WICKED: For Good

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Jon M. Chu and Universal Pictures comes the next and final chapter in the saga of WICKED: For Good.

Some years have passed since Elphaba (Cynthia Ervio) defied the Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum). Now given the name “Wicked Witch of the West”, she lives in a hideout and still fights for the rights of those that have been wronged. Best friend Glinda (Ariana Grande) is now in the top spot of being the Wizards spokesperson and called Glinda the Good and still being guided by Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh). The handsome, and now Captain of the Guard, Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) is surprised to learn he is now engaged to Glinda but still promises to seek out Elphaba.

In the forest, Elphaba encounters animals escaping Oz, including Dulcibear and the now grown lion cub who is a bit, well, cowardly. That’s not all the changes, Elphaba’s sister Nessarose (Marissa Bode) is now the governor of Munchkinland. Being looked after by Boq (Ethan Slater), he lets Nessa know that he’d like to move on from Munchkinland. When Elphaba arrives, it is her sister that wants to know why the magic isn’t helping her wheelchair situation and that’s when a pair of shoes comes into play and another spell doesn’t go as planned.

Wanting to free the flying monkeys, Elphaba and Glinda think they have a deal with the wizard. But, while Glinda walks down the aisle to marry Fiyero, Elphaba discovers once again that she has been lied too. Chaos breaks and so does a friendship and the only family she has ever known. Madam Morrible decides that its time for something to stir in the wind and what arrives is a house with a girl who is misled with promises if she only brings the Wizard one thing – a broom!

Glinda has other plans.

Ervio reprises the role of Elphaba and as time has passed, she is still navigating how to handle what she knows about the Wizard. Foremost on her mind is helping the animals that are running from Oz and navigating her friendship with Glinda. The flying monkeys are always on the chase for her but, the time that has passed has also given her greater understanding about her powers and what she is able to do. Ervio does her role proud, shares her ability to tear up a song and Elphaba has the opportunity to pave the way for everyone to continue to live a different life in Oz.

Grande also reprises her role as Glinda and time hasn’t changed her innocence and, sometimes, quirky optimism that is continually being taken advantage of. Floating in the world of pink and fluff, her feelings for Fiyero are heightened when it is announced that they will be married. The hair-flips, wide doe eyed looks, the high note songs and followers are still in the film but there are moments where she begins to understand that the world she has in her head isn’t exactly the world in front of her. Grande gets another opportunity to show off her vocal range with a long list of songs.

Yeoh as Madam Morrible is up to her usual dual sides of everything. She wants total control of everything and both Elphaba and Glinda challenge that, each in their own unique and awesome way. Yeoh gives her character the absolute right amount of horrible all wrapped up in high fashion and tornado abilities. Goldblum as the Wonderful Wizard isn’t so wonderful as he lives to create havoc in Oz. He and Morrible have decided who is acceptable to live in Oz and will do anything to make sure their plans aren’t interfered with. Goldblum is a family favorite actor and to watch him dance his way through the role of the Wizard is just so much fun (yes, we get he’s a bad wizard but he’s a good bad wizard!).

Bailey as Fiyero is a soldier conflicted and trying to do the right thing in so many different directions. The pull means it is time for him to make a decision about what he wants, and that decision brings about a change that neither Elphaba nor Glinda could have ever seen coming. Still, Bailey brings the charm of the first film into the second with grander emotion.

Bode as Nessa returns as a woman having to take over for her father governing Munchkinland. Her heart is still with Boq but she becomes conflicted and it brings her heartache. Bode owns her role as the sister of the Wicked Witch but her character is also dealing with the good and bad of what is happening in Oz. Slate as Boq believes it is time to move on from Munchkinland and return to Oz, that is the decision that changes everything for him. I loved the change of Slater’s character in that his emotions run deeper than from the first film, more complex.

Other cast include Colman Domingo as The Cowardly Lion, Bowen Yang as Pfannee, Bronwyn James as Shenshen, Keala Settle as Miss Coddle, Aaron Ti as Avaric, Sharon D. Clarke as Dulcibear, Adam James as Popsicle, Alice Fearn as Momsie, Scarlett Spears as young Galina and Bethany Weaver as Dorothy.

Award season is right around the counter and I have no doubt that the film will be nominated in so many different categories. Currently, the story has three win from the Hollywood Music in Media Awards for Best Original Song – Stephen Schwartz (The Girl in the Bubble), Best Original Song – Stephen Schwartz (No Place Like Home), and Best Original Score – John Powell. Also, the 2025 Next Big Thing award from The Queerties and Most Anticipated Movie of 2025 by the Digital Spy Reader Awards. That is just the beginning.

Director Chu says of WICKED: For Good, “I learned so much from Elphaba and Glinda and I think I’ve gotten to let go of that idea of proving yourself. Even though it’s a fantasy, even though it’s a fairy tale, it’s our access into a human experience. What does it feel like when you believe so deeply, when you love so deeply, when you sacrifice anything? That we will have the capacity to do that. It’s what my parents taught me. It’s what American has taught me!”

The film is everything one would want in a part-two of a film. The colors are so vibrant, the cast is a credit to their respective roles, the music is stunning and the songs, well, the songs are exactly what I’d expect – catchy, charming, emotional and all with amazing choreography. The screen is filled to the brim with so much that it is overwhelming in a very good way. Telling this Broadway show on film was already a huge undertaking yet, it was done thoughtfully and with such talent and craftsmanship on all levels.

This was the top film my family wanted to see in 2025 and we were not disappointed at all. My granddaughter was in awe of it all and was so happy walking out telling me she was beyond excited to have seen it and plans to see it again and again. That’s how you know you have something special, yes, the adults will love it but to see that it has reached the younger audience is hope for other musicals in the future of film. WICKED: For Good, friendship, love, loyalty can be magic all its own.

In the end – you will be changed!

 

 

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 18^th 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 18^th 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 20^th 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 18^th 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. Let’s be honest, the last ten minutes of the film are everything to tender hearts everywhere and that is everything.

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

It is All About HIM

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and streaming from director Justin Tipping, Monkeypaw Productions and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is a story all about HIM.

Cameron ‘Cam’ Cade (Tyriq Withers) has grown up believing in his favorite team the San Antonio Saviors watching his idol Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans) along with his father. While watching a game, the young boy sees White become injured only to be consoled by his father about sacrificing for the game. Years later, it is Cam who is becoming the rising football star with his family cheering him on. Like White, it takes only a moment before Cam suffers a serious head injury.

Agent Tom (Tim Heidecker) suggests that he still try to get the quarterback position with the Saviors but Cam is furious at the notion. That’s when he learns that White might be retiring and wants to train with Cam for a bit to see if the young man might be his successor on the field. There isn’t a moment to sit back and take in the desert surroundings as White puts Cam through drills that would make any other coach horrified, yet, he continues. Cam also received boosters but it doesn’t help with the hallucinations he is experiencing. White’s wife Elsie (Julia Fox) tries to explain her husband’s unique training with a charm that causes problems.

It all comes to a head as Cam begins to understand what is happening and there is only one way to make it stop – and it isn’t with a football.

Withers as Cam is a young man who was raised to love the game and even more the San Antonio Saviors. Watching with his father, that dream could have turned bad after White’s accident but his father keeps him looking forward. Well on his way to being that star, it is a head injury that begins to bring things into a world that is disturbing on many levels. Yet, Cam wants it all so badly he endures everything that is thrown at him – until he doesn’t. Withers gives us the performance of a strong-minded young man going through some very strange happenings. It is definitely a trip from start to finish.

Wayans as White is a man who has tasted the good life that sports has offered him and perhaps his time has come but perhaps not. Putting Cam through every twisted test possible, Wayans isn’t portraying comedy here but instead a very focused and powerful character. It is clear that he is afraid of nothing and, even more, nothing shocks him at all. This is quite a different role for Wayans but he clearly doesn’t hesitate to grab onto it and take the viewer on a ride.

Fox as Elise is not just the wife of a player but a social media person in her own right. She is there to support her husband of course, but she also seems to have an agenda of her own that puts Cam in danger. I love the flippant attitude of Fox’s character but it all slowly becomes clear as to what her role is in the craziness.

Other cast include Maurice Greene as Malek, Don Benjamin as Cam Sr., Heather Harris as Jasmine, Norman Towns as Willis, Gigi Erneta as Ayn, Chase Garland as Ced, Guapdad 4000 as Murph, Tierra Whack as Adrienne, Gerone McKinley as Drew, Indira Wilson as Yvette, Naomi Grossman as Marjorie and Jim Jefferies as Marco.

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

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

Bonus Features include Alternate Ending: Zay’s Nightmare, Deleted End Credits Scene, Deleted Scenes, Becoming Them, The Sport of Filmmaking, Anatomy of a Scene, Hymns of a G.O.A.T. and Feature Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Justin Tipping.

HIM is definitely a film that has a twisted, mind-bending feel to it. It took me a minute to realize what other film made me think this way and it is the 1999 Stanley Kubrick film EYES WIDE SHUT. Co-writer and Director Tipping takes us down a rabbit hole but is it a rabbit hole? Can you believe everything you are seeing? Who do you trust of the people you should be able to trust! No one should be surprised that the film is under the Jordan Peele umbrella as he serves as the producer.

What this film does is bring ‘sports horror’ into a genre that always needs shaking up now and then. Those two words go well together considering how the injuries that happen in football can sometimes be horrifying. Once Cam is hurt, the pressure is on to continue and it comes from all sides – in this case his own agent. Tipping and Peele take the ball (yes, a pun) and run with it in this story of what one man will do to keep his dream alive and it isn’t the normal paved road.

This is a film that is going to bring about a lot of jaw drops because of the literal trip it is from start to finish. Know that going in because that’s what makes HIM so fascinating to watch and by the end there are conversations that will be had about the pressures on players and dreams that can go up in smoke. You’ll never look at a hit on the field the same way again.

In the end – greatness demands sacrifice!

Someone Has Been CAUGHT STEALING

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital and coming to 4K UHD, Bluray and DVD from director Darren Aronofsky and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the chase when CAUGHT STEALING.

Hank (Austin Butler) is living in the Lower East Side spending his nights as a bartender at the local watering hole. The one thing you can be sure of is that Hank is a die-hard San Francisco Giants fan and shares that fandom with his own mother. His love life includes the lovely Yvonne (Zoe Kravitz) who accepts Hank for all his craziness and baseball antics. After a shift at work, they head to his apartment and met by Russ (Matt Smith), a nutty neighbor who is on his way out of town.

That wouldn’t be a bother to the couple except for one small, little, furry thing – his cat Bud. As much as Hank would like to pass, Yvonne agrees in his stead. A few hours later, there are two very strange individuals outside Russ’ door. Pavel (Nikita Kukushkin) and Aleksei (Yuri Kolokolnikov) want to have a little talk with the cat owner. When Hank doesn’t provide them with any information, well, the hospital has a new kidney patient! Getting home, Yvonne lets him know that his life needs changing, especially when Det. Elise Roman (Regina King) visits to find out why he was attacked.

She fills him in on who the Russians were that attacked him, as well as their leader Colorado (Benito Martinez Ocasio or Bad Bunny if you like), and warns him that there are two more monsters coming for Russ – the Drucker brothers Lipa (Liev Schreiber) and Shmully (Vincent D’Onofrio). Hank is thoroughly confused because he has no idea what they want from him. Looking for what could be so important that Russ has, he begins a search and discovers something interesting in the litter box. In the meantime, he’s being chased by the Drucker brothers and learns nobody that’s involved in this is beyond the horrible.

Hank has to get out of his own head and get into the game because there is one thing depending on him to fix all of this – Bud the cat!

Butler as Hank is dealing with a trauma from high school but keeps himself together working at the local bar and spending time with his girlfriend. Quick witted with her and liked by patrons, he seems happy with his life. When the neighbor asks for a favor is when his world is introduced to some very strange happenings and even stranger people. Butler flows seamlessly through the chaos that has entered his characters life and there isn’t a moment of down time. Not bad with the cat either.

King as Det. Roman is hardly in the mood to baby Hank. She is director, forward and makes it clear that the Russians aren’t the only people that are vicious. I love when King takes a role and just runs away with it and Det. Roman can be added to the list. I just adore her. Ocasio as Colorado is an interesting character that definitely needed more screen time to fully understand the big question – what is he saying? <insert maniacal laugh here>.

Schreiber and D’Onofrio as the Hasidic brothers who are in business to make money and don’t take kindly to anyone else handling their money it a bit of comedy in itself. Taking Hank to their Bubbe’s house made my jaw drop and then I broke out laughing. It’s twisted comedy and I am here for it. Kukushkin and Kolokolnikov as the crazy Russians get to play the stereotype of the bad guys. They love beating people up and have no problem being chastised for doing it, in fact, it makes them want to do it more.

Shout out to Smith as Russ who is the reason I don’t do favors for neighbors and Kravitz as Yvonne as the girl who is so accepting of Hanks ways.   

Other cast include Will Brill as Jason, Action Bronson as Amtrak, George Abud as Duane, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai as Dale, Griffin Dunne as Paul, Carol Kane as Bubbe, Tonic as Bud and Laura Dern as Mom.

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

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

Special Features include Aronofsky: The Real Deal, Casting Criminals, Chaos and a Cat, New York Story and I Don’t Drive.

CAUGHT STEALING is a little bit of everything, thriller, chase, mystery, cat, revenge, Mom, football and money. The cinematography is very cool with the 1990’s look and we are taken back to that time when there is a payphone being used – Google that if you’re a little stumped on what a payphone is. The film is so quick paced that there isn’t a lot of ‘getting to know’ the characters in-depth besides Hank. That doesn’t mean it isn’t a fun ride through it all and the cast is brilliant.

Aronofsky has shown up with some amazing films like THE FOUNTAIN (2006), BLACK SWAN (2010), MOTHER! (2017) and THE WHALE (2022). This is the only film that I found my self laughing and then wondering if I should have been, only to laugh again. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy Aronofsky’s dark films, and there are moments of dark in the film, but I enjoyed where this film took me. It must be said that with all the dogs in film, it was nice to see a cat front and center, well done Tonic.

In the end – one small favor leads to one big problem!

 

 

He Goes Up Against ICEFALL

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital and On Demand from director Stefan Ruzowitzky, Arclight Films and Aura Entertainment comes the thriller that happens on ICEFALL.

A gang of thieves led by Drake (Jaymes Butler), break into an underground site and steal $20 million dollars. Loading it onto a plane, the agreement is that the group meet up with their leader Rhodes (Danny Huston) to split up the money. That was the plan anyway. Living on the land in the middle of Montana is Harlan (Joel Kinnaman), a man dealing with the loss of family wanting to be away from people. Checking on his fishing hole in the middle of a big lake, he finds a suitcase full of money and discovers a plane at the bottom of the frozen water.

Ani (Cara Jade Myers) is the local Indigenous game warden and to the land who doesn’t have time to deal with people who want to break the rules. A single mother, she isn’t about to let anyone tell her how to earn a living for her family. Getting a call to help a local who is stuck on the ice, Ani comes across Harlan and discovers what he has found. It doesn’t take but a moment before a black sedan arrives making it clear they aren’t leaving without the case.

Now the madness begins, Harlan and Ani know they must escape or die. Being chased by Drake and his team, the two realize they have to stay one step ahead. They turn to tribal leader Oz (Graham Greene) who has his issues with Harlan but quickly sees that Sheriff Raleigh (Trevor Van Uden) has turned against them all. Being taken back to Rhodes isn’t something either of them are ready to do, fight back even harder and have a bit of a secret weapon that lies beneath the ice.

Kinnaman as Harlan is a man who is dealing with the sadness and repercussions of losing his family. The only way to do that is being alone in the wilderness and fending for himself. Being alone isn’t going to last when you find a mysterious case full of cash. Kinnaman takes his character from solitude into action. What the bad guys don’t know is he knows how to fend for himself and he has to do that with the help of Ani. I am always happy to see Kinnaman on the screen as my first introduction to his skills was the hit series The Killing and For All Mankind and if you haven’t seen each of these, prepare to binge on some amazing work.

Myers as Ani is the game warden who is busy trying to be a single mother in a law enforcement position that her family doesn’t like. Keeping people in line as well as helping the locals, Ani has no idea of what is about to happen. On the ice, the moment she cuffs Harlan, her world is turned upside down and becomes more violent than she could ever have imagined. Myers is a strong character bringing the Indigenous peoples into focus. She also has no problem getting her character to jump into the fray and I cheered her on!

Butler as Drake is definitely a man you do not want to mess with. He makes it clear that he only asks a question once without there being consequences. In the middle of all the madness, Butler shows you can be a complete killer but do it calmly. Van Uden as the Sheriff has a moment in the sun but you can be sure that Kinnaman’s Harlan is going to make sure he doesn’t shine for long. Houston as Rhodes has always been such a fantastic character actor but one thing he is excellent at is portraying bad guys with style.

Shout out to Greene as Oz and it is his last role passing away in September of this year. Greene has always been one of my favorite actors for many reasons but when I see his name attached to a film, then it was definitely one to see.

Other cast include Martin Sensmeier as Pen, Frida Gustavsson as Sirena, Will Fletcher as Ellis, Oliver Trevena as Dax, Trevor Van Uden as Sheriff Raleigh, Bashar Rahal as Carl, Michael Saccente as Jed, Joyce Grey-Carter as Carol, Addam Bramich as Pete, Euan Macnaughton as Lowery, Antanas Srebrev as Miclas, Kelly Gale as Mia and Robert Hall as the Medicine Man.

AURA bridges the gap between artistic integrity and commercial appeal. Formed through a strategic partnership of Signature Entertainment, Capstone Pictures, and Ascending Media Group, AURA specializes in mid to high-end independent films with commercial potential. With extensive experience in distribution, global sales, production, and financing, AURA is uniquely equipped to bring diverse, genre-defying films to audiences, maximizing value across all platforms and windows. AURA ensures filmmakers reach mainstream viewers, delivering entertaining, high-quality films that succeed commercially and creatively, leveraging over 100 years of combined industry expertise. For more please visit www.auraentertainment.com.

Arclight Films is an award-winning feature film production house and one of the world's leading international sales companies for theatrical, television and home entertainment. Arclight Films has sold over 300 motion pictures including the Best Picture Oscar winner Crash; Golden Globe Best Picture Nominee Bobby, Lord of War starring Nicolas Cage, Jared Leto and Ethan Hawke and the company’s own production First Reformed, written and directed by Paul Schrader, starring Ethan Hawke and Amanda Seyfried. For more of what Arclight Films has to offer please visit www.arclightfilms.com.

ICEFALL is the perfect film to cuddle up to with some snacks, a large screen television and a sound bar that will capture it all loudly. Keeping the film focused to the lake and shoreline really does give the viewer the opportunity to stay with the story without distraction. Harlan’s backstory of the military explains his quickness and ingenuity, especially since he doesn’t have any weapons that go up against machine guns. Kinnaman and Myers might have come together in a strange way but their characters both have the determination to put the bad guys in their place.

Director Ruzowitzky takes an interesting concept of a vast frozen lake to bring on a thriller like ICEFALL. Each character has their own storyline with a mixture of bad guys looking for redemption, good guys realizing their blocked path is of their own making and villains are absolute villains. The best part is that is all works and works well.

In the end – they fight till the end!

 

 

It is a World ALTERED

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and coming to VOD from writer/director Timo Vuorensola and Well Go USA comes the sci-fi futuristic world that is ALTERED.

In this post-war world there are two types of people, those who are genetically perfect and those who are not. Leon (Tom Felton), an inventor, is of the people who are considered not worthy (specials) of being with the genetically perfect. Born with a disability, he has found himself a place in the world that doesn't see him but he can invent devices to help people. What keeps him motivated forward is Chloe (Lizza Bugulova), a young girl who has a connection with Leon as he looks to take care of her.

A person Chloe looks up to, besides Leon, is pop singer Mira (Aggy K. Adams) who sings for those who truly need to be heard. Through a strange circumstance, Leon, Chloe and Mira find themselves together realizing that Hughes (Igor Jilikin) is out to destroy all those who he deems imperfect but he isn’t the only one. There are politicians that are using genetics for nefarious purposes as Leon, Chloe and now Mira decide it is time to expose it all and holding those accountable.

Everyone loves an underdog!

Felton as Leon takes on a role that looks to be a combination of being part of the story, fun and even a bit of comedy. Starting out as someone in a wheelchair to inventing something that gets him on his feet, there is a bit of Tony Stark in there and I’m all for it. I realize there are a lot of people wanting to continually compare Felton to his role in the Harry Potter films but I say we get past that. He has, since 2011 and the end of the Potter films, taken on so many different roles and 30 projects since then. This is a very well-done role in the sci-fi world Felton kept my attention from start to finish.

Bugulova as Chloe is quite the little spitfire and finds a home with Leon. They work together to survive the world around them and do it brilliantly. It is she who brings attention to her protector that something must be done to bring awareness of what is happening around them. Like any young person, she wants the world to change destroyers destroyed. I thoroughly enjoyed Bugulova’s performance and her going all-fan over Mira the pop singer had me giggling.

Adams as Mira is the pop star that has everyone trying to go to her concert (very Swiftie-ish) but getting a ticket is near impossible for the ‘specials’. Mira soon discovers that the world off the stage has become unbearable for the specials and that there is secrecy that only she and Leon can uncover. Adams is just as fiery as Bugulova and that makes it fun to watch Felton’s character surrounded by two very strong women.  

Other cast include Daniyar Alshinov, Aleksey Filimonov, Atamura Mussakhanoy, Linda Nigmatulina, Yelzhas Rakhim and Richard Blake as Frank Kessler.

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.

ALTERED is an unusual mix of sci-fi, cyberpunk and narrative that could easily fit in to what is happening today. It brings front and centered the unequal balance between those with disabilities and those who can afford the best medical care. The film also speaks to how those in power do their best to push those that could be considered homeless even further into the outcast of society. In this tale there is no middle ground or middle class, it is the haves and have-nots clearly.

The story that director Vuorensola tells is one that is clearly defined but also makes sure to put a cape on Leon, a man with disabilities. Those in power absolutely don’t see him coming but realize that he could be a big problem (sound familiar?). I enjoy the story between Leon and Chloe because it does show that connection is something that those who are trying to ruin them do not have. ALTERED is a visual treat for sci-fi fans absolutely with set designs that fall right in line with Leon’s character as an inventor and I enjoyed that very much.

In the end – fight for those who cannot!

The Tribunal Begins in NUREMBERG

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director James Vanderbilt and Sony Pictures Classics comes the trial that holds those accountable at NUREMBERG.

It is the end of the war in 1945 Europe, and as people begin to find safe places to live, the United States military is keeping watch. Coming down the Austrian road is a car flying the Nazi flag and the soldiers are ready with their weapons. Getting out of the car is the former commander in chief of the Luftwaffe, Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe). He makes his presence known with a statue of a man who hasn’t realized that being second in command in Germany now means absolutely nothing.

Also captured were 20 other men like Rudolf Hess and Albert Speer and Col. Burton Andrus (John Slattery) is getting a military set up together at Nuremberg. The goal is that American Robert H. Jackson (Michael Shannon) has called upon allied countries to bring an international tribunal against Hitler’s men. Until the trail begins, the government calls in Lt. Col. Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek) to keep an eye on the mental well-being of the prisoners awaiting trial, and especially Göring. Kelley jumps right in with the help of translator Sgt. Triest (Leo Woodall) to see what kind of man Göring is. Almost immediately the truth is clear, Göring is a man who believes he is above it all but does have a soft spot for wife Emmy (Lotte Verbeek) and daughter Edda (Fleur Bremmer) and daughter.

Preparing for the trial, Jackson is also joined by British attorney Sir David Maxwell-Fyfe (Richard E. Grant) as they continue to put together a case that will hold Göring accountable for the camps. Kelley begins spending a great deal of time with the prisoners, especially Göring, to hear what they have to say and get to know them. Trying to understand him, Kelley keeps copious notes trying to unravel what made the men behave in such a brutal and heinous manner, but also thoughts to write a book. He also begins to get a little to close to the personal aspect of Göring’s life.

As the trail begins, Jackson and Maxwell-Fyfe make their statements as Kelley comes to terms with what is happening. Disappointed in the psychiatrist’s performance, Col. Andrus decides it is time to send Kelley home. It is the young Sgt. Triest who has the opportunity to explain why no one has the right to quit until those responsible for the deaths of millions, must be held accountable. All of this happens to let it be known that it cannot happen again!

Academy Award winner Malek as Kelley rushes right into the role wanting to understand what causes such evil by asking “What enabled them to commit the crimes that they did?” Immediately, going in to speak to Göring let Kelley know who he was dealing with. As he and Göring meet again and again, their conversations change tone to an almost friendship-like quality. Malek is caught between two worlds but marches through them both effortlessly. His performance is filled with so much emotion but he keeps it in check as each unique situation arises. Malek gives a performance that should be recognized and applauded.

Academy Award winner Crowe as Göring portrays a man that is loaded with narcissism and doesn’t feel he needs to explain anything to anyone. Of course, his excuse is that he didn’t know what was happening in regards to the camps and that it was under another part of the military. That doesn’t hold water yet Göring maintains his innocence and begins to find a twisted friendship with Kelley. Feeling the weight of being the next in command under Hitler, even the prisoners turn to him during their confinement. Crowe gets a chance to flex his chops once on the stand trying to charm his way into making the tribunal a joke. Once again, Crowe turns in a performance that is stellar and although his accent slips a little at times (I have an ear for that kind of thing), I’m willing to overlook it for the sheer reason that he is stunning to watch.

Academy Award nominee Shannon as Jackson is an American lawyer who wants to find a way to make sure there was a tribunal so that any sentence the men received are lawful. Knowing it is an uphill climb, the pieces are slow in being put together but the pieces are there. There are moments when Shannon’s character begins to feel the weight of what he is doing and yet cannot stop moving forward. I love when Shannon takes on rules like this one where there is so much at stake yet, the character reaches in deep in order to find a way to do what is right for those that are counting on him – and that’s a large amount of people. He is amazing to watch and his stretch with Crowe is a cat and mouse that had me leaning into the film, literally.

Academy Award nominee Grant as Maxwell-Fyfe is the silent lawyer in the room, he listens, takes it all in and when the time is right, he smashes it totally. I considered him the one character that doesn’t fuel up on emotion but simply sees things as they are believing that the truth will surface, even if coming face to face with Göring. Grant always chooses the most interesting roles to play and they aren’t always big roles, he just makes them big. Slattery as Col. Andrus has a lot in common with Grant’s character in that he doesn’t feed off of much emotion (except when being woke up), he takes it in and makes decisions based on what is necessary to get the job done efficiently. Slattery is just a remarkable character actor who can portray just about any character put in front of him.

Woodall as Sgt. Triest is such an awesome character in the film. He is giving us the character of a young man who sees the world exactly as it is because he has a stake in it. Triest watches, listens, and realizes that there is a possibility that things won’t go the way they should – the way we all would think it should. Woodall’s presence in the film is surprising and emotional, well done.

Other cast include Carl Achleitner as the Prison Doctor, Wrenn Schmidt as Elsie, Andreas Pietschmann as Rudolf Hess, Lydia Peckham as Lila, Steven Pacey as General Marshall, Peter Jordan as Karl Donitz, Wolfgang Cerny as Baldur von Schirach, Ralph Berkin as the Cardinal, Mark O’Brien as Col. Amen, and Colin Hanks as Dr. Gustav Gilbert.

NUREMBURG is based on the 2013 book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist by Jack El-Hai. Douglas Kelley himself wrote a book called 22 Cells in Nuremberg and was published in 1947 that contains evaluations, diagnoses and accounts of interactions with the prisoners at Nuremberg. Kelley’s interaction with the trials followed him his entire life.

This is not the first piece about the Nuremburg trials. The first I was aware of was the 1961 film that focused on the trial of German judges and prosecutors who are charged with crimes against humanity. In 2000, the television series Nuremberg touches on Göring but dives even further with Rudolf Hess. In 2015, the BBC premiers a documentary series that reenacts the Nuremberg trials of Speer, Göring and Hess. Having seen all of these, I was very curious to see what director Vanderbilt would bring to the screen as the subject matter can be quite intense.

The director, writer and cast bring together a film that takes a turn that I could not have imagined. The story takes a deep dive into what happened before the trial even began from the perspective of psychiatrist brought in for the prisoners and the lawyers who see the tribunal as a warning to the world. It is Malek and Crowe who give us a look inside Kelley’s psychiatric process and Göring’s inability to grasp his accountability of the death and destruction during the war. Shannon and Grant are characters that are going to make sure that Göring is the first to be put up on the world stage for all to see for his crimes against humanity.

There is nothing pretty in the film, no flower fields or happy faces – the scenes are the darkness of the prison and the destruction outside the doors of the tribunal courtroom. That is a silent character of the film but just as powerful visually representing what happened in Germany beginning in 1933 with the rise of Hitler to the end and the fall in 1945. Keeping the scenes to a few spaces allows the rest of the story to come front and center with no distractions and I appreciated that.

NUREMBERG will most likely be on the list of potential awards as the season approaches and I wouldn’t be surprised if Malek and Crowe make that list as well. You have two Academy Award winners and two Academy Award nominees in this film and every frame shows that. The performances are intense and riveting to watch but, at the same time, shows moments that are disturbing in the thought that it is happening in our own country today. One man makes himself dictator of a country and has a building full of people who tout his destruction and all but salute him for it. As Kelley screams that it can’t be allowed to happen again after the Nuremberg trials, here we are, 80 years later, fighting someone who chooses to hurt people from other countries as well as his own people. He goes against anyone that disagrees with him and attempts to find ways to destroy them – sound familiar?

I absolutely recommend seeing NUREMBERG for a refresher on what happens when people aren’t held accountable and try to understand how it began in the first place. History can and often does repeat itself.

In the end – it should never happen again!