The Story of the Actress Known as SEBERG

Jeri Jacquin

Coming soon from Amazon Original to Prime Video from director Benedict Andrews is the story of an actress who did not go with the grain named SEBERG.

It is the 1960s and hot off her success in director Otto Preminger’s film Saint Joan actress Jean Seberg (Kristen Stewart) finds equal success in the Jean-Luc Godard’s film Breathless. Returning to Hollywood preparing for an audition for the next film from her home in France, she says goodbye to a young son Diego (Gabriel Sky) and husband Romain Gary (Yvan Attal).

On the plane she sees a vocal skirmish between the flight attendant and Hakim Jamal (Anthony Mackie).  Getting off her plane she notices the group of civil rights leaders speaking to the press. She takes a moment to join the group raising her fist to symbolize black power and the press is there to take photos of it all.

Instantly taking notice of Jean at the airport are two FBI investigators, Jack Solomon (Jack O’Connell) and Carl Kowalski (Vince Vaughn) with photos of their own that start an investigation into her activities. Jack can’t discuss what he is doing with medical student wife Linette (Margaret Qualley) who doesn’t fit in with the FBI wives.

Jack and Carl begin surveillance on Jean sneaking into her home and bugging it. It doesn’t take long before they see and hear that Seberg starts an affair with the married Jamal. Wanting to find a way to make it work to their advantage, Jean refuses to stop associating or giving financial support to those working in the civil rights movement.

Jack realizes that as the investigation goes deeper, that Jean begins to show signs of stress fearing that she is being watched and listened in on in every aspect of her life. It continues for years as the COINTELPRO agents continue to create untrue stories about her to the point of despair.

This is a story of a time where only one rumor needs to be believed to ruin someone’s life.

Stewart as Seberg does an excellent job of portraying a woman who was living the life of a star without realizing that it only takes one thing to set her world on fire. A once vibrant woman is put through a ringer that takes away the light Hollywood once saw in her. Stewart portrays that from the very beginning to the very end. Her performance is one that I won’t soon forget, well done.

O’Connell as Jack is a man dedicated to his job but also sees that after time what they are doing to Seberg becomes brutal and unnecessary.  O’Connell’s character brings moments of sanity to an FBI doing insane things, especially by some of the others in the group. It is a solid performance and I cheered him at one point and so will you.

Vaughn as Kowalski is pretty much a vicious human being who has no problem being vocal about what everyone else in America is doing wrong. He feels it is his job to destroy anything that gets in the way of being a good American. He treatment of his own family is a perfect example of the unhinged attitude. Mackie as Jamal is taken with Seberg and does not think about the repercussions of his actions in the moment, but it becomes clear that he is surrounded by others who are not about to take what he is doing lightly. The relationship goes against what his group believes in every way.

Attal as Gary is a husband who isn’t about to make a scene learning that Jean is putting herself in danger. Trying to support her fears of surveillance, a decision must be made and it is not an easy one. Qualley as Linette is a wife who doesn’t fit into the stereotype of what an FBI wife should be. Learning that Seberg is the person her husband is investigating brings her own questions about his work. I was happy with Qualley’s moxy!

Other cast include Colm Meaney as Frank Ellroy, Zazie Beetz as Dorothy Jamal, Jade Pettyjohn as Jenny Kowalski, Ser’Darius Blain as Louis Lewis, James Jordan as Roy Maddow, Stephen Root as Walt Breckman, Celeste Pechous as Betsy Ellroy and Laura Campell as Mary Kowalski.

Amazon Prime offers television shows and original content included in its Amazon Prime subscription. Original programs such as CARNIVAL ROW, THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, and THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL are hit shows. Coming soon is the next series with GOLIATH starring Billy Bob Thornton and it promises to another successful and intense series.

SEBERG is a sad story of a life that is plagued in a time where nothing was off the table in the ways of the FBI. If a behavior was found un-American then the group found ways to destroy a person through surveillance, rumor, innuendo and using the press to do their dirty work. It was a time of intolerance in secret.

Jean Seberg may have looked like she had everything together on the outside (which is the goal of being a Hollywood starlet), but her personal life became a shamble. Filled with failed affairs, relationships, and marriages, it is not surprise that her death would be as mysterious as she was.

The cast of SEBERG truly bring her story together in 102-minute time and done so extremely well. The cinematography, sets and costuming lend itself to luring the viewer into the 1960s. Stewart’s performance tie it all together beautifully.

In the end – actress, activist and adversary!

Marriage is Tough Enough When Going DOWNHILL

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from directors Nat Faxon, Jim Rash and 20^th Century Home Entertainment is a moment that can make their world go DOWNHILL.

Billie (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and Pete (Will Ferrell) have taken their two sons Emerson (Ammon Ford) and Finn (Julian Grey) to the Alps for a family ski trip. Pete is still dealing with the death of his father and chooses a hotel that is not really family oriented as they are informed by hotel greeter Charlotte (Miranda Otto). Making the bet of it the family hit the slopes for the first day of skiing.

After, they head to the patio for lunch overlooking the vast and huge mountains. Hearing what sounds like gunfire, within moments everyone on the patio notices an avalanche coming towards them. As it gets closer and closer, Billie and Pete realize that something has gone terribly wrong. As people start to run, Billie sees the chaos and hugs her sons tight while Pete jumps up and runs away.

Once the snow settles and everyone is okay but shaken, Pete returns to the table as if nothing has happened shocking Billie. Clearly the day is over. The next day Billie is still talking about it and needs to make sure the hotel knows how she feels, and they talk to Michel (Kristofer Hivju) who does not seem all that impressed by their concerns.

In contact with fellow co-worker Zach (Zach Woods) and girlfriend Rosie (Zoe Chao), Billie is not happy about sitting through a visit with them. Listening to their idle chatter with Pete, she interrupts when he refers to their avalanche incident as a ‘moment’. It is a calm that would scare most men, Billie calls him out on the details while Zach and Rosie witness it all.

Taking a solo day, Billie tells Pete he gets the boys for the day as she takes off to ski. Meeting up with Charlotte, they have a woman on woman talk (with Charlotte doing most of the talking) and Billie is introduced to Guglielmo (Giulio Berruti) and a choice has to be made.

But that’s not the only choice as they can’t continue with this vacation until someone steps forward and calls out the elephant on the slopes!

Louis-Dreyfus as Billie is everything one would expect of a woman in a marriage that has problems, but she is quiet about it all. The avalanche is pretty much a metaphor for her life and pressure cooker of emotions. Each moment of not resolving her issues, fissures begin to release about everything else BUT the avalanche. Louis-Dreyfus gives us a full-blown view of her life and some of it is even relatable for many of us.

Ferrell as Pete is a husband who seems to be more concerned with what he wants than what his family wants. Granted Pete is still dealing with the emotions of losing his father but putting his needs before that of his wife and sons starts to make him look selfish and trust the family notices. I like roles like this for Ferrell where we get to experience more from him than comedy. Playing opposite Louis-Dreyfus, it is an amazing give and take.

Woods as Zach is someone Pete professes to not want to be around yet hangs out with him. Under the spell of a new girlfriend, Zach seems to have changed his tune about life. Chao as Rosie lets Zach speak his truth but makes sure he says it the way she thinks he should. It quickly becomes clear who wears the ski-pants in the relationship.

Otto as Charlotte absolutely won me over with her straight-forward, straight talking hilarious hotel greeter. Watching Billie’s facial reactions to her brashness was everything and a comedic break in the otherwise heavy story. Also, a shout out to Hivju as Michel because I laughed so hard with his I-don’t-see-the-problem looks and mainly because I’d probably act the same way.

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

DOWNHILL’s Bluray and Digital Special Features include Casting the Stanton Family and Friends, Deleted Scenes: Alternate Opening, Billie’s Ski Boots, “I Deserve to be Comfortable:, Outtakes: Dinner with Charlotte, Origins of the Film and Locations.

DOWNHILL is a mixed bag of emotions starting out with the usual tourist family visiting the ski slope of the Alps, to a ‘moment’ when life flashes, to acting as if nothing has happened, to wondering who this person is Billie is married to. There are a few moments of giggle which I appreciated because they fit perfectly into the story.

Louis-Dreyfus is one of the producers of the film and says, “I am a huge fan of the Swedish film FORCE MAJEURE and was very amenable to make an American version of it. I thought it would be very interesting to put an American spin on it and open up some of these characters in different ways. Five years later we have got a movie.” A trivia note, Hivju was in the original FORCE MAJEURE playing the role of Zach.

I actually enjoyed taking the journey through this story because Louis-Dreyfus and Ferrell make every second work. It’s a story of life, love, the pressure of family, relationships with the backdrop of trying to create the perfect family vacation which equals disaster.

In the end – it’s a different kind of disaster movie!

His Story Tells of THE FLOOD

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from director Anthony Woodley and Samuel Goldwyn Films is the story of immigration and the story of one man facing THE FLOOD.

Working as an immigration officer in the UK, Wendy (Lena Headey) is a tough officer who does her job thoroughly and swiftly with no emotion. That is quite a feat considering she is dealing with her own personal issues. Called into the office of boss Philip (Iain Glen), she is given the high-profile case of Haile (Ivanno Jeremiah), an immigrant accused of assaulting a police officer.

Beginning her interrogation of Haile, she asks questions as he answers. Through it he tells Wendy the story of his journey from the Calais Jungle to the interrogation room. Beginning with the reason he had to leave – because he would have been killed as a traitor in his own country. Wendy isn’t easily swayed by what he is telling her, and Philip sarcastically says, “like we haven’t heard that before”.

As the story unfolds, Wendy discovers there is so much more to Haile and his story begins to affect her. Seeing this, Philip begins to wonder if she has lost her edge knowing that the officials want this case closed swiftly. Questioning her, Wendy makes it plain that she is perfectly capable of doing her job.

But is she? Haile’s story becomes perilous, sad, moving and with a conclusion that even he cannot see coming.

Headey as Wendy is focused on her work trying not to let her personal life come through. The problem with that is the choices she makes and the cover up daily of the cost of that same personal life. Once in the room with Haile, she begins to feel something she had not before, a bit of compassion. Headey makes it easy to seem detached (I mean who hasn’t seen Cersei in Game of Thrones right?) but when the cracks begin to show it is nothing short of well done.

Jeremiah as Haile is such a stunning person to tell the story. His emotions are never out of control, instead having dealt with the trauma of his journey, tells his story with calm and a self-understanding that is truly beautiful. The first time I experienced Jeremiah as an actor was in the AMC series Humans and his role as Max. He was one of my favorite characters in the show and to see him now in THE FLOOD reinforces why I am moved by his performances.

Glen as Philip is a man who wants to keep his own boss’ happy by getting the case taken care of swiftly and expeditiously, hence bringing Wendy in to do the job. When he sees her wavering, Philip is not happy one bit. When he is confronted by her toward the films ending, there is a moment where he is overcome and knows there is culpability on his part as well. Glen is also an alumnus from Game of Thrones but not an unknown actor by any stretch. It is good to see him!

Other cast include: Amira Ghazalla as Fatima, Jack Gordon as Russell, Adam Samuel-Bal as Baiju, Sam Otto as Josef, Rebecca Johnson as Kim and John Lightbody as Keith.

Samuel Goldwyn Films is an American film company that releases and distributes art-house, independent and foreign films. Founded by Samuel Goldwyn Jr., the son of the Hollywood magnate/mogul, Samuel Goldwyn. Founded in 2000, they are responsible for such films as

BULL, TO THE STARS, LADIESIN LAVENDER and GOYA’S GHOST. For more information please visit www.samuelgoldwynfilms.com.

THE FLOOD is an emotional film that reminds me a lot of the 1983 film EL NORTE. The first time I saw that film I was stunned, and THE FLOOD brings back all that emotion as well. In the cast of the latter film, listening to Haile tell the story with such control knowing that everything was out of control, it is all to the performance of Jeremiah.

The film is centers on Headey and Jeremiah face to face in the interrogation room as he tries to give honest answers to an unemotional Wendy’s questions. As more of his story unfolds, the interrogation room gets bigger and bigger in scope of how, as people, we need one another to do what is right amid what is legal.

Keeping with not telling everything, be prepared for your emotions to be stretched and your conscience to be knocked on.

In the end – they need to hear one another.

DREAMKATCHER Brings Frights

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD, Digital and OnDemand from writer/director Kerry Harris and Lionsgate is a tale of darkness emanating from a DREAMKATCHER.

After the loss of his mother, young Josh (Finlay Wojtak-Hissong) along with his father Luke (Henry Thomas) and Gail (Radha Mitchell) arrive in her mountain home. Surrounded by forests and trees, Luke feels like it is a chance for them all to connect. Josh has made is clear he isn’t fond of Gail.

At night, Josh has dreams that quickly turn into nightmares. When Luke is called back down the mountain for work, Gail and Josh spend their time walking through the woods. They come upon a building with the strangest object inside and it fascinates Josh. They meet Ruth (Lin Shaye) who tells them that some of the object help capture bad dreams which interests the young boy.

Gail and Josh continue to be at odds, but she tries to remember that he is dealing with the death of his mother. He runs off without telling Gail to see Ruth feeling that she must have something that can help his sleep at night and the visions. While the two women speak, Josh wanders into the barn next store and finds an object he believes will help him.

What comes next are secrets, mystery and a spirit that has plans of its own!

Mitchell as Gail is a child psychologist who recognizes that Josh is dealing with death. Trying to give the young boy his space, it becomes clear that he is dealing with something more. Day by day she takes a deep breath and waits for Luke’s return. Mitchell jumps all in to bring the story the right amount of sanity with the right amount of creepy.

Wojtak-Hissong as Josh is the creepy factor mixed with a kid who doesn’t know how to deal with the death of a parent. Making sure Gail is the target of his frustration doesn’t help but even more is the evening hours is where his fear waits to be exploited.

Shaye as Ruth is as quirky as she wants to be but then again, I love what she does in the horror/thriller genre. She has the unique ability to be straight forward but still a hint of mystery in her voice. Never coming out directly to say what needs to be said, her hints can be more frightening than the real thing.

Thomas as Luke tries to understand Josh but eases out to handle work leaving Gail to take over. Even when he finally comes home, he has no problem making Gail the focus of Josh’s frustrations. A parent rowing down the rough river of denial doesn’t make it without hitting a waterfall! Good to see the E.T. star keeping busy.

Other cast include Jules Willcox as Becky and Joseph Bishara as Night Hag.

Lionsgate is a global leader in motion picture production and distribution for theatres, television, home entertainment and more. Theatre franchises include THE HUNGER GAMES, and DIVERGENT along with JOHN WICK. Now, adding this film to its 16,000 motion picture and television titles you can see everything coming soon as well as available now at http://www.lionsgate.com.

DREAMKATCHER is a mystery/thriller/horror mixture that plays itself out slowly. It’s a creepy yarn that deserves a dark room, a cozy couch, fluffy blankets, a bowl of popcorn and a family that likes to jump and speculate. There are moments of ‘ewwww’ and a few cover-your-eyes but isn’t that what a good yarn does?

Lin Shaye is also an Executive Producer of the film which I think is just another cool factor about her. Making a name for herself in the thriller/horror genre, she can also be seen in the cable series PENNY DREADFUL: City of Angels as Dottie Minter (excellent I must say) and coming up in KILLING WINSTON JONES and THE GNASHING.

Staying has never been so spooky!

In the end – let the nightmare begin!

The Story of ROBERT THE BRUCE Continues: Interview with Angus Macfadyen

Jeri Jacquin

Coming this Friday to VOD and Digital Platforms from director Richard Gray and Screen Media is the story of a man we have come to know as ROBERT THE BRUCE.

The film ROBERT THE BRUCE is one that I had always hoped would happen. In 1985, actor Angus Macfadyen had the emotional task of portraying Robert the Bruce in the film BRAVEHEART. This is a character filled with anguish, emotions and wanting to be the king Scotland needed. Being caught up in the games of his father and the nobles, Robert the Bruce watched a man he believed in – fall.

ROBERT THE BRUCE picks up after the king is full of self-doubt (much like his younger self) after so many military losses. It is 1306 and seeing the loss his army almost in pieces, the nobility leaving the fields and England’s King Edward sends out bounty hunters to find him, Robert the Bruce sets out on his own.

After being injured by an attack, he is discovered by children playing in the field and it is with their mother that takes care of his wounds. Finally mending, Robert the Bruce discovers that this family’s father/husband had fought alongside the king.  

There are still part of the clan around this family that support England and would see Robert the Bruce captured but they aren’t going to let it happen. Spending time with a family dedicated to Robert the Bruce, he discovers a newfound life and vision into the heart of this king.

I had the wonderful opportunity to talk with ROBERT THE BRUCE himself, Angus Macfadyen. It is no secret that not only do I love the stories of history but find myself even happier when I can see them portrayed by consummate actors – Macfadyen falls into that category.

Although we are all inside and redefining entertainment, ROBERT THE BRUCE is a film that needs to be seen and Macfadyen is the reason.

Jeri: Lets jump right in if that’s alright. I know you have probably been asked this a lot but what made you decide to jump back into your own iconic role in BRAVEHEART?

Angus: To be honest when the film finished, I walked around for years wondering what happened next? What about the follow up? This guy just lost and lost and became an utter failure and finally he became the man he was meant to become. It’s like this ghost I had walking around behind me. The ghost of Robert the Bruce just wouldn’t let me go. I don’t feel like I really had any choice.

Jeri: When did you decide ‘let’s do this!’?

Angus: When I decided to do it was in 2006. I basically walked around for years, spoke about it and nobody wanted to do it. I had a friend [Eric Belgau] who was also a writer and we were sitting around talking about this. Eventually we were ready after several years and we sat down, just the two of us, and punched out our first draft of the movie. Over the course of four years we shrunk it down to the core which is what the film is now. It is the story of family because we at first had a sweeping historical epic. In 2010 we finally had a script but even after that it took another seven years to make the film.

Jeri: What did you do as far as research?

Angus: Whatever I could find, and I ordered every book I could find. Historically speaking I wanted to know what was going on. It is a fascinating time and there was a lot of tumult. The French King was going after the Knights Templar, that was a huge thing. He was roasting them alive in the public square in the Notre Dame cathedral followed by a huge seven-year plague. There was so much happening at that time, so it was hard to pick and choose what to write about. I focused in on the family aspect.

Jeri: I know you said it was like having a ghost of your back. Were you into history long before you took the role of Robert the Bruce?

Angus: Yes, I have always been fascinated by history. I love doing roles of real characters because there is such a wealth of information about them. I love to play people who were alive, and you can go study the period, find books about them, and get inside their heads a bit. There is quite a lot of stuff out there to discover about a character.

Jeri: The one thing that I noticed about your 1985 Robert the Bruce, you managed to recapture the same painful expressions and it is almost like you didn’t skip a beat. I recognized those expressions of pain, confusion and trying to figure out where life had taken Robert the Bruce since his time with William Wallace. Watching the film ROBERT THE BRUCE, I was just taken in by your expressions and emotions because they were so beautifully matched.

Angus: Wow, thank you. That is really nice. I did not pay too much attention to what I was going to do because I had so much more on my plate. I was producing the film as well and casting, there was so much going on. I realized the day before we started filming that ‘oh, I actually have to play this role tomorrow!’. I had to remember the accent, the voice and so I thought I will go to set and just do it. It is like going to a cupboard and finding a box with an old pair of slippers in it. You put them on, and they are nice and warm and comfy and you think ‘ahhhhh!’ and they feel great. It was like that; it was something very comfortable.

Jeri: Well, you did it beautifully and seamlessly.

Angus: That’s so wonderful, thank you.

Jeri: You mentioned casting and producing which is an amazing feat considering you are also acting in the film as its title character. How did you go about choosing the cast?

Angus: The director and I sat together watching tapes and auditions. The accent was very important so I had to make sure that who ever was going to do it had a good ear and that they could pick up the accent. A Scottish accent is not very easy to do.

Jeri: The children, what amazing kids.

Angus: I know, both L.A. kids born and raised. They are remarkable. The two younger kids are brother and sister (Gabriel and Talitha Bateman). I think this is the first time they worked together actually, and it actually paid off. The relationship showed on screen. They were so enthusiastic and just wanted to go.  Even when there were blizzards and we all wanted to go home, they said “no, we want to work, let’s go!”.

Jeri: Oh, the energy of the young.

Angus: Yes, they just wanted to work, and they were pros.

Jeri: It really does show. Tell me about the location of the film?

Angus: The executive producer lives on the land where we shot. We built the farm out of real rock and those things will be standing for 100 years after this. We basically shot all around on his land for eight weeks and then headed to Scotland to get that unique look.

Jeri: From the time you first played Robert the Bruce until deciding to find out more about him till now, this has been a serious journey for you.

Angus: It kind of took me twice as long to make the film about Robert the Bruce as it took him to actually get Scottish independence. It only took him seven years; it’s taken me 14 years to tell the story and make the movie of it.

Jeri: So, do you feel now that maybe the ghost is not following you anymore?

Angus: No because I have the next story written from the ending of this film to Robert the Bruce actually becoming the King and declaring independence with the Declaration of Arbroath. If this film does well then, I hope to raise the funds to finish it off, the third and final chapter and then I will be okay. I hope to finish it sooner rather than later because I’ll be too old.

Jeri: I am actually very excited about this. That’s amazing! Now everyone gets to be happy. There is something about your character, you’re right because at the end of BRAVEHEART you see that there is something more in this man who would be king. The change that takes place or call it removing the obstacles to being himself and if you don’t know the history, you are providing it. It’s so cool that you are doing a third!

Angus: Yes, I have it ready to go.

Jeri: Will you have the same team working with you?

Angus: I don’t know yet, I’ll cross that bridge when I get there. Its definetly a bigger film because there is going to have to be some big battle because it’s the final battle. It’s going to be a larger budget, but we shall see.

Jeri: How do you feel about doing a big battle scene again?

Angus: I’m not a big fan of battle scenes. I sort of grin and bear it and get through it. I prefer scenes where people talk.

Jeri: You don’t like sharp objects being hurled at your person.

Angus: Quite frankly the scenes are boring. It’s all about the editing but you have to show up for the scenes to do it and the stunt men are there anyway.

Jeri: You have to swing a sword once or twice to make us all happy.

Angus: Yea, I’ll try to do that.

Jeri: (we are both laughing) We aren’t going to let you get away with not doing it, sorry. Are you doing anything in between all of this and quarantine?

Angus: I have a film that just came out called HENRY THE IV which is a Shakespearean film set in America, it’s a modern day version where I play Falstaff. I directed/adapted Macbeth Unhinged which is a modern version as well. It is just being wrapped up and the score is being written and I hope it will be released this year.

Jeri: You are not just quarantining in quiet?

Angus: This is all the stuff that has just been done and now I’m climbing the walls.

Jeri: If you could manage to do all that maybe you can do something else creative while you are waiting this out.

Angus: With my home movie camera maybe.

Jeri: Everyone is being creative.

Angus: Maybe make a movie with my iPhone. Wait, I can’t go out of my house.

Jeri: Make a movie through the window about being trapped inside the house.

Angus: I could do that. Or get a drone and shoot things outside the house.

Jeri: See, your brain is already clicking off ideas, run with it. When I told people I would be speaking with you today, one thing they wanted to say is that they loved the characters you have chosen to play through your career but wanted to know if you’d ever do a sci-fi movie. Would you do it?

Angus: Of course, I happen to love sci-fi really.

Jeri: Oh, do you?

Angus: Yes, anything besides the present I’d do. I’ll do the movies set in the past and in fact I just did a movie about the future, it’s called 3022 (directed by John Suits) and it’s a movie set in space. I just finished it last year. It is about the end of the world so there you go! Something to cheer everyone up!

Jeri: You know, during this time the best movies to watch are disaster movies, makes you feel a lot better about life.

Angus: Yes, yes, you can say ‘see at least it isn’t THAT bad!’

Jeri: I want to thank you so much for speaking with me today about the film. It is brilliant and now I’m even more excited to see how you finish out the story of Robert the Bruce.

Angus: Thank you, I really do hope to get it made and want ROBERT THE BRUCE to do really well.

Jeri: Enjoy your quarantine time and want to see that iPhone movie!

Cast also includes Jared Harris as John Comyn, Anna Hutchison as Morag, Gabriel Bateman as Scot, Talitha Bateman as Iver, Emma Kenney as Briana, Melora Walters as Ylfa, Kevin McNally as Sean, Brandon Lessard as Carney, Daniel Portman as Angus McDonald, Diarmaid Murtagh as James Doublas, Shane Coffey as Finley, Zach McGowan as Brandubh, and Patrick Fugit as Will.

Screen Media is an international distributor of television series and films, licensing content through theatrical, home video, pay-per-view, free, cable and pay television, and subscription and advertising video-on-demand platforms. The company is continually looking to add films and television series to its content library. For more please visit www.screenmedia.com.

The release of ROBERT THE BRUCE also happens to coincide with the 700^th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath. The film was also nominated by the Edinburgh Film Festival for an Audience Award.

ROBERT THE BRUCE is a film about the continual journey of a man still finding his rightful place in Scotland. Instead of battles, ROBERT THE BRUCE takes us deeper inside what this character must find for himself if there is ever to be a free Scotland. I believe that is what I felt most drawn to. Beaten and, without question, broken, it is time for Robert to take a step back and come to terms with what has happened in his life.

Even when it becomes clear that the family who saves him is also divided about their house guest, like Robert, the truth needs to be aired on both sides. The family admitting to their pain and anger and Robert admitting that he has lost himself.

What happens to both sides is that they clear the air, talk out their fears and find their center again. Robert is taught by this small family to accept who you are, straighten your crown and get back to the business at hand – Scotland.

There is not a moment of the film I did not adore. The story takes its time to allow the characters to develop making each performance extremely special. Macfayden sharing scenes with the kids is something to behold as it is the kids who have powerful feelings that affect the character of Robert deeply. They are strong and determined to stand by the side of the king – just as their father did.

Watching this story of ROBERT THE BRUCE, it is only right that we all be patient for Macfayden to bring the crescendo to the life of this unique man who would be king. Experience ROBERT THE BRUCE!

In the end – he fought for freedom to defy an empire!

WENDY is a Stunning Story of Childhood

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital from writer/director Benh Zeitlin, Eliza Zeitlin and 20^th Century Fox Home Entertainment is a tale of childhood and belief from a girl named WENDY.

Wendy (Devin France) is a young girl who has grown up literally next to the tracks. Her mother Angela (Shay Walker) runs a small diner next to the trains that come and go. Watching things pass by, she passes time working at the diner and creating beautiful stories. When there is time she deals with twin brothers Douglas (Gage Naquin) and James (Gavin Naquin) who are constantly filled with energy.

One evening as a train passes by, Wendy sees a shape that sends her running to the window. On top of a slowly passing train in a boy! Wendy wakes Douglas and James climbing out their second story bedroom window and, without hesitation, jumps onto the moving train. They finally catch up with the boy and learns his name is Peter (Yashua Mack).

As the sun comes up, the kids see a part of the world they never dared dream existed outside their little world. Peter has a surprise for them when greeted by a boat that takes them to a very unusual island. They meet Sweet Heavy (Ahmad Cage), Cudjoe (Romyri Ross) and a boy they thought they knew, Thomas (Krzysztof Meyn).

On this island the children run, play, explore and have no concept of time. Peter likes Wendy and shows her some of his secret places. Wendy is thrilled with everything they experience. Douglas and James are beside themselves with sharing this adventure. While exploring a fishing boat off the rocks, their lives take a drastic turn.

The reality of being away from home sets in and Wendy discovers a very big secret of the island from Buzzo (Lowell Landes) and she isn’t so sure this is the place they should be.

Frances as Wendy is absolutely and totally stunning. A few years ago, I thought another young actor named Tom Holland had “it” when I saw his young self in a film called THE IMPOSSIBLE. Well, I was right so I am going to go out on another limb and say that Frances has that “it” and I can not wait to see what she does next. In her role as Wendy there is every emotion in her eyes, and they are as piercing as her physical performance. I am mesmerized by what she brought to the film and adored every moment she is on the screen. Well done young Devin, very well done. This may be your first role, but it will not be your last.

Mack as Peter is a young man with big beliefs in an exceedingly small body. As Peter, he is brave, reckless, and yet believes in the power of something greater than what adults can provide. There are scenes where he is strong and full of assurance, and then there are moments where the world falls out of his eyes and both are moving.

Let’s talk about the Naquin twins Gage and Gavin! In the beginning these two actors are full of mischief and are pretty much up for anything, including following Wendy! What happens from the moment they jump onto the train until the very end practically broke my heart. That is what these two young men brought to the film. Being twins there is already a connection and it showed throughout the film in their characters reactions to the situations. They are stunning to watch together and yet they served themselves well apart.

Walker as Angela is a mother doing what she can for her children. Having dream of her own when she was young, there is a sad acceptance for her lot in life. There is also the acceptance for her children that the diner is also their future. Shout out to Landes as Buzzo, what an amazing character to play and so unexpected in this story. He has his story and Wendy learns it all from him.

Other cast include Matt Owens as Tee Goose, Tommie Milazzo as baby Wendy, Stephanie Wilson as adult Wendy, and Kevin Pugh as James.

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

WENDY Digital Special Features include Deleted Scenes Reel, Making WENDY, Audition Reel and VFX Breakdown.

WENDY is extraordinary in so many ways and it is the cast that makes it so. The children are exceptional, beautiful, charming, funny, sad and adventurous and all of these characteristics rolled together makes the film stunning. I went along for the ride just as easily as Wendy jumped onto the train with her brothers. I went willingly and I loves every moment of it.

The cinematography is breathtaking, and the special effects are flawless which adds to the believability of the ride that director Zeitlin takes us on. There is a magic to this film, and it is a simple magic that needs to be seen and experienced. If the directors name seems familiar to you, then perhaps you experienced the 2012 film BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD which was nominated for 4 Oscars. It was the AFI winner for Movie of the Year among so many other awards.  

When looking for something amazing to watch during this time at home, go on an adventure with WENDY.

In the end – it is time for an adventure!

THE GENTLEMEN Charms us all on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

This week on Bluray, DVD and Digital from writer/director Guy Ritchie and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes the story of a different kind of shill game with THE GENTLEMEN.

Fletcher (Hugh Grant) has decided he wants to tell Ray (Charlie Hunnam) a story. It’s quite a detailed story about a man named Michael Pearson (Matthew McConaughey) who learned early in life that the way to grow a bank account is by growing marijuana on several estates in London. Married to the lovely Rosalind (Michelle Dockery), the couple become part of the elite in the social circles.

Deciding it might be time to leave the game, Pearson meets with Matthew (Jeremy Strong) who is interested in purchasing the business for a large sum of money. Things are going well until a group of kids raid one of the farms. Pearson sends Ray to investigate who is responsible which leads him to the Coach (Colin Farrell) and a group of his boxing boys.

Coach helps Ray find Dry Eye (Henry Golding) who is linked with Lord George (Tom Wu) believing there is a connection. In the meantime, Pearson is trying to finish the deal with Matthew, but Matthew has decided that with the recent hit that the business may not be worth it.

While wife Rosalind is trying to keep her own business together, she lets her husband know that no one is going to get in their way. Yet Fletcher is a distraction who has a story he wants to either sell to Hollywood for big bucks or get a payday from Pearson, he doesn’t mind either way.

Are you confused? Well, let’s just say that nothing is as it seems, and everything is as it seems and run with that!

McConaughey as Pearson is charming, well spoken and doesn’t lose his cool in the midst of reasons to lose his cool. He comes to the edge of it a few times but still manages to remain – gentlemanly. I love when McConaughey gets a chance to be this cool because he does so with such ease that it made me laugh on a few occasions.

Hunnam as Ray is equally a cool customer and Pearson’s right-hand man. Trusted and informed about the business, he is willing to hear what Fletcher has to say about what he thinks he knows. Their conversation is filled with colorful language, yet it is in those conversations that everything becomes clear. It’s good to see Hunnam back on the screen and this role is so suited for him.

Grant as Fletcher is a sleazy journalist that is looking for a big pay day. He doesn’t care who pays him as long as someone pays him. Telling Ray the story, Fletcher feels that this situation has the biggest chance of a payout – plus a wagyu steak. It is clear that Grant had a good time playing this role but then again, I would have too. It’s a great character!

Dockery as Rosalind is charming, endearing, beautiful and if that isn’t enough – very, very smart. She stands behind her husband not because she’s a woman but because she’s a businesswoman in all aspects. It must be said that Dockery gave chic a whole new and stunning look. Strong as Matthew jumps into the business proposition given to him by Pearson. Seeing what it could do for his own business, he does his homework.

Golding as Dry Eye is a gangster who wants to rid himself of anyone who doesn’t see things his way. Not afraid to take everybody on, Golding gets the chance to shed his romantic/thriller roles and embrace his badass side from start to finish.

 Farrell as Coach just wins me in this film. He is engaging, a respectful gentleman and with that said, just as gangster as any of the others wearing a fine suit! I just loved every minute he was on the screen because, like Pearson and maybe even more so, he kept his cool at all times. A killer combination and winning role for Farrell.

Other cast include Lyne Renee as Jackie, Chidi Ajufo as Bunny, Simon Barker as Frazier, Jason Wong as Phuc, John Dagleish as Hammy, Lily Frazer as Lisa, Gershwyn Eustache Jr. as Roger, Samuel West as Lord Pressfield, Geraldine Somerville as Lady Pressfield, Eliot Sumner as Laura, Franz Drameh as Benny, James Warren as Jim, Sean Sagar as Mal, Bugzy Malone as Ernie, Tom Harries as Power, Danny Griffin as Aslan, Ashley McGuire as Maureen, George Asprey as Lord Snowball and Eddie Marsan as Big Dave.

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.

The Bluray includes the Bonus Features of Behind the Scenes of THE GENTLEMEN: Get up close with the talented cast of THE GENTLEMEN as they give an inside look at the making of the film and share their experiences working with legendary directory Guy Ritchie, Best Gentlemanly Quips: A selection of some of the funniest lines from THE GENTLEMEN that spotlights the witty writing behind the film, Glossary of Cannabis: Viewers are given a fun educational montage highlighting the numerous nicknames of Marijuana shown throughout the film, Photo Gallery.

THE GENTLEMEN is nothing short of brilliant and so much fun to watch. You almost need a score card to keep up which makes this film all the more fun. Yes, it is filled with action which comes in always at just the right moment but also so very much more.

I found myself jaw dropping, laughing, yelling “I knew it!”, clapping, laughing some more. The cast is responsible for so much of this. They each brought their best to the table and I couldn’t help but thing they had a good time making this film.

Keeping the film’s story line in generalities is important because I want each person to unravel it all on their own. We are all in a stressful time right now, but THE GENTLEMEN is such a marvelous distraction from all of that. That’s what a good film does, distract us with such a good yarn that all else gets pushed aside, even if for only a little while.

This is definitely a film for the adults as the colorful language gets sassy and salty at times, oh who am I kidding, it’s in the film from start to finish. So be aware and wait for the kiddies to go to bed if they happen to be around.

THE GENTLEMEN is a story of what money can do to those who have it and those who want it.

In the end – criminals with class!