VAMPIRE CARNIVAL Holds Secrets

 

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They are Making THE PLEA

 

Jeri Jaquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

It’s For ONE NIGHT ONLY

 

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

In the end – 12 hours can change everything!

 

 

It is THE SOCIAL RECKONING

 

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – we are way past making friends!

He is DIGGER

 

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is the HEART OF THE BEAST

 

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – survival depends on their bond!

Friends Travel to FORGOTTEN ISLAND

 

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the end – no memory left behind!