Make its Debut on 4K UHD is the Spectacular CLOUD ATLAS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD from directors Tom Tykwer, Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski, Radial Entertainment and Shout! Studios comes the ethereal story of CLOUD ATLAS. 

It is 1849 and Adam Ewing (Jim Sturgess) witnesses the beating of Moriori Autua (David Gyasi) who has stowed away on his ship. Trying to discover a way to help the man, Ewing goes against the evil ship’s doctor Henry Goose (Tom Hanks) who has other greedy plans for the good-hearted man. When he arrives in San Francisco, his wife Tilda (Doona Bae) discovers his father complicity in keeping people as slaves.

Farther into the future, 1936, composer Robert Frobisher (Ben Whishaw) avoids his problems in the city by going to composer Vyvyan Ayrs (Jim Broadbent) and it also gives him time to work on his own music. When he ran away, he also left behind his love Rufus Sixsmith (James D’Arcy) but it can’t be helped. It doesn’t take long before Ayrs shows his true colors forcing Frobisher to once again make a decision that will ripple through the ages.

Moving even more into the future, it is 1973 San Francisco when Luisa Rey (Halle Berry) gets a message to meet Sixsmith who is a nuclear physicist. As a journalist, Luisa can’t say no to the chance to intrigue and a chance to get her hands on reports about what has happened at a nuclear reactor. Meeting the over-confidence Lloyd Hooks (Hugh Grant), she is not easy swayed by his sticky sweet charm. One person who notices she is trying to do good is Isaac Sachs, a scientist who slips her the report.

Across the ocean in 2012 is Dermot Hoggins who has no problem knocking off a critic after a bad review of his good. Angry with publisher Timothy Cavendish, he asks for help from his brother Denholme but it leads him to a place that now he can’t even get out of because it’s all been a lie and now, he has to deal with Nurse Noakes (Hugo Weaving)! Talking about the future, in 2144 Korea, clones called ‘fabricants’ are the new indentured servants. Sonmi is one such fabricant who learns from others that there is a world outside their existence. Managing to escape with the help of Commander Hae-Joo Chang, she learns of the writings and the history of the past. She decides then that she will join the resistance at a high price.

In 2321, Zachry lives with tribesman in a small village in the post-apocalyptic world. A stranger comes into their midst; Meronym is looking for a station long hidden needing to find a message that will help the Prescient (Keith David). It is the Abbess (Susan Sarandon) of the village who knew this would happen. Knowing where it is, Zachry has to deal with a few matters first as his village is constantly under attack from a cannibal tribe and his own fears as he is plagued by the devil on his shoulder.

Hanks begins as Zachary but he is throughout the film portraying different characters, as most of the cast is. I expect nothing different from this iconic actor and in this film the range of characters are horrible to absolutely lovely. That’s not a bad range to fit all into one film and I loved every rendition he does. Zachary is the most thoughtful and most frightened of all his roles yet, he does everything possible to keep that fear in check in an effort to do the right thing. A signature feeling from Hanks. Berry begins as a journalist seeking out the truth and ends as a woman in the future seeking out the truth. Her journey through the film is that of the all character not exactly playing by the rules but then again, if it gets the job done I’m all for it.

Sturgess begins the film as Ewing, a lawyer who sees the atrocity of seeing a man being beaten. What he doesn’t expect is that the same man would be the reason he lives to become an abolitionist. Sturgess has the looks of innocence which, even after understanding the cruelty of man, his character keeps his faith and face in each instance of his characters. Keith as Prescient has the voice that makes his presence clear and shows that there are no small roles in this film.   

Whishaw as Frosbisher is the rogue of a musician and following his journey is actually filled with such pain and sorrow. I adored watching him take his role with such a riveting embrace, yes, bad boys can find good. Broadbent as Ayrs and Cavendish is such a duality that he makes look so damn easy and flawless. Weaving as Nurse Noakes certainly does give him a run for his money while entertaining me to the fullest. D’Arcy as Sixsmith carries in his character such a fore longing that is only shown on his face, and it is carried for more years than anyone I can imagine would. He is silently beautiful in his performance and the connections he brings to his other characters. 

Sarandon is the perfect person to play the Abbess. She is the calm and the wisdom in all the madness. Okay, so I’m just thrilled to see her in anything but still, watching her be the future force for women is everything. Gyasi as Autura is a man seeking freedom within the chaos of the time but never forgot his humanity, it wrecked me totally with its sublime humbleness.

A huge shout out to Bae as Somni because her character is absolutely stunning, absolutely. As a fabricant she goes by the rules of her programming, yet once outside the bounds and awaken to the world, she understanding what most don’t – that injustice can not remain silent, no matter the cost. Bae is so sweet and charming in this role with her innocence as well, just so well, well done.

Other cast include Brody Lee as Javier, Ian van Temperley as Enforcer, Robin Morrissey as young Cavendish, Martin Wuttke as Mr. Boerhaave, and Zhou Xun as Yoona-939.

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

Radial Entertainment is a global entertainment company operating with FilmRise and Shout! Studios. They have a library of over 70,000 movies and episodes making it the largest independent catalog. Its programming spans a wide range of genre with true crime, reality, animation, action, westerns, classics, horror and so much more. Please visit www.radialentertainment.com

The Collector’s Edition comes in a 3-disc set loaded with bonus content, including a brand-new feature-length documentary with the filmmakers, cast and crew. New Interviews with a Wide Variety of Cast and Crew, Author David Mitchell, Tom Hanks, Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess, Doona Bae, Keith David, James D’Arcy, David Gyasi, Susan Sarandon and Hugh Grant. Also, Co-Producer Roberto Malerba, Co-Director of Photography Frank Griebe, Production Designers Hugh Bateup and Uli Hanisch, Costumer Designer Kym Barrett and Pierre-Yves Gayraud, Make-Up Artist Jeremy Woodhead, Daniel Parker and Sian Richard and so much more.

Bonus Features include New 4K Restoration of the Digital Intermediate, Presented in Dolby Vision, 1080p High-Definition Widescreen, “What is an Ocean…Reconnection the Cast and Crew of CLOUD ATLAS, 7 Archival Featurettes, A Film Like No Other, Everything is Connected, The Impossible Adaptation, The Essence of Acting, Spaceships, Slaves & Sextets, The Bold Science Fiction of Cloud Atlas, Eternal Recurrence: Love, Life and Longing in CLOUD ATLAS and Extended Look Trailer.

CLOUD ATLAS has always been in my top ten films and for several reasons. First of all, it is a ride and a half keeping focus on everything that happens in the two hours and forty-five minutes. The complex stories that are intertwined together bring out every human emotion possible because it is so raw. Adding to that is the music of Tykwer that brings out even more of the emotions the film is trying to tell. The author David Mitchell wrote Cloud Atlas in 2004 and it came to the screens in 2012. In the six stories he tells, the orders jump so that the viewer can piece it together.

It is such a brilliant piece of work both written and on the screen with haunting, longing, awareness and ethereal beauty. Instead of bringing a large cast in to cover all the characters, it is a stroke of brilliance to have the actors play different characters in different stages and it is as smooth as silk. I’ve read articles referring to the structure of the film as a ‘Russian-doll’ and it is a perfect way to say it. What is even more exquisite about CLOUD ATLAS is that the struggles with each story might confuse some but for those of us that are patient for resplendence, CLOUD ATLAS delivers.

In the end – everything is connected!

 

 

It Rings Again in BLACK PHONE 2 on Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital Code from writer/director Scott Derrickson, Blumhouse and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the return of terror in BLACK PHONE 2.

It is the 1980s and has been several years as Finn (Mason Thames) and sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) have grown up quite a bit and taking on the challenges in a town where everyone knows about the Grabber (Ethan Hawke). Finn is trying to hide what happened to him in a constant flow of marijuana to ignore the ringing of phones. Gwen tries to talk to him about it but Finn is closed off. What he does do is protect his sister from her constant sleep walking. Nightmares have become more frequent lately and have become so dangerous, he found her in the Grabbers old house.

Gwen is having visions of children under a frozen lake and sending her signals which she believes are a cry for help. She also begins to hear the same phone ringing as Finn. When she realizes that a camp in Alpine Lake might have answers, she enlists the help of her friend Ernesto (Miguel Mora) under the guise of being a camp counselor-in-training. Finn is against going but he can’t let his sister investigate on her own.

Arriving during a snowstorm, they are greeted by Mando (Demian Bichir) and niece Mustang (Arianna Rivas) and two employees who don’t much care for Gwen and her infamous mouth. When Gwen begins to get stuck in her nightmares, it is the Grabber’s opportunity to continue his reign of terror that affects everyone in reality. Mando learns what Gwen knows and realizes they are all there for one thing – to find missing kids from years past and do it before the monster finds ways to destroy them all. 

Thames returns as Finn but much taller and moodier (teenagers, go figure) either fighting those who know or avoiding his time with the Grabber. What he doesn’t want to accept is that there is no way to get away from it and the telephones ringing are a constant reminder. Even if Thames gives his character moodiness, he does realize that he must gut up in order to help his sister, decent performance actually.

McGraw as Gwen is in the Grabbers sites this time around. She is less hesitant to answer ringing phone and begins to piece together what is happening at the Alpine camp. McGraw gives Gwen more strength and makes us remember that she has a pretty intense mouth on her. The dreams are what bring her to the one person her family has been trying to forget but Gwen refuses to give up until she helps Mando. This is the sisters side of the horror!

Bichir as Mando took over the Alpine camp with the sole purpose of finding a little boy. Once he understands what Gwen has been dealing with, he is all about trying to do the right thing. Bichir is such a marvelous actor and here he gets his chance to dive into the horror genre and does it splendidly. Rivas as Mustang is the quiet voice behind her uncle but doesn’t hesitate to speak up when she needs to.  

Welcome back to the mask Ethan Hawke! There would be no way this film would have worked without him. He is the Grabber, he is the evil and he is the evil that needs to be dealt with. Thanks for showing up to remind us that horror wears many faces but for the Grabber, all of them are evil.

Shout out to Davies returning as Dad Terrence and more into soda than alcohol with Gwen putting into place the last piece of a puzzle that has tortured him.

Other cast include Simon Webster as Felix, Jacob Moran as Billy, Maev Beaty as Barb, Shepherd Munroe as Cal, Graham Abbey as Ken, Chase B. Robertson as Spike, Anna Lore as Hope and Jeremy Davies as Terrence.

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

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

Exclusive Bonus Features include Deletes Scenes, Dialed in: The Cast of Black Phone 2, A Story Carved in Ice, Frozen in Time and Feature Commentary with Director/Co-Writer/ Producer Scott Derrickson.

BLACK PHONE 2 did a few things right and it includes bringing back the original cast because nothing says ‘stay in the story’ like familiar faces. Thames and McGraw together again feels like we are picking up where we left off accept this time, it’s Gwen’s turn to be at the mercy of the Grabber. Also, staying in the era because there is something creepy about the way the 70’s and 80’s are portrayed. Makes me wonder what else I missed during that time that could have been more fun (yes, spooky film fan here). Finally, staying true to the story and not going overboard in changing the history that BLACK PHONE laid out.

A few things I have to think more about is the dream sequences as director Derrickson and cinematographer Par M. Ekberg decide to use the grainy-aged effect to separate it from the waking world. It’s cool but I think a tad overplayed. Does it affect the story being told? Not at all, so perhaps it’s just something that had me overthinking. The original BLACK PHONE was more of a thriller because it made the audience think about the horrors that happened, BLACK PHONE 2 decided to delve into a more delicate world of showing what happened to kids. This film also has more bloodiness to it which is fine but I’m still a thriller kind of gal.

Fans of the first film won’t be disappointed one bit, heck, neither am I actually. The film offers twists, turns, secrets and mysteries that are unexpected and, in the middle, Ethan Hawke and black ringing phones freaking everyone out. One thing is for sure; this is the new fright in the night brought to you by the Grabber!

In the end – dead is just a word!

He is DAVID

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from directors Brent Dawes, Phil Cunningham, Sunrise Animation Studios and Angel Studios comes the stunning animated film about DAVID.

David (Phil Wickham) is a young shepherd who enjoys spending time in the pastures with his flock. Protecting them and returning them back to his village is a position he takes very seriously. One afternoon, David meets Samuel (Brian Stivale) who tells him and his family that there will come a time when the young boy becomes king. Not having time to process the information, guards arrive in the village looking for him to be taken to King Saul (Adam Gold).    

Once at the palace, David can’t believe how different it was compared to his village. When he arrives, he is told that the king needed something to help him with the stresses. David obliges by singing an uplifting song for the king. King Saul sees something special about the boy but he has other things to deal with. It seems that King Achish (Asim Chaudhry) wants to challenge the King of Isreal by sending his largest soldier Goliath (Kamran Nikhad), against one of King Saul’s men.

Hearing this, David finds his way to the battlefield and bypasses everyone to come face to face with the giant. He is about to prove his faith. Growing up with King Saul’s son, they trained together and spent so much time together. But the worries of war are about to be brought for the land again as David must convince family, the village and a king that it is their faith and trust that can bring peace once again.

Wickham as David is a young man who continues to hold his beliefs even if he has moments of concern and doesn’t want to be king. Both Engman as boy David and Wickham as the young David provide both not only give their animated role warmth and strength but their vocals in the songs are beautiful. Gold as King Saul is a man who has his own issues of duality, one minute he knows what to do as king and the next his lets his faith slip with insecurities – especially when it comes to David.

Chaudhry as King Achish believes that strength in numbers is the way to try and destroy a kingdom, what he doesn’t count on is the faith of someone smaller. The character is a bit comical but I enjoyed Chaudhry’s vocal portrayal.

Shout out to Mesika as David’s mother showing what a supportive mother who shares his faith can do for a young man.

Other cast include Brandon Engman as young David, Miri Mesika as Nitzevet, Sloan Muldown as Zeruiah, Ashley Boettcher as young Zeruiah, Mark Jacobson as Jonathan, Mick Wingert as Zaydel, Will de Renzy-Martin as Vaizatha, Lauren Daigle as Rebecca and Kamran Nikhad as Goliath.

Angels Studios is a community of members who have joined the mission to bring meaningful, inspiring and worthwhile stories to life. From the emotional journey of THE SOUND OF FREEDOM to the inspiring courage of BONHOEFFER: Paster, Spy, Assassin, Angel movies shine a light on stories that speak to the soul. Find out more by visiting www.angel.com

DAVID is a stunning animated film and yes, it is a faith-based film but it is surprisingly not church-y. It is truly a tale of a young boy staying true to his belief and wants others to know that they can all be heroes. What the film does have is a wonderful story that surrounds itself with absolutely thrilling animation, lovely songs and a story that most people know. Songs such as Tapestry and Shalom are so well done. It must be said that now my granddaughter wants a baby lamb!

What the film does offer especially is the empowerment that each person has within them. In the world we are experiencing now full of mindless rulers and, in some cases, wanna-be rulers, DAVID shows that it isn’t the size of one person but the size of everyone who stands up to the wrongs and evils that surround us all. Not only does the film do that, but it raises spirits through hope that each of us is responsible for helping the other bringing out the best in us all – and that is an amazing experience.

Gather up the family and spend time with a film that has so much to offer during this holiday season.

In the end – it is about the power of belief!

It is the Return of THE EMPORERS NEW GROOVE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on 4K Ultra HD, Digital and Bluray to celebrate a groovy 25^th anniversary from director Mark Dindal and Walt Disney Studios is the hilarious tale of THE EMPORERS NEW GROOVE.

In a kingdom lived Emperor Kuzco (David Spade), a very narcissistic, self-indulged ruler who only thinks of himself. He also keeps an eye on his sneaky assistant Yzma (Eartha Kitt) and her side-kick Kronk (Patrick Warburton). The emperor’s birthday is just around the corner and he knows exactly what he wants. Walking from the local village is Pacha (John Goodman), a good man who lives a simple life with his wife and children. Receiving a summons from the emperor leads him down the mountain to the palace.

Walking through the palace halls, Pacha comes face to face with Kuzco and is in shock when discovering what the summons was about. The spoiled emperor intends to take over the very hill that has been in Pacha’s family for longer than anyone can remember! Knowing there isn’t a lot he can do about it, Pacha returns home to figure out a way to tell his family.

In the meantime, Yzma has pushed her emperor too far making royal decisions without his permission. So, Kuzco decides its time to downsize and that Yzma should retire. This doesn’t go well with Yzma and she decides that its time to take steps. Relying on Kronk to help was her first mistake and at a dinner, Yzma’s plan hatches as Kuzco has gone from two legs to four! When the llama ends up in Pacha’s yard, it is time for the two to journey back to the palace and do whatever it takes to get the kingdom back.  

Spade as the voice of Kuzco is the voice I hear in my head when I think “Boom baby!” amongst other iconic lines from the film. He is sheer perfection as the narcissistic and shady emperor giving such life to this animated character. Kuzco may be those horrible things but good grief Spade gives it all such hilarity no matter how many times I see this film. Spade gets the chance to voice a character is as bad as he wants to be and it works from start to finish.

Goodman as Pacha is such a kind and loving man who just wants to take care of his family. It is a tad heart tugging when he realizes what Kuzco has in mind for his generational home. Goodman’s voice lends the opposite of the main character with compassion, even when it could have been easier to walk away with Kuzco needed help. Instead, he believes in kindness and another way, even if Yzma is hot on their trail.

Kitt as Yzma is another delicious voice in the film with her ability to bring everything crazy (both good and bad) into this character. This had to be absolute fun for her and Yzma is now an iconic Disney character that my whole family loves. Yes, she isn’t very nice but karma is waiting just around the corner for her. Warburton as Kronk, as much as we love all the characters, has a special ‘favorite’ place in our family’s heart. The scene where he is walking along the wall doing his musical Mission Impossible theme, is something we all still do. Also, who doesn’t squeakity-squeak-squeak to the local squirrel population.

Other cast include Kellyann Kelso as Chaca, Eli Linnetz as Tipo, Stephen Anderson as Ipi, Bob Bergen as Bucky, Patti Deutsch as the grub waitress and Wendie Malick as Chicha.

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

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

Special Features include Deleted Scenes, Audio Commentary, Music Videos, Featurettes: The Research Trip, Character Voices, Creating Computer Generated Images and The Emperor’s Got Game, and Theatrical Trailers for THE EMPEROR’S NEW GROOVE.

This film is on of Disney’s stories that doesn’t get as much accolade as it should, and it absolutely should. It is fun, hilarious, charming, full of adventure, and colorful with a cast that absolutely killed it. The best part of Disney’s animated films is that watching them again and again (and again times a million) shows how wonderful we hold these stories. I have to say I’m not a fan of the Disney live-action films because it takes something special away from the artistry that comes from the animated films.

It is hard to believe that I watched THE EMPEROR’S NEW GROOVE with my children only to have them now share with their children. Also amazing is that all of us still laugh as much now as we did when the film was released in 2000. The release in 4K UHD just brings the crispness and vibrant colors out even more and, if you have a cool large flatscreen, means you can have more people over for a Disney movie night.

Spade, Goodman, Kitt and Warburton, along with director Dindal, brought magic 25 years ago, and that magic is still being felt these years later. Gather up the family because it is time to find out what the fun is all about with a little BOOM BABY!!

In the end – it is all about HIM!

TRON: Ares Opens a New Chapter

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital this week from director Joachim Ronning and Walt Disney Pictures and coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD is the return outside the game with TRON: Ares.

There is a battle brewing in the computer world between Eve Kim (Greta Lee), the CEO of ENCOM and Julian Dillinger (Evan Peters) who is the CEO of Dillinger Systems. What these two mega-techs want is something Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) has hidden, the Permanence Code. While Eve spends her time going through her sisters notes and computer, Dillinger has made a connection inside the digital world creating Ares (Jared Leto). Kim wants to use the code to help the world and Dillinger wants it to creates weapons that can make him millions.

Ares mission is to find the code and bring Kim to Dillinger. Bringing his team, Ares has the help of Athena (Jodie Turner-Smith) who takes directives seriously. After a chase, Dillinger manages to send Kim inside the same code as Flynn yet Ares is beginning to understand what is happening and doesn’t agree with the ‘creators’ programming. What he does want is to remain outside and see the world that he’s beginning to understand. Dillinger is furious and does something causing Athena to go after Kim and now Ares. Dillinger is unstoppable, just ask his mother Elizabeth (Gillian Anderson).

Kim team up to put a stop to Dillinger with the help of Ajay (Hasan Minhaj) and Seth (Arturo Castro) to fight against Athena. Ares goes back inside the program and meets the one person who can help get what they all want – Kevin Flynn. The fight is on as both sides become aware that this is not a normal fight!

Leto as Ares begins as a 29-minute killing machine but soon begins to experience something that isn’t part of his programming – curiosity. Taking in everything around him and meeting Kim makes it clear that the ‘creator’ Dillinger is not who he seems to be. I love that Leto’s character discovers a conscious, is awaken by the simplest of feelings (ie Depeche Mode) and has a dry sense of humor that I enjoyed. This is such a cool role for Leto playing the armored silent type who knows the game Dillinger is playing, literally.

Lee as Eve is still dealing with the death of her sister but also knows that looking for the Permanence Code means following the bread crumbs her sister left behind. Instead of freaking out at every turn, Lee takes it all in and adapts quickly to Ares’ world. This a role that has so much happening with Lee’s Eve being smart, quick and creative every step up to the final scene. Turner-Smith as Athena is angry at every turn but more-so when she sees Ares and Kim together, almost a computer jealousy deal. When Ares decides to go rogue, Turner-Smith’s Athena has no issue with taking the lead of destruction. What a fantastically ‘angry’ role that looked like it was a lot of fun to do.

Castro as Seth understands that Eve knows what needs to be done and he is her right-hand shadow. When Ares shows up, Seth’s reaction is hilarious but doesn’t stop him from getting the job done. Minhaj as Ajay has a smaller, chaotic role but he also brings about a sense of humor that is based on the madness happening around him. I loved both these guys!

Mr. Bridges, the Dude abides, returns as Flynn explaining to Ares about his choices. He hasn’t lost his swagger or his pearls of wisdom and I personally am thrilled he returned to role he first played in the summer of 1982.

Other cast include Sarah Desiardins as Erin, Cameron Monaghan as Caius and Selene Yun as Tess Kim.

Walt Disney Studios incorporates Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and more. There are exclusive originals with new feature films, shows, short form content, documentaries, and actions films such as the highly anticipated upcoming film THE MANDALORIAN. For more information, please visit www.disney.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 Deleted Scenes (Seth’s Date, Burning Man, Lisberger Cameo), The Journey to Tron, Lightcycles on the Loose, The Artistry of Tron, Cast Conversations, and The Legacy of Tron.

It should be noted that Nine Inch Nails is responsible for the film’s soundtrack. It is punching loud and doesn’t hold back providing perfection for the action scenes. It pulsates so much that your chair is moving and your feet are being musically massaged. I have to say I actually enjoyed every bit of it. Another part of the film I enjoyed was the return of some memorable things but I’m not about to expand on that!

TRON: Ares is visually stunning and there is no doubt about that. The action is intense and it is a 119-minute eye workout. The Light Cycles are still amazing to watch and as cool as ever to watch. What is stunning is that writer Jesse Wigutow stayed true to the original story but adding a twist that the digital world finds itself in the real world. Seeing the film in IMAX is such a bonus and I can’t imagine experiencing it any other way. TRON fans will not be disappointed in the slightest.

In the end – there is no going back!

In the Water is the BEAST OF WAR

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Bluray and DVD from writer/director Kiah Roache-Turner and Well Go USA is the struggle of war and an unexpected force in the BEAST OF WAR.

It is World War II and young Australian soldiers are training for war, but not for the one they anticipated. Crossing the Timor Sea, it doesn’t take long before their boat is hit and sinks. Leo (Mark Coles Smith) helps to rescue as many from the sea as he can including Will (Joel Nankervis), Teddy (Lee Tiger Halley), Thompson (Sam Parsonson) and Stan (Maximillian Johnson) and Kelly (Sam Delich). Leo is the lone Aboriginal soldier and that does not escape the constant hits by Kelly causing a rift between the two.

Floating together on a large piece of the ship, the soldiers quickly discover that they are being hunted more than if they were on land. It doesn’t take long before Kelly begins to aggravate the survivors with his nastiness and deceptions. Leo tries to keep the group focused on survival, and he knows a little bit more about it than the others. What lies below the water shows no mercy and only cares about one thing, dragging each one down into the dark waters.

It is a battle of wills both above and below the water!

Smith as Leo is an aboriginal soldier that is not only dealing with being paid less than the other soldiers but also being looked down upon for his culture. Yet, that being said, there isn’t a part of him that isn’t respectful and wanting to help anyone who needed it – even if it means taking on a bully fellow soldier. I loved that about Smith’s portrayal of this character, it is his own experiences that keep him level headed and empathetic to everyone, even Kelly.

Delich as Kelly is just a plain hot mess of a human being that finds pleasure in ridiculing and degrading everyone around him. Even trapped out at sea, Kelly doesn’t hesitate to use psychological meanness in the secret hopes to be a survivor. Delich gives an outstanding performance of exactly what a “bad guy” would do and every good movie needs one bad guy besides what’s beneath their raft.

Nankervis, Halley, Parsonson, and Johnson each play soldiers that clearly have every reason to be afraid and look for leadership in Leo. They are young and already afraid of everything that comes with war – except an enemy with teeth. Each one of these actors gave something unique to the story being told and added another layer of horror to a horrific attempt at survival.

Other cast include Tristan McKinnon as Bobby, Steve Le Marquand as Sergeant, Lauren Grimson as Hazel, Laura Browne as Susan, Jay Gallagher as Corporal Gallagher, Aswan Reid as Archie and Masa Yamaguchi as Commander Harada.

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

The film is inspired by the actual 1942 sinking of the HMAS Armidale losing 100 men, but also is reminiscent of the USS Indianapolis that sank in in 1945 after delivering components of the atomic bomb. They also experienced a similar experience with over 879 deaths.

There are plenty of man vs. ocean films and, lets be honest, some are excellent and some are not so good. BEAST OF WAR takes us on a roller coaster ride because not only are they fighting for their lives on the open ocean, but they are dealing with the tension and intentions of everyone left on the small piece of leftover ship. There isn’t a moment in the film where those two things aren’t so intertwined that it is easy, for a fraction of a second, to forget that each other isn’t the biggest problem!

Director Roache-Turner didn’t attempt to reinvent the man vs. shark films but instead took a true story, put in actors who add another layer and surround it all with man’s worst fear about water and war. The soldiers didn’t know whether to look for a fin in the water or look straight for the enemies’ ships or up for enemy planes! Also added was the ‘no fear’ aspect of putting in some of the harshest attacks on the soldiers so horror you want, horror you get.

BEAST OF WAR is such a combination of war, soldiers, fear, personal conflicts, culture, and survival that it is a serious watch. Coming in at eighty-seven minutes, it is full throttle from beginning to end so don’t look away.

In the end – survival is the mission!

 

 

 

 

The Law is Back with ZOOTOPIA

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres in time to enjoy the holiday weekend from writer/director Jared Bush, Byron Howard and Walt Disney Animated Studios is the return of the badges with ZOOTOPIA 2.

Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) are now partners at the Zootopia Police Department and are trying to find the next big case. When things go a little wrong with a smuggling ring, there is tension between Judy and Nick causing Chief Bogo (Idris Elba) to send them to partner therapy with Dr. Fuzzby (Quinta Brunson). Judy can’t stop thinking of what she found during the smuggling ring which is a snake skin and talks Nick into helping her investigate.

Doing a bit of investigating, Judy learns that the Lynxley family might have some clues and the only way to find out is attending the Zootenial Gala. Nick is not happy about going but tags along to see if a snake is also going to be there. While there, Judy meets Pawbert Lynxley (Andy Samberg) who is the awkward one of the family but their conversation doesn’t last long as a snake strikes and steals a book describing the different parts of Zootopia. Family head Milton Lynxley (David Strathaim) and his guards are also on the chase.

When Judy catches the Gary the snake (Ke Huy Quan), he tells her something about the book that could help his family but Lynxley turns on the officers and now they have to escape. There only way out of this bind is to find Gary with the help of Mr. Big (Maurice LaMarche) and discover Maplestick (Fortune Feimster) who shares that they are in the part of town where outcasts can be themselves.

Once they find Gary, Judy discovers what the book means and how there are secrets that some people want to keep quiet and will do anything to do that. Judy and Nick need to do what they are good at, getting answers!

Goodwin as Judy is a bunny with a plan and it also means she’s investigating because, well, she is driven to catch the bad guys. I just love her voice in this role and it fits so perfectly. Goodwin’s voice is so, dare I say, animated. Bateman as Nick is just what one would expect from him. He is so good at doing sarcasm and dry humor that I’m all for it. He provides the laughs as a fox who still has a bit of the bad guy in him which comes in very handy.

Quan as Gary the snake has made my whole family decide that its time to get a Gary-plushy! This is such a charming character that takes all the scary out of snakes but instead makes you want to cuddle the stuffing out of him. Samberg as Pawbert gives the same hapless and helpless lynx that just wants to fit into his family. Strathaim as Milton is the strong arm of the family and nothing is going to stand in his way of keeping the family name at the top of Zootopia’s list.

Shout out to LaMarche as Mr. Big because I just love this character. He proves that you should never judge a book by his size – or else! Feimster is hilarious as Maplestick with her outcast wisdom and pure joy of life.

Other cast include Shakira as Gazelle, Patrick Warburton as Mayor Winddancer, Nate Torrence as Benjamin Clawhauser, Bonnie Hunt as Mom Hopps, Don Lake as Dad Hops, Mccaulay Culkin as Cattrick Lynxley, Wilmer Valderrama as Higgins, Brenda Song as Kitty Lynxley, Leah Lathan as Fru Fur, Raymond S. Persi as Flash Slothmore, John Leguizamo as Antony Sootley and Danny Trejo as Jesus.

That’s not all! There is also Tommy Lister Jr., Mario Lopez, Auli’I Cravalho, Alan Tudyk, Jenny Slate, Josh Gad, Tommy Chong, Josh Dallas, Celia Strong, June Squibb, Tig Notaro, Yvette Nicole Brown, Dwayne Johnson, Ed Sheeran, Robert Irwin, and Michael J. Fox,

There are films that have a difficult time have a sequel because moviegoers want their characters to stay their same loveable selves. ZOOTOPIA 2 doesn’t have any worries on that score at all. I am saying this proudly that the film is actually funnier than the first. Right? Can’t believe I said that right? ZOOTOPIA 2 just took the story and threw everything at it but the kitchen sink and it all worked and worked beautifully.

The story is a solid one, the action is amazing, the animation is pure gold and the cast brought in was just fun, fun, fun. Let by Goodwin and Bateman, I can see why so many wanted to join in, I mean just look at the list, and there are many more. Let’s also not forget the Easter Eggs that are all over the film and it is so much fun to spot them, trust me, we had a blast. There is one very cool egg that should make Stephen King giggle especially.

So, with this week leading up to Thanksgiving, it means the kids are home. This is not only a kid movie but the adults are going to have to much fun watching it as well. Gear up and be prepared to start the holiday season with the best the animal world has to offer with ZOOTOPIA 2.

In the end – they are back with a twissssst!