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!

 

 

It is our Love for EDWARD SCISSORHANDS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Celebrating the 35^th Anniversary on 4K Ultra HD Steelbook from director Tim Burton and Walt Disney Home Entertainment is the full restored with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio is the release of the iconic EDWARD SCISSORHANDS.

Living up on the hill in a mysterious mansion lives Edward (Johnny Depp) and one day sales lady Peg (Dianne West) decides it’s time to expand her client base. Arriving at the home, she finds Edward living by himself and invited him to come home to her suburban neighborhood. Of course, this comes as a surprise to husband Bill (Alan Arkin) and kids Kevin (Robert Oliveri) and teen daughter Kim (Winona Ryder) with unimpressed boyfriend Jim (Athony Michael Hall). Understandably they are curious about the one thing that stands out about Edward, and that is his scissor hands.

Also curious are the neighbors, especially the very religious Esmerelda (O-Lan Jones) and the town flirt Joyce (Kathy Baker) each for their own reasons. Slowly, as the town sees what Edward can do, they embrace him and his beautifully creative talents. Keeping to himself, he begins to have feelings for the lovely Kim with an angry eye watching from Jim. From neighborhood trees to the ladies of the town, it is one creation after another until one neighbor decides its time to put fear in the hearts of the town.

That causes one horrible mishap after another as those who once embraced him, turn quickly into something more vicious than Edward could ever be. The end is devastating as a beautiful love is turned into something heartbreaking – but one can always dance in the snowfall.

Depp as Edward portrays a soul that is so deep and beautiful that it is almost impossible to believe that people could be so cruel to him – almost impossible. Depp’s performance is filled with such unspoken feeling that it oozes from every expression on Edward’s face and it is stunning. The character of Edward is iconic for so many reasons but the most important is because he is relatable in wanting to fit in and wanting to be loved, not used. I never miss a chance to watch this film and have shared it with kids and grandkids discovering they see exactly what I do.

West as Peg matches Depp’s endearing qualities as a generous lady who tries to see the good in people and sees beyond the surface which she does with Edward. West has always been an actress I have admired for her character choices but in this film, she is just the emotional match for Edward’s character in wanting to feel appreciated by her family and loved. Arkin as Bill believes in “happy wife-happy life” and goes along with her Edward-project. He treats the young man so well and learns to see beyond the scissors.

Ryder as Kim is a teen girl just going about her life doing all things teen, even having the wrong boyfriend as another relatable moment. Once past the obvious issue with his hands, the character of Kim follows along with her mother seeing something magical about what Edward can do and, discovering about herself, that she is worthy of someone who sees how special she truly is. This is such a wonderful role for the young Ryder and it stands the test of time. Baker as Joyce is that neighbor, we also can all relate too, narcissistic, gossiper and trouble maker to the point of destruction. She plays this role to the hilt and setting off a chain reaction that makes her character completely unlikeable – a sign of a performance well done!

Shout out to Hall as Jim, the boyfriend who needs to be thrown out of a window, I’ll let Edward take care of that for us all. I do love Hall being an 80s film lover and this was the next step up in his career.

Other cast include Conchata Ferrell as Helen, Susan Blommaert as Tinka, Caroline Aaron as Marge, Dick Williams as Officer Allen, Peter Palmer as the paper editor, John Davidson as the TV host and Vincent Price as The Inventor.

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!

Bonus Features include a New Featurette: A Behind-the-Scenes Look with Cast and Crew and Audio Commentary: Two Separate Commentary Tracks, One from Director Tim Burton, One from Composer Danny Elfman and Trailers: High-Definition Versions of the Original Theatrical Trailers.

EDWARD SCISSORHAND is being released on Steelbook, which I love because it looks so awesome on the home entertainment library bookshelf! This is a film that has stayed in the hearts of everyone who first saw it in the 90s and is being seen by two more generations since in my family. It has actually on the list of Christmas films because it is so magical from Edward’s innocent look at the world to an ending that reminds us all that beauty can be found in the falling of snow, no matter where it comes from.

Director Burton continued after this film to bring such memorable stories as BEETLEJUICE, THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, joining Depp again for ED WOOD, MARS ATTACKS!, CORPSE BRIDE, 9, FRANKENWEENIE, and ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS, and many more. What all of these films have in common live in the mind of Burton and his ability to bring so many elements that have made this film so worthy of admiration.

From set designs, to special effects, costumes and animation, it is clear that families know what they like and it is what lives in Burton’s imagination. EDWARD SCISSORHANDS will always have a place in our hearts because he reinforces that it is about what is in our hearts and not on our hands.

In the end – his scars run deep!

Revisit the Goodbye with DOWNTON ABBEY: The Grand Finale

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K UHD, Bluray and currently on Digital from director Simon Curtis, Focus Features and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment based on the story created by Julian Fellowes is the ending of an era with DOWNTON ABBEY: The Grand Finale.

It is the 1930’s and the Crawley family is learning to literally change with the times. Beginning with the visiting the London stage show with Guy Dexter (Dominic West) and assistant Barrow (Robert James Collier). Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville), Countess Cora (Elizabeth McGovern), Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael) and husband Bertie (Harry Hadden-Paton) go backstage and meet the ever-popular Noel Coward (Arty Froushan). It is the height of the season and the next evening Lady Petersfield (Joely Richardson) has a ball and Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) is dressed to the nines. That is when Mary’s world comes once again crashing as news of her marriage changes her social status.

Coming back to England is brother Harold (Paul Giamatti) who is visiting to update Cora on their late mother’s estate bringing advisor Gus Sambrook (Alessandro Nivola). The family happily returns to Downton welcomed by butler Carson (Jim Carter) who is turning over the reins to Andy (Michael Fox) under the watchful eye of Mrs. Hughes (Phyllis Logan). He is not the only one retiring as Mrs. Patmore (Lesley Nicol) is also preparing to depart Downton and leaving it in the hands of Daisy (Sophie McShera). Anna (Joanne Froggatt) is still by Mary’s side as is husband Bates (Brendan Coyle) caring for his Lordship. Baxter (Raquel Cassidy) and Mr. Molesley (Kevin Doyle) are still part of the downstairs staff as well. They all know what is happening with Lady Mary and, as always, keep their knowing to themselves.

Arriving at Downton as well is Tom Branson (Allen Leech) bringing daughter Sybbie (Fifi Hart) to visit and be a support to the family and Lady Mary. Isobel (Penelope Wilton) also comes to the family to talk about the upcoming family-community event asking Daisy and Mr. Carson to be part of committee much to the dismay of Sir Moreland (Simon Beale). If all of this wasn’t enough on the Crawley calendar, decisions on changes that have Lord Grantham must now make in order to keep their legacy growing.

Each come to terms with where they have been in their time at Downton Abbey and know that change is not always something to fear.

Other cast include Paul Copley as Albert Mason, Douglas Reith as Lord Merton, Lisa Dillon as Princess Arthur, Sarah Crowden as Lady Manville, Oliver Barker as George, Eva Samms as Marigold, and Rose Galbraith as Lady Gwendoline.

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.

Bonus Features include Changing Times, Society Season – Lady Petersfield’s Ball, Ascot Race and the Country Show, Authentic to the Core, A Farewell to Fans, DOWNTON ABBEY Celebrates The Grand Finale and Feature Commentary with Director Simon Curtis and Actress Elizabeth McGovern.

Now, let me get my Downton Abbey teapot of Earl Grey, teacup/saucer and my delicate plate of madeleines and box of tissues before I start this. Okay, here we go –

I accidentally discovered DOWNTON ABBEY in 2011 while watching another success story with The Great British Baking Show. For year, those shows were my Sunday night back-to-back fun that I could not get enough of. The cast of DOWNTON ABBEY drew me in immediately (as I am a huge fan of period pieces in television and film) and the storyline was riveting, powerful and thought provoking. The Crawley family, being led by Lord Grantham, are important to the community providing positions in the household as well as farming. From the beginning, the family dynamics were so interesting with Cora being the American wife and three daughters who were clearly so very different. Navigating their world from two different perspectives and finding themselves lost occasionally, Robert and Cora were the stabilizing force of Downton. All of it played beautifully by Bonneville and McGovern with an ending that they deserved that was graceful and loving.

Mary, Edith and Sybil were headstrong, insecure, lovely and met the challenges that the world brought them. Mary found Matthew, Edith found Bertie and Sybil found her prince charming in Tom Branson. Dockery as Mary saw more than her fair share of difficulties but the fact is, when the time came, she knew how to stand tall no matter who tries to knock her down in a time where women scratched harder than we, today, could have imagined. Carmichael as Edith began as a shrinking violet in life, love and an older sister who, at times, was not very nice. Yet, the more she experienced, the more she literally grew and deserved a loving and happily ever after. Findlay played Sybil for years and has never been forgotten season after season up until the last.

Stevenson played Matthew and he, as well, was not forgotten for Mary and I adored that about her. Patton as Bertie gave us a man who was content in his life and when it turned around, he became secure in who he was to become with Edith at his side. Now let’s talk Branson, Leech gave us a bit of Irish rebellion while wearing a chauffer’s uniform. He loved Sybil, lost himself in trying to mix working class with Downtown Abbey and it was a story within itself. I loved watching Leech grow and it was so well done.

Downton could not have been without the staff who kept the household together beginning with Mr. Carson. His story began as a young man working in the Crawley household working his way up to butler and always keeping an eye on Lady Mary. He was tough, secretly gentle but always, always put Downton first! That caused a few eyerolls from Mrs. Hughes, played by Logan, who was a woman of straight talk, a shoulder to cry on and believed that every person in service could be more than they could ever have imagined. Sharing the downstairs was the woman behind the dinners as Mrs. Patmore, played by Nicole, who made the kitchen her place of creation with pride in those she cooked for. Keeping her company was McShera as Daisy, a wide eyed, questioning and sometimes moody “sous chef” who often wondered if she’d ever be as good as her mentor. She does finally find a life with Andy, played by Fox, who shares his story of climbing the ladder of service but with a subdued character that made him instantly likeable.

Taking care of Mary’s needs was Froggat’s Anna, a woman with heart, soul and a person that trouble seems to follow on the regular. I just adored the character of Anna as such a stable force among the downstairs and even when her life was just in shambles, she found her way back. Mr. Bates might have had something to do with that strength; Coyle is a man wounded by war but finds a safe space and a kinship with Lord Grantham while also being the man who takes care of the head of house. When his life becomes a roadmap of chaos, it is Anna that helps him consistently so watching their ending in this film was everything anyone could have hoped for.

Mr. Moseley, played by Doyle, is the insecure bumbler of a footman who always seems to find himself on the ins and then the outs of Downton until he accidentally stumbles into a line of work that he enjoys and provides. It also gives him a chance at love with Miss Baxter; Cassidy portrays her as a woman who is used for his back history until the day she stood tall and made a new life for herself. Who was using that back history? Well, that would be Mr. Barrow played brilliantly by James Collier. This actor spent years perfecting the man who we all loved to hate and then love again. A mixture of complexities had everyone guessing every episode whether we all wanted to shake him or hug him. In the finale, Barrow finds the missing piece of his life in silent film actor Guy Dexter played by West.

Wilton as Isobel takes the center controls with the absence of Maggie Smith as the Dowager Violet Crawley. Taking the lead in representing the family for the township, I adore her ability to remain steadfast and even cutting when she needed to be and what a relationship between Isobel and Violet that can never be matched or repeated ever again. In the final film, West returns as Dexter to say his final farewells to the Crawley’s and brings along Noel Coward in the form of Froushan and I loved every moment he was on screen. Giamatti returns as Cora’s brother Harold and is taught a lesson in sisterly tough love but knows he can always come ‘home’.

The film is stunningly beautiful with the costuming, the score is everything we have come to know and memorable and, of course, Downton Abbey itself in the form of Highclere Castle. Every time a vintage car pulled in it was the light sound of pebbles below the tires, the front door castes and the sound of the click of the latch, the library that held so many teas, the staircase that is surrounded by stunning artwork, the gallery that overlooked so many events, the lush green vast lawn that anyone would be happy to stroll along – all of it, breathtaking. There are many castles in Europe but to Downton Abbey fans, there is only one that stole our hearts. Not stolen really, more like held onto it until the saga came to its conclusion, then returned it to us with a bow and a ‘thank you’ for the years of dedication we also had to the show.

Finally, to creator Julian Fellowes, how can this woman ever thank you for your thoughtfulness, your ability to tell an amazing story that has kept the world captivated and talking, the time it took for your imagination to find its way onto paper then screen and for taking us all year after year on a journey as the world changed in so many ways for Downton and its inhabitants. These characters grew, changed, felt their worlds collapse only to be rebuilt into something stronger, found amazing joy, unexpected friendships, death of beloved characters and birth of new additions to the family. Thank you for giving me Violate Crawley in the body of Maggie Smith, the woman who had my heart and spoke the words I always wanted to on so many occasions. You kept her front and center even after we all had to say goodbye. It was all you sir, and the words ‘thank you’ feel not enough to express what you have brought to us all.

As I sit here and sit the last drop of my tea, I am comforted in the knowledge that right behind me is a Blu-ray of every season of DOWNTON ABBEY as well as the films that followed. Anytime I wish, I can return to the characters that I have loved so much. DOWNTON ABBEY: The Grand Finale was a hard watch, yes. Kleenex worthy? Absolutely. There are moments that just wrecked me and when the credits rolled on my television screen. It was an extraordinary experience and, I will remember it. Or, in the words of the beloved and iconic Dowager, “My dear, a lack of compassion can be as vulgar as an excess of tears”.

In the end – the time has come to say goodbye!

Torches are Chasing STITCH HEAD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres for the thriller season from writer/director Steve Hudson and Briarcliff Entertainment comes the animated story of monsters and friendship led by STITCH HEAD.

In the small town of Grubbers Nubbin, very high on the hill is a castle that the towns folk are afraid to even speak about. In the castle is a mad professor (Rob Brydon) who creates monsters. His first is a young lad named Stitch Head (Asa Butterfield), an assistant in the lab and caring friend to the others in the castle. He keeps things running smoothly and efficiently. Down in the village, a circus show arrives in town and leader Fulbert Freakfinder (Seth Usdenov) promising to frighten the people for a mere coin. It is the young Arabella (Tia Bannon) who explains that the creatures aren’t scary at all and only what’s on the hill scares them.

Back in the castle, a new monster that Stitch Head names Creature (Joel Fry), is introduced to the others in the castle and he explains that they must be quiet to keep the villagers away. Soon, the doorbell, literally, rings and the castle is on high alert. Freakfinder reaches out to Stitch Head to convince him that there is a better life outside the castle. Thinking about it more and not feeling loved, Stitch Head decides it’s time to see the real world and do what other kids would do – join the circus.

Almost immediately Stitch Head is a hit with the village but Arabella sees him more as a friend even though her Nan (Alison Steadman) tries to keep her at bay. Someone else who is keeping an eye on him from a distance is Creature. When things begin to go wrong and Freakfinder turns on Stitch Head by using the villagers to become what monsters fear the most, but Stitch Head, Arabella and Creature have other plans.

Sometimes monsters are exactly what you need!

Butterfield as Stitch Head is such a charming boy who believes that working with the professor and taking care of monsters is fulfilling. That may be true but it makes him feel unloved which is what sends him to the Freakfinder circus. It is his castle friendship with Creature and his new friendship with villager Arabella that makes him truly understand where he belongs. This isn’t the first animated character that Butterfield has done voice for as he has also done the voice of Icarus in the video game HADES II and the series THE PROPHECY. His voice is perfection for Stitch Head and I loved it.

Bannon as Arabella lends her voice to a young girl who clearly knows what scary is but she hasn’t quite found it yet. I just love how she was so not impressed with the circus or anything else but instead was more interested in friendships made. Usdenov as Freakfinder is a charismatic character, musically fun and outlandishly flamboyant which is why Stitch Head was so easily swayed. Of course, as with most characters like Freakfinder, there is a darker side and when push comes to shove, Usdenov gets to flick the switch and it works so darn well.

Fry as the Creature is endearing, loveable, caring and is thrilled to have found his best friend for life. In protective mode, he believes that Stitch Head is worthy of everything he has to give, including love. What a marvelous character to be the voice of and if we all could have one friend like that in our lives, we’d all be so much better in all things. Brydon as the Professor is a character so wrapped up in his work that he fails to see the joy of what is in front of him. Steadman as Nan tries hard to keep Arabella away from Stitch Head but the little girl is just to fast.

Other cast includes Fern Brady as Madame Miranda, Jamali Maddix as Taj & Tej, Ryan Sampson as Doctor Dislocation, Rasmus Hardiker as Geoff, Sway Clarke as Tiny Monster, Gemma Saunders as Pigbutt, Paul Tylak as Owggagoffakkookk (yes, that’s his name), Steve Hudson as Woodlouse and Ruth Gibson as the Old Lady.

Briarcliff Entertainment is an independent film production company launched in 2018 and responsible for such films as FAHRENHEIT 11/9, action films such as Liam Neeson’s BLACK LIGHT and COPSHOP with Gerard Butler. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.briarcliffentertainment.com

STITCH HEAD is a wonderfully animated film based on the books by writer Guy Bass. He is an award-winning author who has written more than 30 books. They include Dinkin Dings, Spynosaurs and Skeleton Keys. Dinkin Dings and the Frightening Things won Bass the Blue Peter Award for Most Fun Book with Pictures.

The story brings so many lively and totally creative characters and monsters, each with unique personalities and a bit of a mish mash of parts, and childlike qualities that makes me instantly want a stuff plushie of each. Watching with my family was such a joy that by the end of the film we spent so much time talking about our favorite parts of the film and which character we loved the most, after Stitch Head that is. Director Hudson had a vision for the film and wasted no time in putting it together (pardon the pun) in such a way as to make STITCH HEAD an instant classic that will be enjoyed for a very, very long time.

This is seriously one of the most beautiful animated films this year. It brings horror (not in a gruesome way), comedy, adventure, drama and love all wrapped up into a colorful piece of filmmaking. There isn’t a moment that does bring out some emotion that is going to include laughter, ‘awwwwws’, cheering and fun. It is amazing animated films such as this that bring families to the theatre to celebrate the joy of being together and comes out to time with the Halloween season.

In the end – he is frighteningly friendly!

 

 

 

The Fight is ON THE END

 

Jeri Jacquin

Making resounding rounds on the film festival circuit from writer/director Ari Selinger, Moontown Productions and Wise Child Studios based on a true story is the house ON THE END.

Living on an end road called Navy Beach in Montauk is auto mechanic Tom Ferriera (Tim Blake Nelson) and his brother Milton (Matthew Maher). Spending his day fixing cars, at night he deflects loneliness by going on internet chat rooms. A moment of happiness comes when Freckles (Mireille Enos), an internet interest, decide to come to Montauk to meet him. Next door is Aunt Trudie (Lois Smith), or “Crusty” as Tom calls her, who recently lost her husband and one sunny day a knock at her door is Jessica Finch (Anna Chlumsky), a realtor who convinces Trudie that she can make a large sum of money by selling. Excited, she takes the listing but knows that there is one problem – Tom.

His front yard looks like what you’d expect a mechanics to look like but it does nothing for the property value. Venting to police officer husband John (James Badge Dale), he comes up with an idea of how to help her along and legal issues begin. A court day is upcoming but it is not about to stop Tom from meeting up with Freckles – not even a diabetic incident. After a brief hello, he is absolutely enchanted by the outspoken and fiery woman. Having dinner together face to face, there is no place to hide their stories about each other’s lives, or Tom’s living situation. Yet, getting past that quickly, they manage to find a bit of happiness together. That is not going to slow Jessica or her husband down or stop tormenting Tom and his business.

It is Tom who decides that he has had enough of being pushed around and that feeling is pushed by love and loyalty to promises made to his father. Now, it’s time to put it all on the line and even get help from the most surprising person of all.

Nelson as Tom is a mechanic who loves where he lives, no matter how it looks on the outside. Taking care of his brother is important and even the tension between he and Aunty next door is family ridiculousness we all live with. Finding Freckles is the most joy he has found in a very long time and Nelson portrays that so beautifully. Gruffy on the outside but heartfelt on the inside, what people mistake for being standoffish is Nelson’s character being protective of his world and those he wants in it. What an astounding role and just tender from beginning to end.

Enos as Freckles comes right on into the film with a bright smile, shining eyes, and an attitude that can’t be hidden by any look on her face. I loved that about her character instantly. Although she may be surprised by Tom’s surroundings, once she accepts it is what it is, it is almost as if Freckles just doesn’t see it anymore. Of course, it could be said she did that for a place to stay but I took a Freckles attitude and didn’t care about that reasoning anymore. The ease of her fitting in even with Milton was so charming. I have to admit, Enos’s character taking on Aunt Crusty had me in stitches.

Chlumsky as Jessica is a desperate realtor looking for a big win and seeing an opportunity to coach Aunty into what she wants is ruthless and hard core. Her backhandedness had me throwing styrofoam bricks at the screen in protest of her behavior. Now, let us remember the cute little Vada Sultenfuss from MY GIRL in 1991, the character of Jessica is NOT her but quite the opposite. Nice to see her on the screen again taking on the role of an underhanded person giving real estate people a bad name – well done. Dale as husband John is equally shady and he’s a cop for goodness sake. Believing he can help his wife score a sale, he shows her how to bob and weave through the law to make Tom go away. Dale’s character seems to get a lot of satisfaction making Tom’s life miserable by using a badge, not cool dude.

Shout out to Lois Smith as Aunt “Crusty” Trudie for continuing to be such an amazing actress who I’ve followed for years. Here she portrays a woman who has a complex relationship with Tom and is motivated by anything that keeps him at bay from her. Also, Maher as the brother who hears and sees all knowing when its time to have a say and Desmin Borges as lawyer Austin who has Tom’s best interest at heart but small-town lawyer against big town lawyer can be difficult.

Other cast include Michelle Hurd as Violetta, Glenn Fleshler as Ray, Marcia DeBonis as Judge Malfo, Negin Farsad as Marge Lundie, Raymond Thomas as Rusty, Gabriel Rysdahl as Elias and Sawyer Spielberg as officer Brent Sherman.

Wise Child Studios is dedicated to finding success at the intersection of compelling and commercial with an innovative new production company. Wise Child is also dedicated to producing compelling, thought-provoking and character-driven stories with just the right amount of wit, irreverence, and charm to resonate with a wide audience.

Director Selinger says, “I’ve been making films on the East End of Long Island for over a decade. Beyond the beautiful rural landscapes, the plum-colored skies, the dusty clam shacks, and high-end beach houses, there is something happening under the deeper and more shared American surface, something connected to our mythology. Like some cosmic coincidence, somehow my path crossed with Tom’s…our friendship blossomed. I learned of Tom’s devastating legal battle. I was able to witness first-hand the ordeal and trauma that both Tom and Freckles suffered through.”

“His love for Freckles was abundant and I could see, even in the first moments, that they were inseparable, one and the same, and they would go to the end of the earth to find the pace and happiness they deserved. Tom is a typical hard-working American aggrieved by a society that judges and rejects him. To me he is a blue-collar hero, misunderstood and overlooked. If you give him a fair shake, extend your hand to him as a friend, there is no question he will invite you into his world, which is just a piece of what I hope to share on screen about the world of Tom, my friend.”

It is extremely difficult to follow up after that because it is everything I would want to say about the situation in the film. Tom may be messy on the outside but his gruff is charming and Freckles sees him for what he is. The two of them together make up the most loving yin and yang. Tom is the one who doesn’t say boo and Freckles has no problem shouting it from the rafters and, it works for them. She is the light of his life and he is the protector of her life and I could not get enough of watching them together on screen. Nelson and Enos are stunning portraying these characters and it becomes difficult to not be angry for them when the town beatdown comes. Coming from a small beach town myself, I absolutely understand how it is possible to be overlooked when it comes to what is right. ON THE END is a film that definitely needs to be experienced for its frustrations, love, unexpected surprises and joy.

ON THE END is the Official Selection of the Hamptons International Film Festival, the Woodstock Film Festival, Newport Beach Film Festival and the TIFF Industry Selects 2025.

In the end – sometimes the little guy can stand tall with love!