, convincing his father to sell the business. A quiet character as well, and the final scene between Kular and Statham is chilling. Lester as the U.S. Naval captain, has strong spidey-senses and does his homework before getting involved in the phone call Angie made. I enjoy characters like that.

Other cast include Ramon Tikaram, Arnas Fedaravicius, Lee Charles, Rumi Sutton, Ben Cartwright, Steven Blades, Simon Kluth, and Tom Christian

Lionsgate is responsible for the franchises that include THE HUNGER GAMES and DIVERGENT along with iconic and now untouchable JOHN WICK. Now, adding this film to its 16,000 motion pictures and television titles, you can see everything coming soon as well as available now at http://www.lionsgate.com.

MUTINY is definitely an action, adventure, high body count film that starts slow to give the story a bit of context before Statham goes hog wild! As I said before, a man of few words letting his ability to kick the bad guys down speak for itself. Filming on the ship keeps the focus on the story with nothing but a smidge of outside distraction. It is a game of cat and mouse, and Statham, Wallis, and Moller play flawlessly. Once the action picks up, it is a roller coaster ride of hide and seek, but with a lot of weaponry.

The cast is small, keeping the focus on the star of the show, Statham. He is maybe one step ahead of Wallis and Moller, and I’m okay with that. Is the concept original? No. Does it feel like I experienced some easter eggs? Quite possibly. Whether they were intentional or not, this film will test your blood pressure for sure, but in the best way possible. This is a film that doesn’t ask anything of you but to get comfortable in your seat, keep the popcorn coming, cheer and shout and jaw drop at the surprises. MUTINY is a really good distraction for the hour and forty-five-minute run of the film.

In the end – there could be blood in the water!

He is the Memorable TONY

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Matt Johnson and A24 is the story of a young man and a life he never expected with TONY.

Tony Bourdain (Dominic Sessa) is a college student in 1975 who cannot get his parents to accept that he wants to be a writer. The only way to get away is by telling his family he won a fellowship and is off to New York City. What they don’t know is that he is also following the lovely Nancy Putkoski (Emilia Jones). When the fellowship doesn’t happen, Tony takes off for Provincetown in Massachusetts because he knows Nancy will be there.

Once there, Tony is in for a surprise when he sees the girl who makes his heart thump–she is with another guy. Determined to drown his sorrows in alcohol, he ends up at the local restaurant The Flagship. Making a fool of himself, he gets thrown out on his behind! With no money, no scholarship, and a bad attitude, the only thing he can do is ask for a job from Chef (Antonio Banderas) and hope for a place to stay and start as a dishwasher.

The other kitchen staff gives Tony a hard time, but he finds a friend in Sal (Leo Woodall) who seems to be everything Tony would like to be. Confident, gets the girl, and has a habit that isn’t going to get him through life. When Sal doesn’t show up to work, Tony finds himself cooking. Chef sees something in the young man and starts by teaching him discipline and dedication to everything he does in his kitchen.

Tony sees an opportunity to impress Nancy and invites her to eat at The Flagship and introduces the restaurant to finer dishes. When tragedy strikes The Flagship and Tony’s deceptions become clear, he has to find a way to make it right in a place that he has come to love and with people who have heart.

Sessa as Tony is absolutely stunning. He portrays a young man who is reckless, careless, and, using the slang of today, feeling himself. Trying to bend the world to his will, he learns that the world tends to fight back. Each move he makes is truly on the edge of a sharp kitchen knife until he finally sees his path. Sessa’s 24-year-old timing is that of a seasoned actor. His scenes with Banderas are flawless and had me glued to my seat. In a short time and short resume, Sessa proves as Tony that he deserves center stage. In the film, that’s exactly what he got. Well deserved.

Banderas as Chef is a centered man. He takes his restaurant seriously and expects discipline in the kitchen. He sees something in Tony that he never saw in himself. A friendship blossoms between the two that is something needed. One mistake could have destroyed that, but Tony, in one moment, grows up and Chef sees it. Banderas is always interesting to watch, and in TONY, his character is the cement that holds them all together. He has his own story, of course, but instead of letting it break him, it made him. That’s what he portrays, and it’s beautiful.

Woodall as Leo is the fly in the calm ointment. He is outrageous, dangerous, and, in his own way, a caring person. He tries to bring Tony into his reckless world but has no grip on his own life. The first time I noticed Woodall was in the 2025 film NUREMBERG, and I knew then, like Sessa, that in his short career, his impact is noticeable and strong. His character is as confused about life as Tony, but his path filled with bumps is far more dangerous than his friends'.

Other cast includes Dagmara Dominczyk as Gladys Bourdain, Rich Sommer as Pierre Bourdain, Ava Davey Bissett as Vicky, Caroline Portu as Robin, Derek K. Moore as Manny, Monica Raymund as Mary, Liam Fitch as Christopher, Stravros Halkias as Stravos, and Michael Jibrin as Tyrone.

Bourdain described his early years as, “I was – to be frank – a spoiled, miserable, narcissistic, self-destructive and thoughtless young lout, badly in need of a good ass kicking.” The story is based on Bourdain’s years working in Provincetown, with stories in the memoir Kitchen Confidential (2000)

TONY takes Bourdain’s journey step by step, filled with a young man’s angst, inability to please his parents, and eager enough to take the step that brings him to Provincetown. Watching Sessa bring Bourdain to life is nothing short of amazing. With Woodall and Banderas, the film takes the seaport journey as slow as life was in 1975. From bonfires to clam bakes, Tony’s life became part of a town he hadn’t planned to stay in.

I love the feel of the film and its simplicity. The costuming is so perfect for the times, hairstyles, and free attitude. The cinematography is absolutely everything because it is a character in the story as well. It completes the story director Johnson is trying to tell. Normally, I’m not a huge fan of biopics, but TONY is an exception. It doesn’t feel glorifying, but instead raw and stripped down to the heart of the story, and that is a young man who found his passion in an unexpected place.

In the end – he followed a girl into an unsuspecting career!

THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Jeri Jacquin

Celebrating 25 years on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and Digital from director Rob Cohen and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the 2001 iconic film THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS.

Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker) is an LAPD officer now undercover with an FBI task force after a heist at the Port of Los Angeles. The job is to find out who is responsible. O’Conner starts at Toretto’s Market & Café and meets Mia (Jordana Brewster), sister of the infamous Dominic “Dom” Toretto (Vin Diesel), a trouble-making street racer. He isn’t the only person the cop is watching. Toretto’s crew consists of girlfriend Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), Vince (Matt Schulze), Leon (Johnny Strong), and Jesse (Chad Lindberg).

It is Vince who doesn’t like O’Conner and starts a fight, and Dom steps in with his own brand of threats. Harry (Vyto Ruginis) has to step in to keep the peace between the two. The only thing O’Conner can do is race Dom, but the police show up, and Dom has to get away. Trying to help, both he and Dom end up in a rival territory, and payment for that is the car! Peace offering Dom’s anger, O’Conner delivers a car, and they all start vamping it up. At the same time, he starts dating Dom’s sister Mia.

He also discovers one of the cars used in the port heist, and it seems as if Vince might be right about him. Trying to hide it under the guise of race preparation, O’Conner is also dealing with his boss, who is not happy that things are taking so long. Things begin to become even more complicated as O’Conner has to decide between the job and friendship. It is never easy to stay on one side only!

Walker as O’Conner is a man on a mission, but finds himself in a dilemma of the job and the friendships he is forging with the people he is investigating. Walker made the role his own to the point that, upon his death, there was no way to replace him in the franchise. Playing O’Conner, Walker may seem out of place in the crew, but he slips right in and sees a life he could never have imagined. Diesel as Dom made his character even more iconic in the franchise. His sullen expressions oozes danger, and the only people he trusts are his crew and his sister. Diesel plays the action role as he always does, with a deep voice and a man with a plan.

Rodriguez as Letty may be Dom’s girlfriend, but she is also strong and doesn’t take any garbage from anyone. Rodriguez gives us a female character that can hold her own and still be Dom’s woman. Brewster as Mia takes to O’Conner but knows she has to get past her brother. She is cute in this role and plays off Walker with ease. Shulze, Strong and Lindberg are part of Dom’s crew – suspicious, wary but up for a good race.

Other cast include Matt Schulze as Vince, Ted Levine as Sgt. Tanner, Thom Barry as Agent Bilkins, Noel Gugliemi as Hector, Stanton Rutledge as Muse, RJ de Vera as Danny Yamato, Beau Holden as Ted Gassner, Reggie Lee as Lance Nguyen, and Ja Rule as Edwin.

Bonus Features include Riding a Legacy: 25 Years of Fast, Deleted Scenes, The Making of THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS, More Than Furious, Dom’s Charger, Quarter Mile at a Time, Tricking Out a Hot Import Car, Multiple Camera Angle – Stunt Sequence, Movie Magic Interactive – Special Effects, Featurette on Editing for the Motion Picture Association of America, Visual Effects Montage, Storyboards-to=Final Feature Comparison, Ja Rule “Furious” Music Video, Speed News Wrap, and Feature Commentary with Director Rob Cohen.

No one could have imagined that this franchise would be as huge as it is. Starting in 2001 with THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS, 2003 2 FAST 2 FURIOUS, 2003 THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS: Turbo Charged, 2006 THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS: Tokyo Drift, 2009 FAST & FURIOUS, 2009 FAST & FURIOUS: Los Bandoleros, 2011 FAST FIVE, 2013 FAST & FURIOUS 6, 2015 FURIOUS 7, 2017 THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS, 2019 FAST & FURIOUS: Hobbs & Shaw, and 2021 F9.

Growing up with a family of car lovers, I participated in helping to rebuild cars with my father, from a Renault to a 64’ Mustang; I completely took to the film when it came out. I learned what every part of an engine did and how to make it move even faster. There was even a place where everyone took their handiwork to race and show off. Ahhhh, the good old days, eh? After the film came out, Motorheads and Grease Monkeys came out of the woodwork to show off their creations as well.

What THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS did was bring a culture out to fast that it made studio heads swim. There are movies about Gearheads, but this particular film brought out the good, the bad, the action, and friendship in a way that it became relatable. The cast truly brings the film together and, because of that, this franchise always wins at the box office. Now, celebrating its 25th anniversary, the film is just as relatable today as in 2001 when it was released.

The 4K Ultra HD and Bluray have over two hours of Bonus Features that also include Riding a Legacy: 25 Years of Fast that includes Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Producer Neal Moritz, and Meadow Walker reflecting on 25 years of THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS in Cannes.

Find the biggest screen in the house, turn up the soundbar, and get back in the action with suspense and speed! Become part of the Toretto family!

In the end – if you have what it takes, you can have it all!

MINIONS & MONSTERS Brings Giggles to Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Now on Bluray and Digital in a Collector’s Edition from director Pierre Coffin, Patrick Delage, Illumination, and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes another adventure from our favorite MINIONS & MONSTERS.

Olivia (Allison Janney) is a tour guide taking a group of people through a film history museum. Talking about all the exhibits, they come to a statue of two famous Minions. No one in the crowd knew the story of the Minions James and Henry. In their tribe of Minions, they go through time trying to find a villain to serve. James is a different kind of Minion who loves telling stories, much to the head Minion Dick’s dismissal. On their hunt for a bad guy, James meets Henry and becomes best friends.

While on the hunt, the Minions find themselves in Hollywood, and James, along with best friend Harry, finds Tinseltown to their liking. Becoming friends with director Max (Christoph Waltz) after he realizes their potential, film execs Frank and Elwood (both played by Jeff Bridges) love their film silliness. The Minions are becoming globally famous, but that is short-lived once films go from silent to talkies. Back on the streets, fending for themselves, James has a moment of brilliance: it’s time for them to make a monster movie!

Minion Ed had taken a spell book through their travels, and James uses it to conjure up real-life monsters for their film. The first to show up is Cthulhu Goomi (Trey Parker), who knows exactly where to find monsters Phillip (Bobby Moynihan) and Howard (Phil LaMarr) to be a part of the film. James and Henry are excited, but there is one problem: Goomi has his own ideas about what monsters really want to do.

Pierre Coffin as the Minions had a full-time job in this film. This is probably the most the Minions have spoken. They are hilarious, funny, and it’s easy to pick out the Spanish words mixed in the gibberish. The craziness and chaos are what the Minions are famous for, and they won’t let viewers down.

Waltz as Max starts out crazed by the Minions. Once he sees the possibilities, he not only makes films with them; he befriends them. His voice is so cool with this character; I actually wish he were in it longer. Bridges’ voice for both Frank and Elwood, studio execs who know what they want in a film, and the Minions fit the bill.

Parker as Goomi is a mixture of cute and evil, as the smallest Cthulhu I’ve ever seen. But don’t let the size fool you. Parker’s voice lends itself to the humor you’d expect and the evil that I’m sure he loved playing. Moynihan as Phillip and LaMarr as Howard are the two summoned monsters who follow along with Goomi’s plan but get lost in it all when Irene shows up.

Shout-out to Allison Janney because I am the biggest fan of this lady. She made the narration so much fun.

Other cast include Jesse Eisenberg as Dort, Zoey Deutch as Debbie, and George Lucas as George Lucas.

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

Bonus Features include Minions Take on Hollywood, Casting MINIONS & MONSTERS, Hollywood Sound, How To Make Your Own Irene Blob Monster Slime, Movie-Making Minions Style, and How to Draw.

The Minions first came to the screen in 2010 with DESPICABLE ME, and everyone who was anyone fell in love with the yellow gibberish-talking creatures. Their antics were childish, giggling at things we all giggle about, but they make it even better. My family not only loves the Minions, but we also have them around the house for daily giggles and smiles.

For families looking for things to do to stay cool indoors, MINIONS & MONSTERS is time spent together. The film is brilliant, colorful, and fun, and has laughs for both adults and kids, which adds to the fun. The film does have old movie references that the adults will enjoy, such as knowing who George Lucas is, but it doesn’t change the delight for children. Mixing that with the humor of the Minions, even if we can’t understand everything they say.

There is the usual slapstick humor, charm, and silly antics as we would expect. That being said, as much fun as I had, I missed Gru, Dr. Nefario, the girls, and the relationship with the Minions. But there is fun at the beginning of the film and when the credits roll, so expect more giggles from memorable friends.

In the end – it’s an adventure all its own!

The Mission is all About THE FIX

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this week from writer/director Guy Moshe, Briarcliff and Inaugural Entertainment is the tale of war, greed, and trust about THE FIX.

Larry (Liam Neeson) is a CIA agent in 2021, dealing with a 2021 Special Ops mission in Kabul. When things go seriously wrong, the effects of it cause him debilitating pain. The death of his men and feeling as if he failed the team make it a struggle for him to continue in his role as a leader. Several years later, Tucker (Zachary Levi) is now the Special Ops leader, and Larry is once again the handler when things go wrong. This causes Tucker to have to deal with his own demons about his profession. One of them is being away from his young son, as his ex-wife Sophie (Annet Mahendru) has remarried and moved on with her life.

Taking a visit to see Larry after learning he is suffering from dementia, Tucker spends time and begins to hear ramblings from the elderly man. The most shocking is that in a hotel in Tehran, there is $25 million dollars stashed away and has been there since the Iranian Revolution. After seeing that his former team is hurting in a way that money can help with, Tucker decides it's time to get the band back together. In order to make this work, Tucker must reach out to contacts who agree to help as long as they rescue activist Maryam (Lara Wolf).

To help with the mission, Tucker hires Zara (Elnaaz Norouzi), a young woman who can pose as Tucker’s wife and also speaks the language. Learning that the hotel no longer exists and is now a government facility. Tucker and his men will do what they do best: get in, get out, and get home! Of course, you have to know who to trust to make that happen.

Levi as Tucker is a man haunted by so many different things he doesn’t know where to even begin. From a mission that went to a place he can’t get past, to only seeing his son from a distance because of what he does, he decides to take one last job. Not for his own personal gain, but to help the men he shared years with in the military and the suffering each has gone through since then. Levi is fine for this role. He manages to pull off the right kind of swagger. His character has no clue what he’s gotten himself into, and it puts everyone, once again, in danger. I do enjoy the moments between his character and Neeson’s, a good watch.

Neeson as Larry has seen as much go wrong as Tucker has. Now, with a medical condition, he has one last big secret that he entrusts to Tucker. I love the fact that Neeson has always played diverse characters, whether they be good, bad, or indifferent in the storyline; I can always count on him to give it his all and love every moment of it. He may not have as much camera time as Levi, but when he is on, he is on point and doesn’t hold back!

Norouzi as Zara takes on the role of Tucker’s wife, and when things get very dangerous, she refuses to leave him. That’s when lines are crossed, making things even more dangerous than ever. Norouzi is a stunner and definitely gives the highly male cast a run for their money. Wolf as Maryam is an activist trying to help rescue Iranian women from a fate worse than death. She is headstrong and refuses to give in when she probably should. There comes a moment in the film where a decision she makes will have her feeling the same way Tucker does. So well done.

Shout-out to Mahendru as ex-wife Sophie. As mad as she might be at Tucker for the way he had handled the relationship with their son, when Tucker needs her, she knows exactly what to do. I loved that about her character. Also, Navid Negahban as Qasim, in charge of the military installation where the money is hidden, gets a chance to be the serious bad guy who is just as determined as Tucker to take American prisoners.

Other cast include Grant Harvey as Matt, Oliver Trevena as Col. Wilkes, Augusto Aguilera as Bruce, Despina Mirou as Katarina, and Wes Chatham as Alex.

THE FIX is a lengthy film that, quite honestly, didn’t need to be over a two-hour film. I appreciate keeping the backstory quick and to the point, allowing the story to evolve naturally, but there are moments that were dragged out and could have been cut altogether. There are several plot lines that I feel have been seen in other films as well. It doesn’t change the dynamic of the film; I’ve just seen enough films to recognize it.

The cast that director Moshe has put together works seamlessly together. The action can be very intense at times, as each person has their own reason for doing what they are doing. This is definitely a heist of a different kind, if you consider what the group is doing a heist. Fund relocation, perhaps? The set looks authentic to what one would expect of Iran and the behavior of bad men doing bad things.

There are plenty of twists, turns, lies, stretched-out truths, and men who want to take on this private mission for their own reasons. It is up to the audience to keep up with it all and pay attention to the small details. Between the lies and the truth are the facts that are about to change everything.

In the end – settle the score!

The Ladies are Back in PRACTICAL MAGIC 2

Jeri Jacquin

Currently in theatres, from director Susanne Bier and Warner Bros. Pictures, is the return of the Owen sisters in PRACTICAL MAGIC 2.

Still living in Massachusetts, the Owens women are still dealing with the curse of their ancestor, Maria Owens. Sally (Sandra Bullock) has been raising her two daughters, Antonia (Maisie Williams) and Kylie (Joey King). What they don’t know is that their mother hasn’t told them one single thing about the magic they have inside them. Swearing sister Gillian (Nicole Kidman) to secrecy, they have managed to live on without exposing the truth. But, like all truths, it will rise like bread dough breaking through to the surface.

Aunt Jet (Dianne Wiest) is the first to realize it when she discovers the Book of Raven that may hold more explanation that haunts the sisters' ability to love without deadly consequences. Unfortunately, Aunt Jet can only leave the book behind as her time has come, much to the dismay of sister Frances (Stockard Channing). After mourning, a test comes when Kylie’s love, Gideon (Xolo Mariduena), is struck down and falls into a coma. A promise broken between the two sisters, Kylie’s anger sets her on a path with the book meant for Frances and a calling to head to England.

Sally and Gillian are told by Francis to follow and find Ian Wright (Lee Pace), a historian of magic who can help not only find Kylie, but discover what the book means to them. Sister Antonia stays at the hospital with Gideon, with Aunt Frances at their side. Kylie is following visions that lead her to Tom Bailey (Solly McLeod) and Lockland Manor with its dark history and more stories of the witches the Owens are related to.

Sally and Gillian meet with Ian Wright, but Sally feels as if something is off, and not just her magic. Not trusting Ian, she has no choice but to follow where he leads to understand what has become of Kylie and who is responsible. What they find there forces the sisters to come together once again to use their powers to face the darkness.

Bullock as Sally has been raising her daughters along with her two aunts and sister. Living without the use of magic, she believes it will keep her daughters safe. When it doesn’t due to a broken promise, Sally has to come to terms with reigniting her long-lost magic to save an angry daughter. I love when Bullock plays such strong characters, and coming back to an original character means that much more to me. She is an overprotective mother, a strait-laced sister, a loving niece, and a stubborn woman to the maximum, and I’m here for it. Playing opposite her ‘sister’ in Kidman, it felt like their chemistry hadn’t changed a bit.

Kidman as Gillian reprises her role as the ditzy sister who has no intention of settling down to domestic life or setting her magic aside for anyone. Clearly loving her Aunts as well as her nieces, she shows up as big a life itself with her own brand of scattered thoughts and funny comments. Kidman made it appear like she had a very good time coming back to the witchiness, making it look comfortable. When it comes time, her character is strong and knows her family is everything.

Pace as Ian is a professor who studies magic, and he knows there is dark magic after him as well as the Owens. It is Frances who directs Sally and Gillian to him, explaining that he knows what they do not about the family and its past. Knowing that Sally doesn’t trust him, he tries his best to help, but his emotions are out there for all to see. McLeod as Tom shares with Kylie the deep story behind the Owens' history and wants to help Kylie finish opening the Book of Ravens for the rest of the answers. There is a connection, and he shares what he knows. Not a huge role but a powerful one nonetheless.

King as Kylie is the typical college student who thinks they know everything till they don’t, and when they don’t like what’s happening, they fly off the handle. Kylie is reckless, isn’t thinking, and, by the way, who leaves their boyfriend in a coma and asks their sister to watch over him? I just couldn’t get behind that. Also, you think because you just learned you are a witch that you can cast a spell? Man, I wasn’t buying that in the slightest and, honestly, it was irritating. Williams as Antonia is a doctor who at least thinks in reality first and foremost. Not understanding what her sister is up to, she goes along to get along. Her role isn’t a large one, but she reminds me of Bullock’s character from the 1998 film. Strong, wise, a bit funny, and quirky.

Wiest as Jet just made my heart practically burst. Sweet, loving, a bit out there. It is clear she loves her family enough to sacrifice everything for them. It is so good to see her on the screen returning as Jet. Channing also returns as Frances, loving sister to Jet. She supports the family when needed and does so with such grace and elegance. Both of these wonderful actresses deserve all the kudos I can possibly give them.

PRACTICAL MAGIC 2 is based on the 2021 novel The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman, which is the sequel to the 1998 film PRACTICAL MAGIC.

I went in hoping that I wouldn’t be disappointed after all the time that has passed since the original film. It’s a hit-or-miss when enough time has passed to try and pick up the torch to see if it will work once again. Three generations of women in my family sat together, and no, we were not disappointed with the three generations of witches on the screen. We had such a fantastic time reacquainting ourselves with the Owen sisters, and investing in the new generation of sisters.

The story flowed so well between the generations when secrets are revealed, and bad intentions make Sally and Gillian suspicious of everyone- well, more Sally than anyone else. There is more of the history of the family that comes out as well, and I found it so interesting how it is woven into the story. There was absolutely nothing I didn’t enjoy. A nice bonus was Pace’s Ian being introduced as someone Sally fears losing after having lost so many.

There are so many surprises mixed in as well that the two-hour running time didn’t feel like it at all. Filling up all that time, I can honestly say there isn’t a need for a third installment of the story. I really enjoyed how it was wrapped up in a way that no fan of the original film should be unhappy. So gather up your own little coven and hit the theatres this weekend for a magical good time.

In the end – this is everything you witched for!

Friends Travel to FORGOTTEN ISLAND

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday, from writers/directors Joel Crawford, Januel Mercado, DreamWorks and Universal Pictures bring the story of friendship that faces a challenge on FORGOTTEN ISLAND.

In the Philippines, a very young Jo (H.E.R.) is in class, telling the story of the forgotten island of Nakalimutan, or Nakali for short. To get her point across, she invokes the bloody story of Manananggal, which doesn’t go over very well. Landing her to wait for the principal, she is joined by a very young Raissa (Liza Soberano) who the same teacher sent for defending Jo’s position. Discussing their reasons with each other, it becomes very clear that these two were fated to be best friends.

Jo is a talented artist, and Rais is a brainiac, yet the two get along famously. Every adventure they go on adds to the bracelets they both wear. Rais also spends a lot of time listening to more stories of the forgotten island from Jo’s grandmother, Lola (Dolly de Leon), who has actually been there through a magical portal! Their goal? They both want to find the island too.

As the years go by, Jo is finding her way while Rais has found her direction – and it's off to America to attend Caltech. Celebrating their last night together, the shell they had been looking for appears, taking them away to the forgotten island. They wake up on the shore of the island and meet Raww (Dave Franco), who agrees to act as their tour guide because the girls don’t remember much of the prior night. Raww takes them to see Batiba (Jenny Slate) to help get their memories back, but it comes at a price.

On their journey to remember and find the missing portal key, Jo and Rais meet Tiyanak (Manny Jacino) the extremely large demon baby, Datu (Jo Koy), King of the Duwende Truffle Wuffle (Ronny Chieng), and Mermahn (Kevin McCann), the outrageous, well, Mermahn. The creature they are running from is the dreaded and feared Manananggal Manang (Lea Salonga). The goal is to get back home for Jo and Rais, but something wonderful happens along the way, and it’s something neither will ever forget.

H.E.R. and Soberano as Jo and Rais are everything one would want in a childhood best friend. They may have different areas of interest, but that doesn’t stop them from finding common ground. So much so that they are practically joined at the hip, and best friends wouldn’t want it any other way. Like sisters, there are moments of tension, but it doesn’t diminish the love they have for one another. They learn misunderstandings hurt, but a hug can heal so much in the heart. I just loved watching these two characters go through their journey, and it is H.E.R. and Soberano that kept my attention on the screen from start to finish.

Franco as Raww is hilarious, especially when his character sees a stick because, for anyone with a dog, we know it’s true. He is charming, strange, and full of twists and turns, but lovable to the end. Jacino as Datu cracked me up so much, becoming part of the band of misfits. McCann as Mermahn just shot out of nowhere in the film and made himself right at home with the gang. He is colorful, emotional, and an all-around good friend to have. Salonga as Manang is the creature the whole island fears, and with good reason. Shout out to Koy at Datu; I recognized his voice immediately, as well as his tone of humor.

The film is set in the 1990s, which offers up the use of some pretty awesome music that will have some in the audience singing along rather quickly. This is the first animated film based on Philippine mythology, bringing the culture of family and traditions to the screen. The mixture of animation techniques (shifting from computer-generated to anime animation) adds so much more fun to the story from Jo’s side of the talented duo. Those techniques were inspired by Filipino art and graphic style.

FORGOTTEN ISLAND comes in at one hundred and eight minutes of fun, laughs, action, color, friendship, mythology, and the wide human scope of love with all the problems that come with it. Generations in the family will find something heartwarming in this film. There is humor for all ages as well, which makes this a perfect family film to see from grandparents down to grandkids. It is films like this that allow families to come together, have a good time, and learn about another culture and its own mythology.

The film is beautifully done, exceptional in the animation, wonderful in the choice of cast, and when you mix that all together, FORGOTTEN ISLAND won’t be forgotten any time soon.

In the end – no memory left behind!

It is the HEART OF THE BEAST

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director David Ayer and Paramount Pictures is the story of a man and a very special dog in the wild with the HEART OF THE BEAST.

Flying through a deserted part of Alaska, former Army Special Forces vet James Belmont (Brad Pitt) brings his retired combat dog Odin (Uber) for a bit of a vacation. Fishing, playing, and relaxing, they find comfort in spending time together. Both of them suffer from PTSD and turn to one another when the dreams of past events haunt them. Even a quick visit from a stranger puts them on high alert.

As the weather changes, James and Odin board their plane and head back home. Not long into the flight, James begins to fall ill, causing the plane to crash. Knowing the only thing to do is make it to a main road, the two load up for a fifty-eight-mile trek across unspoiled, wild, and untamed land. Every step leads them both into danger as nature tests their limits, their ability to adapt, and their willingness to put themselves in front of every danger that presents itself.

Man and man’s best friend on a journey only they understand.

Pitt as Belmont has one of the most difficult parts to play as a soldier who spent most of his life fighting, ending up with PTSD. Another difficult thing to do is carry a film with only a hint of another person to act off of. Then you add a dog to the mix, and it is impossible to look away. The relationship between Pitt and Uber (Odin’s real name) feels genuine and shared. The final ingredient is Pitt playing opposite the wild environment of Alaska. He mixes it carefully and comes away with a poignant character who broke my heart.

Uber as Odin, all I can say is what a beautiful dog. He is also a New Zealand rescue dog in his own life. Still, in the film, his deep golden-brown eyes tug at every heartstring. As the film progresses, director Ayer seems to know exactly what to ask of his furry friend. He’s not just a dog in a movie; he’s an integral part of the film, proving that the animals we love - love us in return, in their own way. There wasn’t a moment where I thought, ‘Well, this is just a dog following directions. No, I saw a loyal companion who shared trauma with his friend.

Shout out to J.K. Simmons and his fantastic moments in the film, and Anna Lambe for just being plain cool.

Pitt not only stars in HEART OF THE BEAST, but he also jumped in as a producer through his Plan B Entertainment company. This is also the second time that director Ayer has worked with Pitt. Their previous collaboration is the 2014 film FURY, and Pitt’s company is responsible for such hits as THE DEPARTED (2006), 12 YEARS A SLAVE (2013), and MOONLIGHT (2016). Ayer has quite the resume himself, with such films as END OF WATCH (2012) and SUICIDE SQUAD (2016), and a dozen more to his credit.

The film’s star also talks about working with Uber (Odin). “The first thing I had to do was start a relationship with Uber. From the first day, we spent as much time together as we could so I could earn his trust.” For me, it totally shows on the screen. Director Ayer says of his film, “Making any film is a huge commitment of time, heart, and labor. It came down to the script; I felt I was the person that could tell this story and the emotional life it has.”

HEART OF THE BEAST has so many layers to it, which is why I suggest Kleenex in hand as you enter the theatre. This is a story of two friends who have experienced the best and worst of humanity and, because of circumstances, now face the best and worst of a place that can be unforgiving. Ayers uses the most beautiful place in New Zealand’s South Island as Alaska’s substitute backdrop, to which Ayer says, “You can’t tell the difference,” and he’s right. Whether in Alaska or New Zealand, the landscape is a character all its own.

The film runs through every gambit of human emotion, and I left the film totally emotionally drained, but in a way that I want a film to make me feel. It reaches in and pulls us closer to the screen with everything it has. Pitt and Uber bring the story written by Cameron Alexander’s screenplay into focus regarding the issue of PTSD. It also brings into focus the work that combat dogs do and how their response to it is not so disconnected from their human counterparts. They need loving homes so they, too, can find a place to recover and live their best lives.

In the end – survival depends on their bond!

He is DIGGER

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Alejandro G. Iñárritu and Warner Bros. Pictures is a story about a scene that is carried by DIGGER.

Digger Rockwell (Tom Cruise) is a tycoon who is about to find out what a total disaster is, that is, when he’s not worried about Maggie the cat. The discovery that a rig on an Arctic ice shelf has pretty much shaken up the whole world, literally, is driven home by Ganesh (Riz Ahmed), a scientist who had been trying to warn him of the methane leaks. Now Digger has to tell U.S. President Compson (John Goodman) that things are about to get dicey with one of our country's allies.

Considering he is supposed to be close friends with all the major world players, Digger knows what the people need to hear, and he’s more than happy to give it to them. Even if it’s not exactly what one would expect! Letting Ganesh go first, he walks in full Texas gear and tells the ugly truths no one really wants to hear.

Cruise as Digger is a man on a mission. Walking around his wealthy life, pointing fingers at everyone else and finding most people not of any use to him, a disaster seems to bring out the best in him. That is, after he’s done panicking. Watching everyone else break out into a panic is what centers him, coming up with his own suggestions. I think Cruise could not help but have some fun portraying this role. It is so far out there that it’s impossible to mess it up. The deeper the trouble, the more outrageous Cruise takes his character. The character’s basic I-don’t-give-a-crap attitude just seems to heighten the craziness and feed into Digger’s need to call out the world as he sees it. It’s not a pretty world, but damn it, Digger is going to make his space in it golden.

Ahmed as Ganesh actually gave me quite a tickle a few times. Not only does he play a character that is unexpected, but he became an unexpected character for me to watch. I loved his performance in last year's film HAMLET, so in-depth and deeply serious, and in DIGGER, he flips the script, giving us the innocent face of a scientist who refuses to be corrupted by wealth and power. That belief, however, leaves him wide open to being a useful puppet with his naivete and wanting to trust that everyone around him will do the right thing.

Goodman as President Compson is dealing with cancer of the rear end and has moments where he spaces out, turning to his equally twisted staff to call out suggestions. Remind you of anyone? He is so focused on his rear end that he doesn't see what importance a block of ice has in the grand scheme of things.

Shout out to Jesse Plemons for being the character that is there, and not there, until he’s there again with something that needs to be said. You’ll know when you know.

Other cast include Robert J. Burke as Fitzgerald, Emma D’Arcy as Lina, Corey Johnson as Jacobs, Sophie Wilde as Hannah, Danny Kirrane as Sandy Clarkson, and Sandra Huller as Emma Rockwell. Mercedes Hernandez as Digger’s housekeeper, the only hysterically sane person in the whole film.

I get what Iñárritu was trying to do using comedy and satire in a hot pot, with a dash of Wes Anderson. That being said, I’m not sure what audience he is shooting for. Of course, the trailers hint at Les Grossman from the 2008 now-cult classic TROPIC THUNDER, so that could be a draw. That audience would definitely get hints of that character, which is oddly satisfying to watch. Other than that, I don’t really know where DIGGER fits. They’d also get hints of Cruise’s 1999 Frank T.J. Mackey in the film MAGNOLIA. Nothing wrong with recycling.

The questions that will hit immediately are ‘Is this supposed to be funny?’ stretching all the way to ‘I wish this were funny.” In between questions, Cruise’s character rampages on so fast, the questions almost get set aside without realizing it. The character of Digger reminds me of someone who lives on twenty-five cups of coffee a day and little else. Jumping from climate change to oil, to distractions (whether he is creating them or someone else), to Russia, to a twisted Nicholson’s 1992 A FEW GOOD MEN Col. Jessep rant of “You want me to drill, you need me to drill!”, it is exhausting. That brings us full circle back to: who is the target audience?

The saving grace is the last fifteen minutes of the film, but sitting through the first one hundred and thirteen minutes before that is the challenge, although the set designs are fantastic. But hey, if you are willing to take a wild ride and want to feel like you’re in the Twilight Zone for two hours, then DIGGER is just the film for you.

In the end – it is a comedy of catastrophic proportions!

It is THE SOCIAL RECKONING

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Aaron Sorkin, Columbia and Sony Pictures is a story that will hit everyone on social media with THE SOCIAL RECKONING.

Facebook employee Frances Haugen (Mikey Madison) is a data engineer in 2019 who doesn’t really get along with colleagues. Her mind flies faster than the internet and notices things about the social platform that are bothering her. When she tries to bring it to people's attention, they turn away, wondering why she just doesn’t ‘get a life.’ Across town, Jeff Horwitz (Jeremy Allen White), a Wall Street Journal journalist who can’t even figure out how to use the internet to get directions. This is noticed by boss Kris (Betty Gilpin). He does have an idea for a story, though: Facebook.

Sending out emails to Facebook employees looking for help, it is Frances, the only one who replies. Meeting up, the two clash immediately as Frances isn’t sure what she’s doing and Jeff hasn’t a clue about the tech language she uses. Slowly, the two come together and begin working together. Mark Zuckerberg (Jeremy Strong) is practicing what he will be saying to Congress when they meet. With the help of Raya (Wunmi Mosaku) and adversary Charlie (Bill Burn). The more Frances learns that Zuckerberg is responsible for distorting algorithms, not monitoring things like hate groups and false political posts, the more she is scared of working with Jeff.

Zuckerberg, in the meantime, is not only refusing to be responsible, but finding ways to bring in more revenue. But he is forced to look at the results of his lack of caring on a certain day in January. Frances and Jeff know what needs doing; they do it knowing the cost to us all.

Madison as Frances is absolutely, positively amazing in this role. Her character is one that thinks differently than those around her. Always one step ahead in her train of thought, she is brutally honest and doesn’t have time for games. Her exasperation towards Jeff is comical at times, but always straightforward. Fear does take this character at certain moments; I’d be worried if there weren’t moments. The weight of knowing what Frances knew and did had to be so heavy, and Madison portrays it all exquisitely. It only took five minutes of watching Madison to know every second of the film after was going to be thrilling. Up to the very last frame, Madison owned the screen.

White as Horwitz, playing stunningly across from Madison’s Frances. Bouncing off one another’s characters, it is a flawless thing to see. Horwitz started out understanding very little about the workings of Facebook, yet took everything his counterpart had to say as gospel and learned quickly. The more he learns, the more he realizes how dangerous it all is. White gives his character a twitchiness that transferred straight into my brain. Listening to him translate Frances speech helped me understand what was actually happening; I was literally in the passenger seat to the road he was screeching down. Actually, I thought Frances and Jeff had a lot in common in their thought processes and actions. Just amazing.

Strong as Zuckerberg is so freaky that it made my skin crawl in scenes. I don’t know how long it took Strong to learn to copy Zuckerberg’s voice, but it’s there, loud, clear, and unmistakable. He wore the bowl haircut and copied posturing to perfection. It is clear that Zuckerberg gets what he wants, and doesn’t care who he has to step on to make that happen. Strong gives a dangerous edge to his portrayal, as he should. Zuckerberg has made it clear over the years that nothing or no one will get in his way. Strong’s Zuckerberg keeps everyone at arm's length, and when tested, makes it clear that everyone else around him is irrelevant to his life. Thinking he knows best at what the world wants from Facebook, it only proves that there comes a time in everyone’s life where it is glaringly clear, for him, he doesn’t actually know people at all. Nor does he care. Strong brings all of that across on the screen.

Shout out to Gilpin as Horwitz’s boss, Kris, who starts out thinking Horwitz is decidedly a hot mess. I just love Gilpin and am happy to see her take on the strong lady boss role. Mosaku as Raya is a woman stuck in Zuckerberg’s world of hot mess. She tries to keep the boss under control but learns more and more that you can’t tame a tiger. Burr as Charlie portrays, in my way of thinking, the only sane person around Zuckerberg. He knows what’s wrong, he knows why, and he knows Zuckerberg is going to burn for it all in one way or another.

Other cast include Anna Lambe, Billy Magnussen, Wunmi Mosaku, Patrick Fischler, Portia Doubleday, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Nelson Franklin, Nathan Witt, Crystal Balint, Sierra Captri, Jobie James, Erin Boyes, and Aidan Laprete.

To be honest, I wasn’t sure I wanted to sit through THE SOCIAL RECKONING. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed the 2010 film THE SOCIAL NETWORK and have watched it over and over. It was the beginning of Facebook, and it introduced us all to the slightly different thinking of a young man named Zuckerberg. This film is much later in his life, older, yet he is still ‘plugged in’ and seems to really have no use for or respect for the people around him – except when they can teach him how to stay out of trouble. This film is a master class of narcissism, moral corruption, personal destruction, and harm to the masses. Relevant even today.

Sorkin didn’t fall into the whining and crying of the times; instead, he told the story straight, no room for flashy scenes or sneaky ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN shadow garage meetings. He also didn’t try to dumb down the audience. Instead, he calls on the audience to learn the basic terminology and understand a bit about how it all works when we like or share a video from Facebook. Education through storytelling, and let me tell you, I won’t be liking or sharing things for a long time.

The performances of Madison, White, and Strong carry the film in a way that will have the audience talking as they walk out of the theatre. The story covers a lot of ground, but never loses sight of its goal, which I know is going to hit each person differently. Technology has always been readily acceptable without giving it much thought. It has become an easy tool, but for some, a tool of mass destruction. THE SOCIAL RECKONING offers a peek behind the curtain where a lot is hidden. Keep your eyes open!

In the end – we are way past making friends!

It’s For ONE NIGHT ONLY

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Bluray and Digital from director Will Gluck and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is a twist in the world that includes ONE NIGHT ONLY.

In this country, Rexton Labs is a company that has tattooed people that they want to control. Since premarital relations are outlawed, there is one night a year that, for twelve hours, it’s a free-for-all with no consequences. There are no restrictions, and you can’t be arrested for breaking the law. Owen (Callum Turner) owns a pizza parlor and is looking forward to spending that time with girlfriend Malika (Maya Hawke). Meeting her at a restaurant for dinner, his fiancé drops a bomb – she wants to sleep with someone else during those twelve hours.

A few blocks away is Allie (Monica Barbaro), a commercial singer who gets ready to spend the night with Jacinta (King Princess). She makes it clear that she wants to find a true connection in the chaos. Of course, her friend wastes no time in leaving her alone. After Owen’s breakup and before Allie is dumped at the bar, the two have an accidental meeting that doesn’t go well. When both find other hookups, they meet again fighting for the one thing they both need. When that doesn’t work out, they meet again and then again.

Each time, they learn more and more about each other even though they seem to rub each other the wrong way. When Owen gives up, he returns to his pizza parlor and is surprised when Allie finds her way there. Over pizza, it only takes one moment to make one mistake.

Turner as Owen is charming as the pizza parlor owner who wears his heart, and everything else, on his sleeve. Devastated by his girlfriend's request for a pass, he decides that two can play that game, except he’s not good at it. Turner gives us a charming, kind of a boy-next-door, and yes, nice guy character that is adorable beyond belief. The mayhem his character gets himself into had me cracking up a lot. Owen is also observant and smart; I appreciated that. I get tired of rom-coms with idiot characters that just aren’t worth my time.

Barbaro as Allie gives her first scene an immediate Streisand STAR IS BORN hating singing through commercials for psoriasis medication. This twelve-hour intimate window is a chance for her to find someone for a real connection. While that may be her reason, the opposite sex has other plans. She meets every possible thing she doesn’t want in a partner and even ends up sitting on a police bench for her bad picks. Barbaro is cute, witty, and doesn’t hesitate to say what she means. Owens constantly tests her patience, and her ability to be devious about a condom. That means Turner and Barbaro are perfectly matched, even if their characters don’t realize it. More charm for sure.

Hawke as Malika has a small role which sets up Owen’s reasons for his night. Princess as Jacinta is that friend you should never let run off to the bathroom without you. Shout out to Ringwald and Burton for their fantastic roles as the older generation that doesn’t mind getting in on the youngsters' action.

Other casts include Michelle Hurd as Det. Brown, Julia Fox as Skye, Quintessa Swindell as Arya, Charlie Gillespie as Ezra, Okieriete Onaodowan as Tejan, Pete Davidson as Det. Jeterson, Bobby Cannavale as Det. Sannogale, Ben Marshall as Patrick, LeVar Burton as Rick, and Molly Ringwald as Linda.

Bonus Features include Feeling Sparks, Pizza 101 with Callum Turner, The Plus Ones: ONE NIGHT ONLY, and No Glucks Given.

ONE NIGHT ONLY is, for lack of a better description, The Purge except for a night of sex with whoever you want instead of bloody murder. It is a night where all gloves are off (pun intended), and no one is going to stop anyone else. On the streets, in windows, in cars, in the park, whenever and wherever, time is of the essence, and the clock is ticking. Even more so for Owen and Allie as we get to watch them race across the streets of New York to find their one.

This is a rom-com with a twist that sets up the reason for it all. Now, I’m not sure I’d want to live in a country that allowed this to happen, but then again, I hate living in my country now, where this could actually happen tomorrow! So, deciding to take the view that this could never happen (insert eye roll here), Callum and Barbaro give charming performances with two characters that, in reality, think they know what they want, except they don’t. In lies the humor and head-slapping we all will be doing, but in a cute way.

So, after cuddling with your own special more-than-twelve-hour someone, enjoy.

In the end – 12 hours can change everything!

They are Making THE PLEA

Jeri Jaquin

World Premiering this week at the Woodstock Film Festival from writer/directors Zach LeBeau and Dean Imperial is the story of differences when making THE PLEA.

Inside a deliberating room at a courthouse, a jury is getting to know one another and, it’s not working. In the middle of tension, actor Jack Smith, aka juror #2 walks into the room playing it cool. The court bailiff (April Matthis) walks through the room collecting cell phones and shouting the instructions for the jurors.

Sequestered in a hotel with two to a room, close quarters mean getting to know one another, whether they like it or not. In one room, a young woman angry at the world and a Christian woman. Facing off on beliefs, it is clear their room sharing is going to be a challenge. In the next room, two men you don’t care to be known by their number. Charles is living on Social Security and Simon the doctor.

In the third room is a woman who wants to make a difference in the world and another woman who doesn’t see it exactly that way. Across in the fourth room is a very outspoken man who really isn’t a people person and his roommate who has a very strict idea and is very confined by his world of rules. Down at the hotel bar, two jurors are having a drink. Flirting happens, but the humor is in the turn aways. That’s only night one.

The actual first day of deliberations is led by world restrained juror #10. The case? A man delivering embryos at a clinic has dropped tray. Now the question becomes, according to the law, did he commit murder? It doesn’t take long before the arguing, loud fighting, and differences come out full force. When not arguing the case, they each find themselves opening up, sharing their lives, unrealized prejudices, fears and insecurities. Their emotions are night and day, literally.

The cast includes Dean Imperial as Juror 1, Jason Alan Carvell as Juror 2, Danny Deferrari as Juror #3, Alaina Surgener as Juror #4, Trieu Tran as Juror #5, Millicent Simmonds as Juror #6, Antoniette Crowe-Legacy as Juror #7, Kathryn Erbe as Juror #8, Carolina Gutierrez as Juror #9, Zach LeBeau as Juror #10, Rebecca Rose Bulnes as Juror #11, Dennis Boutsikaris as Juror #12, Mara Stephens as the Interpreter and Gbenga Akinnagbe as the bartender.

The characters in this film are each driven by their own prejudices and motivations to be heard and that’s what makes this film so different. Yes, there could be comparisons to the 1957 black and white film 12 ANGRY MEN. Being touted as a satirical noir, it takes on todays issues of American “values”, what is defined as “personhood”, continued prejudices, differences in belief systems all wrapped up in a tangled batch of misunderstandings and raised voices for power.

They dynamic in the amazing actors portraying such a diverse room full of jurors, some who want to be there but most do not, is seamless. It could quite have easily become a mess of control, but instead, I found myself seriously listening to each person on the screen. Doing that alone had me invested in how they handled their private lives and jury room deliberations. Their arguments clearly based in their angers, frustrations, beliefs, need to be heard and refusal to change minds in a situation that is a no-win for anyone.

I appreciate what writer/directors Imperial and LeBeau did with this film. Trust me when I say there is absolutely nothing wrong with being compared in any way to 12 ANGRY MEN. In fact, it is a compliment, at least from me as that film is on my 25 film list. Rather than try to reinvent the wheel or try to re-plit the atom, Imperial and Le Beau took something amazing from the past and brought it into the future with full focus to our current world, and, as far as I’m concerned, honored the 1957 film in the process. Doing that mean the conversations for THE PLEA will be had, repeatedly. Congratulations and well done!

In the end – twelve divided jurors, one controversial case, America on trial!

VAMPIRE CARNIVAL Holds Secrets

Jeri Jacquin

Currently in theatres from directors David Charbonier, Justin Douglas Powell, Capstone Pictures, and Aura Entertainment is a night out in a very different VAMPIRE CARNIVAL.

Gemma (Nell Verlaque) is dealing with the death of a parent and issues at home when mom, Angela (Elizabeth Sanjuan), suggests she go out with friends. A night at the carnival with friends Ryan (Corrado Martini) and Olivia (Paulina Chavez) looks promising. That is until she runs into Eric ‘Post’ (Kieron Moore), someone from her past who left on bad terms. Inviting them all to his tent show, everyone is nervous. Gemma can’t help herself but go.

Introducing the Carnival Gothic portion is Toussaint (Jason Isaacs), who shares his gifts with Gemma. When that isn’t enough, he takes on tough girl Olivia, a non-believer in anything magical with a bad attitude. Taking the stage next is Eric, lauded as “The Man Who Feels No Pain”. The audience that includes Gemma, is stunned, shocked, and full of visceral reactions by what he can do.

Ready to get away, Gemma meets up with Sebastian (Alvise Rigo), who runs a booth and has taken a liking to her. Gemma knows there is something strange about the carnival, and they are all about to find out what that is. Beyond the tents is a world she could never have imagined. Instead of running away from it all, she runs towards it. When those she cares for come under attack, Gemma takes it upon herself to fight the past in the same town that is trying to take her future.

Verlaque as Gemma is a young woman dealing with loss. One night out with friends doesn’t change it, but it does take her mind off of it, until it doesn’t. Meeting someone from the past and becoming quickly close to a carny isn’t unusual when someone grieving doesn’t fear danger. That’s what I appreciated about Verlaque’s performance. The grief is there, and so is the need to find something to fill it. She isn’t outwardly reckless; it just comes naturally. Every step she took interested me, and the ending by her character is a chef’s kiss!

Martini as Ryan is out for a night of fun. Little did he know how far that fun would take him. Each step he takes is exactly what I’d expect from a guy his age. Even standing up to someone from the past is filled with testosterone. Chavez as Olivia is enjoying time with her friends. There is a moment when she gets tense with Gemma; maybe it was the beer, right? Sanjuan as Angela is Gemma’s mom who is trying to do her best by her daughter, but grief is a nasty companion. She is trying just as hard as Gemma to place her grief.

Moore as Eric is just as bad as he wants to be. Not scared of anyone and ready to take on anyone past or present. The scenes in the tent are harsh; you can’t have a bit of a freak show without a true freak. Moore gives his character the right amount of fierceness, and his rendition of ‘Losing My Religion’ is so damn cool. Rigo as Sebastian is a character I didn’t expect. Yes, he has a thing for Gemma; at the same time, he knows who he is and is not in the market for a slaughter of humans. His softness and concern were totally unexpected; way to go, Sebastian!

Isaacs as Toussaint is a low-key leader, and the rules apply to everyone in the carnival, which he makes very clear, repeatedly. Not sure I’d have that much patience. Never would I have believed I’d say, well done sticking to that. To be honest, I love everything Isaacs does, so taking on this role, his understated behavior works beautifully for the construct of what the carnival is.

Shout out to Sanz as Isabelle. Sleek, unafraid, and loyal!

Other cast include Cedrick Cooper as Dan, Darren Cullen as Manuel, Guillermo Llaguno as Father Molina, Eoin Macken as Michael, Sergio Momo as Arnaud, Rodrigo Romeo as Deputy, and Alicia Sanz as Isabelle.

VAMPIRE CARNIVAL is a fun watch for anyone into the spooky season. I love that the film stays mainly focused on the carnival. It lets the viewer become totally immersed in the story, with Gemma’s house being the only other set. I loved the look of the carnival, the feel of it, in that it could be just about any carnival you would find around Halloween. Adding the name Gothic allows Toussaint to slide into town because who doesn’t love things ‘gothic’?

There are several things in the film that are so well done. No, I’m not going to tell you what they are. Nothing screams “spoiler” more than someone like me giving everything away. Just know, my jaw dropped. You’ll know it when you see it. The cast is so good; they vibed right into the story so well, it just flowed without me even thinking about it. That’s the kind of film I enjoy: reel me in and make me forget I’m supposed to be writing about it.

The season is here to get your fill of thrills, chills, frights, and bites. Get that bucket of popcorn ready and an arm to hold on to. This isn’t your usual carnival!

In the end – this is a night out that changes everything!

She Finds Love in WICKER

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/directors Eleanor Wilson, Alex Huston Fischer, based on an Ursula Wills-Jones short story, and Black Bear Pictures, is a love story and village confusion with WICKER.

Living in a small medieval town, Fisherwoman (Olivia Colman) deals with snide comments from those in town about living alone. She prefers living alone and doing the things she likes in a routine all her own. Selling the fish she catches to the townsfolk, they use it as a way to make her feel less than and suggest her fishlike ways might be the reason she isn’t married. The Basket Weaver hears what is being said about her and understands the strength it takes for her to avoid their cruelty decorated with sugar.

At a town wedding reception, a tradition of ‘shaking the egg’ lets the town know who is next to be married. Shock hits when the egg chosen is in the hands of the Fisherwoman. The women decide to tease her as if marriage can’t happen for her. Normally not letting it bother her, one evening she makes a decision. Making her way to the Basket Weaver (Peter Dinklage), she asks him to make her a husband, handing in a bag of coins. A month later, Fisherwoman arrives at the local chapel where her new Wicker Husband (Alexander Skarsgard) awaits. Now, the villagers really have something new to gossip about.

Fisherwoman and her Wicker Husband's affection for one another is immediate and causes chaos in the town’s relationships. Someone who is really annoyed by it all is the Tailor’s Wife (Elizabeth Debicki). That isn’t stopping the new husband and wife from taking care of and learning about one another. While the women are a tad jealous of the Fisherwoman’s happiness, the men of the village do not understand it at all. Jealousy is the virus, and it’s starting to run rampant.

Fisherwoman isn’t used to a relationship, so when vipers start whispering jealousy into her ears. She isn’t sure how to deal with it. But when one woman takes it all too far, the happiness the Fisherwoman has found is only a match away from imploding!

Colman as Fisherwoman is everything I want to be when I grow up. As a woman who seems set in her life fate and accepting how people saw her, it took one snark comment for Fisherwoman to decide to change her fate. While waiting for her ‘husband’, there are several times when Colman gives us a chance to see her insecurities, wondering if she had actually made the right decision. Once she experiences life with Wicker Husband, there is a physical change in Colman. Her character goes from a sort of grey to a brightness that just made me smile, and then back again. Colman takes us on a rollercoaster of emotions, and none of them are rare, which is how she manages to grab my heart.

Skarsgḁrd as Wicker Husband is tall, wickerly handsome, caring, loving, and deeply monogamous. What I love about this character is his inability to see what everyone else does. He doesn’t see her age or her imperfections, and he doesn’t demean her insecurities. Instead, he wants to always offer her comfort through care, affection that flows easily, and a quiet life that is comfortable. If there is a ‘flaw’, it is only that he doesn’t comprehend the behavior of the villagers and the repercussions of jealous people who aren’t happy with what they have. Skarsgard has gone from a wicked, cold vampire of TRUE BLOOD that drove women nuts, to a lovely wicker husband who will once again having women melting and probably never looking at a big basket the same way again. Trust me, those are compliments. Taking on this character, it is the look on his face and the sound of his voice that carry this role by him so damn beautifully.

Dinklage as the Basket Weaver understands Fisherwoman as he sees how the village talks about her. He gets it because the only thing that keeps the villagers from doing the same to him is the way he charms everyone that comes near him. Challenged by Fisherwoman to create a husband, Dinklage has the moment where he contemplates whether he should or shouldn’t do it. I love the scenes where he talks things out to himself. Dinklage’s character is unusually charming, funny in a way that the villagers don’t get, which made me laugh harder, and clever. None of this is a surprise to anyone who has followed his career (not just his iconic character of Tyrion Lannister from Game of Thrones). His role choices are always so versatile, and I’m here for it.

Debicki as the Tailor’s Wife is the woman at the center of the trouble. In a role that reminded me of people I know, she is an unhappy woman who finds ways to destroy Fisherwoman’s happiness and do it with poison-sugar on her lips. The women in the village look up to her, which makes it easier for her to find minions that go along to get along. The twists and turns of Debicki’s character made me wish I still had the foam-looking bricks to throw at the screen. Of course, this means she did such a great job with her character.

Other cast include Marli Siu as Tailor’s Wife’s sister, Nabhaan Rizwan as the Tailor, Ella Bruccoleri as the Baker’s Wife, Ben Ashenden as The Baker, Kiell Smith-Brnoe as the Innkeeper, and Richard E. Grant as the village doctor.

WICKER is being pushed across all media as a naughty story being told, but it is so much more than that, so much more. It is a story of how people who are different are treated, the story of how jealousy is an absolute poison and how a whisper in the ear can destroy. Before the whispers about Fisherwoman became a roar, she was happy with her life and didn’t have the fear of being alone. She didn’t know what she was missing. Once it was put into her head in a cruel way, Colman’s character took over and chose something new. When Skarsgard’s Wicker Husband arrived and treated her like a queen, well, that’s when even more of the villagers' true colors came out.

Colman and Skarsgard together are beautiful, adorable, charming – until it crumbles. But, it must be said, even then, through the many tissues I went through, there is that part that wanted to jump through the screen and rid the couple of madness. Dinklage adds a stunning touch of not just charm, but cleverness that reminds me of how foolish and gullible people are. The film is a lesson that love is love (wicker or not), trusting oneself, and heartfelt commitment keeping the ill-intentioned far away.

In the end – a perfect man does exist!

They are the BLADES OF THE GUARDIANS: Wind Rises in the Desert

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on 4K Ultra HD, Bluray Combo Pack & DVD from director Yuen Woo-ping, Well Go USA comes an epic adventure of unlikely heroes with BLADES OF THE GUARDIANS: Wind Rises in the Desert.

Dao Ma (Wu Jing) and the young Xiao Qi (Ju Qianlang) are bounty hunters looking for a payday. After they extort money from a wanted man, everyone takes notice. That’s when Dao Ma is summoned by Lord Chang (Jet Li), who wants him to train his people. Dao Ma turns him down flat. Walking away isn’t going to be so easy. After resting for the night, Dao Ma and Xiao Qi witness the Lord’s men expose another well-known fighter: the Two-Headed Snake.

Making their escape, Dao Ma heads for the Mojia Village where Ayuya (Chen Lijun) waits to have a little fun of her own with the soldiers chasing. Once safely in the village, the Chieftain calls in a favor from Dao Ma. He wants two things: one, to take the leader of the Flower Rebellion, Zhishilang (Sun Yizhou), to safety, and two, take Ayuya because she wants to see Chang’an along with her friend Ani (Xiong Jinyi).

Not everything is as it seems. The Flower Rebellion still has many who are loyal. With Di Ting (Nicholas Tse) and Shu (Yu Shi) hot on the group's trail, it doesn’t take long before the Imperial Marksman finds them. The Western Five clans meet to discuss the plans by the emperor, but they are in it to capture Zhishilang. Now, the race is on, and Dao Ma isn’t about to let anyone or anything stop him from keeping his promise.

Jing as Dao Ma is a man who just wants to go about his business, making money and moving on. His nature is one that doesn’t want to get involved in anyone’s problems. That means he’s going to be involved in everyone's problems anyway! Jing has his moments of spectacular fight scenes, and once he isn’t fighting, his two main goals are his nephew and staying away from other people's beefs. I loved his role. It isn’t flashy’ it isn’t trying to take up the whole story, yet, from the beginning, it is easy to see who the leader is. Young Qianlang as Xiao Qi is going along to get along. It’s clear he has learned when to step in and when to hide behind a post. He may be small, but his presence is definitely felt.

Lijun as Ayuya is an amazingly strong character. A young woman who knows what she wants, and if you get in her way, well, be prepared for pain to come your way. Lijun gives her character confidence, ability, and the character to defend anyone she cares about. I’d definitely want her on my side in a fight. Jinyi as Ani is Ayuya’s silent backup partner. A little rough around the edges, a little angry, but if you are going to have a sidekick who knows how to use that anger well, then Ani is your girl.

Yizhou as Zhishilang is the masked leader of the Flower Rebellion. His presence is almost like a Buddhist monk. Not wanting to fight, but also won’t be taken advantage of. He may not say a lot, but it’s clear he is a good man worth saving. Yizhou is tall! Yizhou gives his character compassion and understanding in the midst of the chaos surrounding him.

Shout out to Jet Li! His role makes its mark on the film, and honestly, it was amazing to see him back in action.

Other cast include Zhang Jin as Two-headed Snake, Song Sicheng as Da Lai, He Yixuan as Ci Sha, Tony Leung Ka-fai as Lao Mo, Zhang Yi as Pei Shiju, Li Yunxiao as Yan Ziniang, Wen Junhui as Yuji Niuluo, Liu Yaowen as Pei Zingyan, and Kara Wai as Madam Yuchi.

This Chinese film has a full 126-minute running time is just that: time enough to become invested in the characters and time to see how they get out of the mess they find themselves in. With the wide scope of storytelling in the film, it needs every minute to follow the pieces on this desert chessboard. Each character is so well defined and has a place in the story that is set up to challenge us. We learn slowly who to trust, what their motives are, and what our anti-heroes will do to stop the trouble.

The action sequences are brilliant, with moments of jaw-dropping as well. What impresses me the most is the actors making the fight scenes look so easy and fluid. The film basically takes place outside in the desert, which means the outdoors also becomes a character in the film. There is also humor in just the right places, offering a moment to take a breath from the action. This is an action, adventure, and martial arts film worth spending time with.

In the end – heroes can be found in the most unlikely places!

There is a GHOST IN THE CELL

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD and Bluray Combo pack from writer/director Joko Anwar and Well Go USA is a confining horror when there is a GHOST IN THE CELL.

At a local struggling paper in Asia, writer Dimas (Endy Arfian) is thrilled to turn in a piece he wrote about illegal mining operations in Borneo. What interested him most was that workers mysteriously died there. Polishing it off in time, he takes it to his boss, who, within minutes, is outraged that he added suspicions about the Nehea Forest and orders him to redo it. While doing that, something will happen that sends Dimas to prison.

That prison is Labuhan Angsana, where the inmates have broken off into gangs, the official is corrupt, and one particular guard, Jefri (Bront Palarae), in charge, thinks brutalizing the inmates is required. Anggoro (Abimana Aryasatya) seems to be the leader of one group but doesn’t want to be. It consists of Six (Yoga Pratama), Wildan (Mike Lucock), Pendi (Lukman Sardi) and Irfan (Danang Suryonegoro). They see Dimas coming in on a bus and know he will be the next victim of the psychopath Tokek (Aming Sugarndhi).

The first night has the whole cell block on edge. By morning, they are caught off guard when Dimas is still alive, but what sent him to prison has followed. Instead, the prison is turned upside down as gruesome attacks happen first against the inmates, but it begins to make its way to the prison guards as well. Trying to cover it all up are the corrupt prison warden and his sadistic assistant. They cause the inmates to turn on one another. Yet, one by one, incidents keep happening. All eyes turn to Dimas.

Quickly, with the help of Six, they learn how to fight against the ghost that has taken them hostage behind bars!

Arfian as Dimas is the patsy in all of this. How could he have foreseen that writing an article about suspicious deaths would have him behind bars? Arfian’s character is a bit weak, so it’s easy to see why he needs the help of others if he’s going to survive. Aryastya as Anggoro is a man who tries to keep his temper in check, and with two small children waiting for him, it is still difficult at best. That being said, I loved this character. Calm until he doesn’t have to be, and protects people who can’t protect themselves. Aryastya’s character can also take as good as he gets in the fight scenes, which are well done.

Pratama as Six is an essential character in the film. Coming from a father who has mystic powers, most of the time Six doesn’t take it seriously, until he is forced to. It takes a while, but he finally begins to understand what it is he can see and how it can help. Lucock, Sardi, and Suryonegoro are so cool in the group. Their characters are opinionated, sometimes to their detriment, but loyal as well. They also have their humorous moments that I absolutely loved. Nothing better than being totally grossed out only to have this group of guys crack you up.

Shout out to the two crazies of the film, Sugarndhi as Tokek who gave me Hannibal Lecter vibes the moment he came on screen. It is hard to get me to make the icky face, but Sugarndhi’s version of his character did just that. Well done! Palarae as Jefri, well, if you wanted me to reach through the screen and punch a character right in the face, it would be Jefri. This character is power-hungry in the worst way, but, as they say, karma can be patient.

Other cast include Magistus Miftah as Novilham, Faiz Vishal as Vijay, Jaisal Tanjung as Bambang, Ho Yuhang as Rendra, Marissa Anita as/Rio Dewanto as Engy, Radja Nasution as Bibin, Dewa Dayana as Prakasa, Almonzo Konoralma as Buki, Morgan Oey as Bimo, Tora Sudiro as Anton, and Kiki Narendra as Sapto.

Bonus Feature of Behind the Cell: The Cast, The Making of GHOST IN THE CELL.

GHOST IN THE CELL is such a unique horror film, which is also touted as a bit of a comedy, yet loaded with a serious gore factor. The kind of gore that’s like a cop chase or a bar fight; you just can’t look away. What happens to these people inside the prison is nothing short of someone with an imagination that should scare the crap out of us. That being said, wow, absolutely a big wow for the special effects. I can’t remember the last time someone got THAT creative with the human form.

The cast really is amazing. In the confines of a prison, this is all taking place, and there is nowhere to run. That’s the feeling the cast gives; the hopelessness and need to survive go hand in hand with comedy. Watching it you have to second-guess yourself about whether to laugh (and should you feel bad for laughing?) or jaw dropping shock (which turns into nervous laughter – see the problem?). Still, the dance scene of the inmates almost had me on the floor rolling with laughter. Then, of course, it was instantly back to jaw-dropping shock.

Way to play with our emotions, Director Anwar, way to play!

In the end – even a cell can’t keep them safe!

Netflix Lets Us Know What’s BELOW

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Netflix in a six-episode series is the story of an ocean town and what lives BELOW.

While resettling their entire home across the water to Snooks Arm, something in the water changes those plans. Everything is sinking around them and a young boy is forced to make the most horribly painful and traumatic decision. Forty years later the boy has now become a man. Calvin Penney (Josh Hartnett) makes his living fishing for ice since the actual fish have all but gone. Out on the water, he hears a transmission that a boat and crew have gone missing. Losing interest when he sees a nice chunk of ice, he hauls it in for cash but is told the ice is no good. After testing it seems there is something smelly about it. His next stop, a town meeting where resettlement has once again become the issue.

At Seal Cove Ocean Science Centre, scientist Dr. Fonda Howander (Mackenzie Davis) receives a visit from Calvin, he asks that she find out what is wrong with this particular block of ice. Studying it, she discovers that there is indeed something wrong with it, but can’t really say what. Keeping busy, Calvin and son Wade (Charlie Heaton) has arrived at the dock to pick up daughter Mary (Ruby Stokes), and boyfriend Noah (Kaleb Horn) and is worried when son Jay (Rohan Campbell) doesn’t seem to be with them. Calvin’s sister Ruth (Willow Kean) is excited to see everyone together. After a night of partying, Calvin is shocked to see the largest iceberg floating in the bay, and the town is shocked as well.

Calvin is steering clear of any ice until he has answers, but the Crocker company that pays out for it has its eye on the berg and so many more secrets that the town is unaware of. What lies beneath the water brings the Penney family, once again, in the middle of a oceanic nightmare that is a reminder of the past with horrors unknown in the present. Calvin isn’t waiting for the town, the scientists, or his family to stop what happened before from repeating itself.

Hartnett as Calvin is a man living with boyhood trauma. Staying on the island with his sister Ruth, he tried to raise a family and live life the best way possible. Always struggling because of the past trauma, his mind is on high alert when he realizes that something from the past is forcing him to deal with it in order to save not only his family, but the entire town. Hartnett gives his character a second chance to make things right for himself. Nothing worse than trauma that affects every day life and Hartnett embraces that for his character to the point where his anxiety gave me anxiety.

Davis as Dr. Howander is the one person the town should listen to but, of course, they don’t. It doesn’t stop her from supporting Calvin and trying to discover what is in the ice that the Cephalopod wants so badly. When the town is affected by something from the water, she is the only one that can find a reason for it all. Davis gives her character a bit of a nerdy look and feel, but once Howander kicks into gear, there is nothing nerdy about her. Kean as Ruth is Calvin’s sister who is a very strong character always watching over the family as well as being the harbor master. Not wanting to believe what’s happening and protecting her brother, a time comes where she has no choice but to believe.

Heaton as son Wade has issues that he drowns in alcohol and trouble. Once he comes face to face with the thing of mystery, his waking hours are filled with even more confusion for Calvin to deal with. Campbell as Jay is a son that comes back making everyone believe he is living the good life. Of course, not everything is exactly as it seems, especially with Calvin’s kids. Stokes as Mary returns home to visit but has no plans on staying. Believing she would be spending family time, she hadn’t planned on it all being interrupted by the ocean or someone trying to take the island. Horn as Noah returns to Mary’s home to see where she came from, but also has a plan of his own. All of these I can say, kids are kids, sure, but being grown up and still blaming Dad has become so annoying and boring in television and film. What happened to personal accountability?

Shout out to Wenham and Henstridge for their roles. It was fantastic to see them on screen once again

Other cast include Matthew Worko as Mo Abdullahi, Frank Moore as Jim Cricker, Jeff Yung as Jojo, Josh Cruddas as Connor Kopecko, Marthe Bernard as Maggie, Cathy Jones as Irene Tulk, Andy Jones as Clurrance Budgell, Mary Walsh as Mayor Linda, Darrin Baker as Keith Pratt, Joshua Close as Jaxon, Shawn Doyle as Walton, Tantoo Cardinal as Anik, Joel Hynes as Jerry Biles, Natasha Henstridge as Jan Hicks, and David Wenham as Dr. Steve Bruner.

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

The six episodes include Come Home Year, Crown and Anchor, Sir John Franklin, The Ocean Will Have Us All, Little Pot Rock and The Unfathering Deep.

BELOW is pretty much a disaster film that is giving sharks a break. That doesn’t mean I didn’t see some moments that reminded me clearly of JAWS. Calvin and Fonda reminded me of a certain sherriff that no one wanted to listen to until it was too late. Wenham brings a boat filled with expensive toys and at one point I thought Calvin was going to say, “We are going to need a bigger boat.” That being said, to me it is fun to find easter eggs in other films. Happy to give Bruce a break, the ocean now turns to a large angry squid that isn’t a picky eater but still a bit rude.

There are pros and cons to the series. I enjoyed the tension in each episode with no room for much humor, not sure it needed six episodes to tell the story though. The cast does an amazing job portraying this small town that is under attack from the ocean and from greedy human beings. The hard part is that everyone is so torn about what is happening, its hard to get them to agree on anything. They clearly don’t trust one another which is part of their downfall in many ways.

I did love that the series didn’t have a lot of squid special effects, instead, relying on the characters to keep us on edge. I don’t need to see monsters to know monsters are there. The story does try to move around substories that I didn’t think necessary but, that’s just me. I’m more of a ‘focus on the point’ kind of gal.

BELOW will have Netflix lovers tuning in for several reasons to my way of thinking. The fact that it is something to binge is always a good thing. I say this because I’m a habitual binger. A crazed squid is always a nice break away from sharks as well. The underwater special affects with the squid are pretty cool too. Well done in fact. So, with cooler weather expected and a little rain coming, this might be an awesome time to cuddle up and see how what lives in the sea can make everyone on the land fear it!

In the end – something is definetly in the water!