Reviews of films and television along with interviews, what's coming and giveaways!
AMBULANCE
Jeri Jacquin
Coming to Bluray from writer/director Brian Presley,
Saban Films and Well Go USA comes the story of a father who will not stop the
search for his children in HOSTILE TERRITORY.
The Civil War has taken Jack Calgrove (Brian Presley)
away from his family, becoming a prisoner, he does not know that his wife has
passed away and his children had been labeled as orphans. Taken to a train
headed West, the children about to enter territory that is dangerous.
Alice Beggs (Natalie Whittle) is a mother also looking
for her child who is on the same train as Calgrove’s kids. Joining forces, they
make their way across the territory to find them. What Calgrove does not know
is that his eldest son Charlie (Jackson Presley) has found the children and is
trying to keep them all alive until the families can be reunited.
But time is not on their side!
Presley as Calgrove goes off to war thinking he is
doing the right thing by his family and never could have known what was about
to happen. Learning of his wife’s death and his children on The Orphan Train,
he is going to do whatever it takes to find them before they disappear into the
unknown with no way to find them. Presley gives a tough as nails performance as
a soldier and a father during a time when finding his children meant following
a dangerous trail.
Whittle as Alice is a former slave who is searching
for her own child that is on the train. Coming across Calgrove, it becomes
clear that she is not going stand idly when she makes it clear to Calgrove that
she is going to follow him to the end. Whittle gives us a strong performance
and I enjoyed watching her stand her ground when everyone else wanted her to
just stay put.
Presley as Charlie is the older brother who is also a
soldier and discovers that his mother has died and has no way of reaching his
father. He takes it upon himself to find his siblings and take them home again.
This is a brother who is barely old enough to take care of himself in our era
but back then, Presley gives us a character who knows what is right and I
appreciated that.
Other cast include Emma Presley as Lizzy Calgrove,
Olivia St. Peter as Addy, Scott L. Perez as Charles Stanton, Brea Bee as Sarah,
Craig Tate as Desmond Richards, Emily Shenaut as Esther, Lorna Larkin as
Mildred, Brianna Elias as Ingrid, Tim Cavanaugh as Ed Pagan, Daelyanna Benson
as Mary, and Lyndell Chee as Shantu.
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.
Saban Films was launched in 2014 and has built an
impressive slate of high-quality feature films distributed with partner
Lionsgate. Focusing on talent-driven films, the company looks at projects in
all stages of production to be released across multiple platforms. Films such
as SISTER OF THE GROOM, FATMAN and BREACH are part of the wonderful Saban
slate, and more information can be found at www.sabanfilms.com.
HOSTILE TERRITORY is a film that has so many levels –
but mostly dedication to family on every level no matter if its mother or
father. The love for their children is what guides them to take on territories
and peoples who would want to do them harm. Nothing is going to stop them as
they edge ever closer to finding who has gone missing.
There actually was such a thing called The Orphan
Train which took children from crowded Eastern cities to homes in the Midwest.
It is recorded that almost 250,000 children were on The Orphan Train from 1854
to 1929 and most of them were from poor families and immigrants and where they
ended up was not always the new life the children anticipated.
This is an interesting telling of one family that was
determined to stay together no matter what.
In the end – nothing will stop them!
Jeri Jacquin
Coming to Bluray from director Zhang Changzing and currently streaming on the service Hi-YAH! and Well Go USA is the action story if IP MAN: The Awakening.
Visiting Hong Kong, Ip Man unwittingly interrupts a kidnapping that goes deeper than he could ever have realized. What he has uncovered is human trafficking that is about to hit very close to home. Happy to see his old friends, he begins working with the rickshaw business and they spend time going through the streets of Hong Kong.
That’s when Ip Man begins to ruffle the feathers of those running the trafficking and those in-charge know the only way to stop him is to kidnap someone he cares about. Trying to keep his teachings in check, it becomes difficult to separate teachings from doing what he thinks is right.
The truth is, he is about to hit the streets in a way that the traffickers could not have imagined to save the innocent before it is too late! To do that, he must put himself in a brutal match that could end his very life.
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.
Hi-YAH! is your new favorite martial arts and Asian action movie channel! Featuring hundreds of hours of programming, refreshed monthly, including your favorites from Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Donnie Yen, Tony Jaa, Johnnie To, Yuen Woo-Ping and more. For more information, please visit www.hiyahtv.com.
The cast of IP MAN: The Awakening include Xie Miao Hua Qilong, Chen Guanying, Zhao Yuxuan, Bai Long, Xiao Guang, Huang Siyu, An De and Qing Tian with special appearance by Hou Tongjiang.
IP MAN: The Awakening is an early look at a young master who is recognized wherever he goes and those he meets know that he is a good man. Always wanting to help those who need it the most, the bad guys know that even Ip Man has a weakness and are attempting to exploit it to stop him at all costs.
This is definetly an action-packed film but at the same time it is a film of friendships, loyalty and dedication to those in Ip Man’s life. I have loved all the films about Ip Man and was anxious to see this film as well.
In the end – they see retaliation, but he sees justice!
Jeri Jacquin
Coming to theatres this Friday from director Joseph Kosinski and Paramount Pictures is a return to the sky with TOP GUN MAVERICK.
Captain Peter “Maverick” Mitchell is still flying after all these years and this time testing a craft much to the dismay of his superiors. Surprise, right? Instead of trouble, he is surprised to learn that Admiral Tom “Iceman” Kazansky (Val Kilmer) has requested that he return to where it all began – Top Gun.
But that is not the only surprise as Maverick looks at the list of pilots he will be training for a special mission and sees a name he knows. As part of the mission, Lt. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw (Miles Teller) will be one of his trainees. This elite group needs to be trained to do one of the most dangerous jobs that requires the destruction of a uranium facility while being surrounded by missiles.
Returning to a place that holds painful memories, the local watering hold still remains, and he reunites with former love interest Penny Benjamin (Jennifer Connelly) who now owns the business and is raising teen daughter Amelia (Lyliana Wray). Now its time to meet the trainees with “Rooster”, Lt. “Hangman” Seresin (Glen Powell), Lt. “Bob” Floyd (Lewis Pullman), Lt. “Phoenix” Trace (Monica Barbaro), Lt. “Payback” Fitch (Jay Ellis), Lt. “Fanboy” Garcia (Danny Ramirez), and Lt. “Coyote” Machado (Greg Davis).
There is instant tension between Maverick and Rooster as a past history could derail the training. Yet, Maverick takes to the air and lets his trainees know that they have met their cocky match! Their confidence is taken down several pegs when they realize that the legendary dogfighting Maverick lives up to his name.
Rooster is not the only one still living with past pain, Maverick turns to Penny when trying to find a way to reach the young pilot who reminds him so much of “Goose”. Trying the old ways, the teacher slowly reaches each one of the pilots discovering their strengths and weaknesses. Knowing that, the group turns into a well-oiled machine. Meeting with “Iceman”, Maverick receives the final boost he needs to make this mission work.
Now, there is no more time and no more excuses as the mission needs to happen quickly, accurately and with bravery. As they lock on to their target, Maverick and his pilots are met with enemy squadrons, and they have the Top Gun pilots in their sites. It is time to put away memories and issues because they are in enemy territory, and it is time to get the job done!
Cruise as Maverick returns a slightly aged and unrepentant pilot who has not changed in the way he handles things, ergo still being a Captain. After butting heads with his superiors, he returns to the place that has both good and bad memories – Top Gun. Cruise flies into his Maverick flight suit with precision and ease as if 1986 were only yesterday. He still carries swag and posturing on the outside with memories of mistakes and regret on the inside.
Teller as Rooster has is own swag and posturing but the added bonus of loathing for his new Captain. The story of his past unravels slowly but one thing is clear, the past can not stay there forever as Maverick and Rooster have to deal with their issues if the mission and their relationship is to work. Teller does his role justice and that had to be difficult following in the footsteps of another to closely tied to the 1986 storyline.
Connelly as Penny brings a new but not so new element to the story as the past interest of Pete Mitchell. Having this story play out in the iconic watering hole of the original film helps, and letting their story unravel plays into Maverick’s insecurities but Penny is not a heart broken woman pining for a long lost pilot – instead, she is a strong woman raising a teenager and owning a business. I liked that about Connelly’s role here giving off an air of ‘I can take it or leave it’ when it came to any relationship.
Powell as Hangman gets to be a bit icy (see what I did there?) and shows the Top Gun pilot cockiness that is not going to serve him well, especially considering who he is up against. It is fun to watch his character go through the ropes as all of them must grow up if they are to survive the mission.
Shout out to Ed Harris, who I adore, and Jon Hamm for their part to play in knowing that Maverick just does not follow the rules exactly but damn is he good at what he does!
Now, can we talk about Val Kilmer? What an amazing, touching and well-deserved moment on the screen between Maverick and Ice Man. It was needed and had there not been such a time between these two characters, I might have had something different to say about the film. Tissue moment? Absolutely.
Other cast includes Manny Jacinto as Fritz, Jack Schumacher as Omaha, Bashir Salahuddin as “Hondo” Coleman, Jake Picking Lt. “Harvard” Lennox, Jean Kelly as Sarah Kazansky, Raymond Lee as Lt. “Yale” Lee, Charles Parnell as Rear Admiral “Warlock” Bates, Jon Hamm as Vice Admiral Simpson and Ed Harris as Rear Admiral “Hammer” Cain.
Paramount Pictures is the longest operating and remaining major studio in Hollywood that has been on the ground floor of every major development in film. From the advent of motion pictures to the emergence of television, through the digital revolution, Paramount Pictures has been there. During our 100-year history, we have served as the production site for thousands of notable movies and television shows. For more please visit www.paramountstudios.com.
TOP GUN MAVERICK was not a film I was terribly sure about and let me tell you why. I enjoyed the 80’s and TOP GUN was a part of that, then time has its way with us all. So, when the idea was floated out some time ago, my interest was not really peaked. At that time, I could take it or leave it. Then the pandemic arrived and the movie going experience went into the void.
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of seeing the film with no expectations. I sat back and as the film began, I was hit immediately with a recognizable song that made me smile and maybe even mouth the words a little bit. Then, right into Maverick doing what Maverick does – finding a way around the establishment to get a job done.
Returning to Top Gun is a return for everyone who was ever in the theatre in 1986 because of one fact that I still believe about TOP GUN MAVERICK – they did not try to reinvent the wheel. Story by Peter Craig and Justin Marks and written into the screenplay by Ehren Kruger, Eric Singer and Christopher McQuarrie, the film’s success is in the fact that these five people kept it simple, fast and nostalgic.
The issues are ready to be resolved on some level, the jets are fast and loud, the characters are as we remember, and an even hand was kept on the flashbacks. Cruise took a cinematic step having close-up cockpit takes during the flight sequences that almost made me a little nauseous, but damn is it very cool.
With the holiday weekend coming up, TOP GUN MAVERICK is going to fill seats because of the action and nostalgia. For those of us in San Diego, well, living in American’s Finest City, we get to brag that the real Fighter Town U.S.A. is right in our own back yard!
In the end – it is full throttle as our breath is again taken away!
TOP GUN MAVERICK
Jeri Jacquin
Coming to theatres from director Simon Curtis, written by Julian Fellowes and Focus Features is the return of DOWNTON ABBEY: A New Era.
The family is together again in 1929 and this time to celebrate the wedding of Tom Branson (Allen Leech) and Lucy (Tuppence Middleton). Robert (Hugh Bonneville), Cora (Elizabeth McGovern), Mary (Michelle Dockery), Rosamund (Samantha Bond), Edith (Laura Carmichael), husband Bertie (Harry Hadden-Paton), Isobel (Penelope Wilson), husband Dickie (Douglas Reith), Dr. Clarkson (David Robb), Maud (Imelda Staunton) and the Dowager herself Violet (Maggie Smith) are all celebrating.
Part of the celebration include the staff with Mr. Carson (Jim Carter), Mrs. Hughs (Phyllis Logan), Ms. Baxter (Raquel Cassidy), Mr. Molesley (Kevin Doyle), Anna (Joanne Froggatt), Mr. Bates (Brendan Coyle), Andy (Michael Fox), Daisy (Sophie McShera), Albert (Charlie Watson), Ms. Patmore (Lesley Nicol), Ms. Denker (Sue Johnston) and leading the household is Mr. Barrow (Robert James-Collier).
Violet wishes to have a family meeting to discuss something very important. Family lawyer Mr. Murray (Jonathan Coy) is taking too long arriving, so the announcement is that Violet has inherited a villa in the South of France from a man she knew long, long ago. An even bigger surprise is that she has changed her will to give the estate to great granddaughter Sibbie! Since she is unable to go, Robert, Cora, Tom, Lucy, Edith, Bertie and Mr. Carson are going to make the journey.
At Downton Abbey, Lady Mary has decided that their home desperately needs a new roof and with the generous offer from a studio to make a film, she and the staff stay behind. Arriving is director Jack Barber (Hugh Dancy), silent actress Myrna Dalgleish (Laura Haddock), and silent actor Guy Dexter (Dominic West) settle in to begin filming.
Arriving in France, they are greeted by current owners Marquis de Montmirail (Jonathan Zaccai) and his mother Madame Montmirail (Nathalie Baye). There is tension in the air because Madame Montmirail is upset that her husband willed their home to someone else, but the Marquis seems serious about making sure the Crawley family knows he wants to follow his father’s wishes.
Back at the Abbey, every female is oogling Guy Dexter and envious of the beautiful Myrna Dagleish. But the magic of movie making comes with its own set of issues and the staff, especially Daisy and Anna, know how to set it right but not before Mary finds herself in the middle of it all!
Welcome back to Downton Abbey!
Bonneville and McGovern are back to lead the family into a new era as the family expands with Tom and Lucy as well as grandchildren all around. Going to France, Bonneville as Lord Grantham deals with the Dowager’s past and McGovern’s Cora has a secret of her own. What would the family be without these two actors giving us a firm grasp for seasons and now movies. They have given life and love to both the home and family that fans have adored and for which Bonneville and McGovern should forever be proud.
Dockery and Carmichael as Lady Mary and Lady Edith are the sisters who have fought for Abbey, fought each other and seem to have found middle ground in this film. Both married with their own children, now they both understand the importance of family and the heritage that is Downton Abbey. Mary finds herself at the center of Hollywood and Edith stands with her father in France.
Leech and Middleton as Tom and Lucy are the newest members of the family as happiness has finally found the former chauffer and son-in-law with his marriage to the late Sybil Crawley. Wilson and Reith as Isobel and Dickie are never far behind when it comes to being part of the family. Wilson gives Isobel the closeness and integrity to be a part of the still ill Dowager Violet.
Carter and Logan return and Mr. and Mrs. Bates and both are still dedicated to the Abbey and each other. Mr. Bates returns to help the family in France with a push from Mary and Mrs. Bates keep the staff in check as she has always done. They are everything to this household and expect a few changes that I am thrilled about.
Froggatt and Coyle as Mr. Bates and Anna are always such a joy to see. Personally, I have rooted for these two characters since their first introducing in Season One of the series. They are both such charming and sweet characters that you cannot help but be a cheerleader for them. Cassidy and Doyle are back as Miss Baxter and Mr. Molesley are still enjoying each other’s company.
James-Collier as Barrow is back and still running Downton Abbey from his long road to get there. His journey has not only been difficult but almost always self-inflicted. Age has calmed this character as he still searches for love. Nicol as Ms. Patmore is still running the kitchen with a firm hand but is interested in the goings on upstairs!
Fox and McShera as Andy and Daisy are happily married and trying to figure out the logistics of living with William’s father, Mr. Mason (Paul Copley). It’s difficult to live under someone’s else’s roof with the uncertainty of where you stand.
Dancy as Barber has a vision of the film and dealing with the changing times in films as well, turns towards Mary for help and a little bit of a crush. Haddock as Dalgleish is a woman who sees the writing on the wall for films and has a slight problem as talking pictures become the rage.
Zaccai as Montmirail is a man coming to terms with his father’s wishes and meeting Lord Grantham has questions of his own. Baye as Madame Montrmirail is not having any of it – giving away her home and giving away her home to the Dowager!
Now, we must address the elegant cup of tea in the room, the dearest, hilarious, and wonderful Maggie Smith. She is the rock of Downton Abbey even if she has had to scratch and claw her way to the position of Dowager. She has a past, and fans know this with the introduction of Russian royal in the series. Now, her past has come back again and a friendship with a gentleman in France that has the family asking so many questions. Smith has given us a character that can never, ever be duplicated with her humor, delivery of snappy one-liners (I have the coffee mug to prove it), care, wisdom and all the stamina that writer Julian Fellowes could give her.
Other cast includes Eva and Karina Samms as Marigold, Oliver and Zac Barker as George, Bibi and Olive Burr as Caroline, Archer Robbins as Johnnie, Alex Skarbek as Roussel, and Fifi Hart as Sybbie.
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.
DOWNTON ABBEY: A New Era is another chapter of a family fans have come to know and love since 2010. It has been a journey of every human emotion, event and happening that could be imagined, and writer Julian Fellowes gave everything and so much more. The characters have given us so much more as each episode aired and then punched it through to the big screen and hoping for another.
The settings are exquisite in France, but it is at Downton where my heart always lies. Nothing wrong with a trip across the water to see something new and find out more about the Dowager’s life as a young woman, but back at ‘home’ everything is familiar, comfortable and crazy. Having Hollywood stop by give Mary what she needs to keep everything going and that’s what matters.
Let’s talk about the costuming – there is not a single thread out of place. I absolutely love that the clothing changes with the times, but it is still so beautiful to see. The clothing draws us into the times and brings the story being told such an air of believability.
The family has grown, the staff has grown, and the times have changed, and Downton Abbey stays in the heart. For fans, we have come home to a very special place!
In the end – the legacy continues!
Apple TV+ is having a special IMAX screening of Prehistoric Planet that is taking place May 23rd at 6:30PM—doors open at 5:30pm – at AMC Plaza Bonita!
There will be free popcorn/soda and an artist on site to make this a special showing of Prehistoric Planet.
Link for tickets: www.gofobo.com/DINOSAURS
From May 23-27, experience the wonders of our world like never before in this epic docuseries from Jon Favreau and the producers of Planet Earth on Apple TV+. Travel back 66 million years to when majestic dinosaurs and extraordinary creatures roamed the lands, seas, and skies.
Jeri Jacquin
Coming to Bluray and Digital from writer director Iris K. Shim and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the story of mother-daughter relationships with UMMA.
Amanda (Sandra Oh) and daughter Chrissy (Fivel Stewart) lived on a secluded farm together. Mother and daughter made their living with a bee farm and sold their honey. The house was void of anything that had to do with electricity as Amanda would become sick. Mother and daughter seemed very happy with their life.
That is until Amanda receives an unexpected visit from an uncle from Korea with news that her mother Umma (MeeWha Alana Lee) had passed. There is obvious anger between the two relatives as he leaves a suitcase behind with her mother’s ashes. Almost immediately there is anxiety from Amanda remembering the situation of her own growing up that she has kept from Chrissy.
Within days, Amanda finds an application to go away to college that Chrissy didn’t tell her about and finds out it is family friend Danny (Dermot Mulroney) knew. That is not all, Amanda begins to see an angry Umma spirit and realizes that her own mother is trying to become part of her life and being – literally.
Explaining to Chrissy about Umma and her Korean ancestry, the young girl thinks her mother is not in her right mind. That is until she sees the power for herself as a confrontation finally happens and its time to make it all stop.
Oh as Amanda has come to live a very quiet life and with daughter Chrissy she feels it has been a good and safe life, but we all know you can not hide forever. Once Uncle shows up, it is game on and the relationship she has been running from is on her doorstep. Oh plays it straight and frightening going through her past that has led the family to right now.
Stewart as Chrissy has been happy with her life, but the teenage years are starting to bring on those feelings. College, friendship and having a life outside of the house is where her thinking is now, especially when ‘grandma’ comes into the house. Stewart gives us a teenager that is not whiny, entitled or disrespectful but instead a kid who is levelheaded and trying to figure it all out – even if she begins to see a different world.
Mulroney as Danny is trying to be a family friend without overstepping. He sees that Amanda is going through something and at the same time Chrissy is trying to have a life beyond the bees. Not a large role but more of a go-between mother and daughter.
Other cast include Odeya Rush as River and Tom Yi as Uncle.
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment encompasses motion picture production for television, digital content and theater releases. The studios include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films and Sony Picture Classics. To see what is coming to theaters and to home entertainment please visit www.sonypictures.com.
MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.
UMMA is a story of a family history from the Korean culture. Oh’s character is running from those things, even going so far as to change her name, but family is family. This is more of a thriller than a horror film and I prefer that more than anything. The spooks and jumps make a film worth it all and UMMA puts in her reasons to jump!
Keeping the cast small allows the viewer to become invested in the characters and become really interested in where the story is taking us. UMMA is actually Korean for ‘mum’ so you know exactly what you are getting.
In the end - a Mother’s love never dies!
Jeri Jacquin
Coming to Bluray and DVD from writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the look at relationships and a changing world with LICORICE PIZZA.
Welcome to the San Fernando Valley in 1973! Gary Valentine (Cooper Hoffman) is a young man who has eyes for the lovely Alana Kane (Alana Haim). The problem is that Gary is fifteen and Alana is twenty but that doesn’t stop the young man from pursuing her. The cat and mouse leads to an unusual friendship. Alana is curious about Gary and the fact that he is an actor, especially when he takes her to New York to see him perform.
Alana also meets Lance (Skyler Gisondo) which puts his dander up when he sees him making eyes at Alana and also sees them together at the local burger joint. When Alana decides she wants to act, Gary takes her to see an agent and on her own meets star Jack Holden (Sean Penn). Gary knows there is going to be problems and keeps an eye on Alana.
In the meantime, Gary has started his own business with waterbeds and then a pinball arcade. Alan is a part of that helping with the office, deliveries and driving. But when she and Gary butt heads – Alana decides to branch out and volunteer with the local politician Joel Wachs (Benny Safdie). She sees the world changing with the oil crisis and wants to be a part of change.
Still working with what is left of the waterbeds, Alana and Gary come face to face with Jon Peters (Bradley Cooper) who scares the living daylights out of them with his antics. Once again Alana and Gary are at odds and both heading down a path of chaos but it is the only way they will know if they were ever meant to be together – age be damned!
Haim as Alana is a young woman who is trying to find her way in the world, especially with parents that are very aware their youngest daughter is a little different. She does not conform easily and is not about to let anyone tell her what to do or how to do it. I love the fact that this character calls it like she sees it but at the same time she is very naïve in many ways. Haim gives her everything and I should know having grown up in the 70’s.
Hoffman as Gary is very self-assured on the outside with the way he sees the acting world, with the help of his mother, and the ability to also make a dollar. He is welcome at the local hang out for actors and is known by name. Trying to bring Alana into his world works sometimes but those dang hormones get in the way, especially once he meets Alana. Trying to maintain a friendship has its twists and turns and Gary feels every one of them.
Other cast include Mary Elizabeth Ellis as Momma Anita, John Higgins as Jerry Frick, Christine Ebersole as Lucy Doolittle, Harriet Harris as Mary Grady, Ryan Heffington as Steve, Nate Mann as Brian, Joseph Cross as Mathew, Emma Dumont as Brenda, Ray Chase as B. Reed, George DiCaprio as Mr. Jack, Destry Spielberg as Frisbee, Isabel Kusman as Sue, Milo Herschlag as Greg, Emily Althaus as Kiki, Tim Conway Jr. as Vic, Maya Rudolph as Gale, Megumi Anjo as Kimiko, Yumi Mizui as Mioko, and Tom Waits as Rex Blau.
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.
Bonus Features Exclusive to Bluray and DVD include Camera Tests – Preproduction camera tests and unusual takes, The Handman Scene – A deleted scene from the film, Fat Bernie’s Commercial – An in-universe commercial for Fat Bernie’s as shot by Gary Valentine, Behind the Scenes – A glimpse behind the scenes of LICORICE PIZZA through a collection on-set photos and videos.
LICORICE PIZZA was nominated for the Academy Awards for Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Achievement in Directing and Best Original Screenplay. From BAFTA the film won Best Screenplay for Paul Thomas Anderson and nominated for Best Director, Best Leading Actress and Best Editing.
Having my formative years in the 70’s and 80’s, I recognized every little detail of this film including my first time on a waterbed (made me totally nauseous) and being in the gas line with my mother raging at the car ahead of us. The music was amazing (still is), the car were the best and the world was a crazy place.
It also evokes the feelings of first crushes, first loves and all the first that go along with being 15. Alana may be a little older but she is not finished with her teens either.
I absolutely loved the costuming because, really, who can forget the very large lapels on the polyester white John Travolta suits. The mini-skirts, the wide pant legs and the trouble that was, compared to the garbage today, was actually the definition of harmless fun. Rocket Roller Rink and the pier were my stomping grounds and that is not far from what the kids experienced in the valley.
What a nice ride down memory lane.
In the end – this is their story!
Jeri Jacquin
Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from director Ruben Fleischer and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment comes the adventure with UNCHARTED.
As young boys, brothers Sam and Nate are out to steal a map from the explorer Magellan which is in a museum. When Sam gets thrown out of the orphanage where they live leaving Nate behind, big brother promises to come back. To make sure the younger boy has something to hang on to, Sam gives him a ring that has “Sic Parvis Magna” written on it.
Yet, fifteen years goes by with only postcards from Sam and Nate (Tom Holland) it working as a slick serving bartender. Watching him is Sully Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg) and is also looking for the Magellan treasure. Sully tells Nate that he worked with Sam to find it by steal a diary belonging to Juan Sebastian Elcano.
Sully also tells Nate that they have to get the golden cross that is set up to be auctioned because it has more clues to the treasure. Nate is all in and does what he does best – get into trouble but slick in getting out of it. He also meets Santiago Moncada (Antonio Banderas) who believes that the treasure belongs to his family.
Now the traveling begins, and Nate meets Sully’s partner Chloe Frazer (Sophia Ali) who has another cross. The problem becomes that the three absolutely do not trust one another so when not running from Moncada’s men, they are trying to outsmart each other.
Who will find the treasure?
Holland as Nate is so dang funny, cute and adventurous in this role that he actually looks like he is having a good time. His character is a young man who is just as much as of an adventurer as his older brother as finding Sam is a sad adventure in itself. Watching him go from escape to escape was the most entertaining of all. Can we make Holland the youngest James Bond because I’d be okay with that!
Wahlberg as Sully is sneaky, sly, deceitful and yet as their adventure moves on, this character seems to find a space in his criminal heart for Nate. Then again, Wahlberg has the ability to play both a real good guy and a real slimy guy with equal furor. As Sully, it is kind of a mixture of both as this character has good moments and really cruddy ones. I don’t mind that at all really, because mixed in with that is his humor delivered as only Wahlberg can.
Banderas as Moncada is an elegantly dressed bad guy who does not mind having other people do his dirty work. Trying to recapture his role in the family, he really does not have a problem with stepping on anyone who gets in the way of his finding the treasure. Banderas has the same ability as Wahlberg to be a really good, good guy and really slick bad guy.
Ali as Chloe knows one thing about all the characters in this film – you can not trust any one of them. That is not to say she is totally trustworthy but consider when you are surrounded by all these guys who wouldn’t tell the truth if their life depended on it and only one guy that is trying to be truthful, but you have trust issues. Did you get all that? Ali gives us girl treasure hunter from start to finish.
Other cast include Steven Waddington as The Scotsman, Pingi Moli as Hugo, Georgia Goodman as Sister Bernadette, Joseph Balderrama as Carlos, Serena Posadino as Goldie, Alana Boden as Zoe and Tati Gabrielle as Braddock.
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment encompasses motion picture production for television, digital content and theater releases. The studios include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films and Sony Picture Classics. To see what is coming to theaters and to home entertainment please visit www.sonypictures.com.
MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.
The Bonus Materials include Deleted and Extended Scenes, Behind the Scenes Featurettes, Becoming Nathan Drake, Big Action Breakdown, C-17 Globemaster, Charting the Course: On Set with Ruben Fleischer, Never a Dull Moment: Stunts & Action, The Buddy System, Villains, Backstabbers & Accomplices and Commentary with Director Ruben Fleischer.
UNCHARTED is a fight to the finish from beginning to end. There is plenty of action, adventure and a story that keeps it all together. This is the genre of film that is fun for the entire family whether in the theatre or on the big home theatre screen, a fluffy sofa, popcorn and sharing it all together.
Make sure you stay past the credits because there is a little surprise in store!
In the end – fortune favors the bold!
Jeri Jacquin
Coming to Bluray and DVD from director Domee Shi, Pixar Animated Studios and Walt Disney Home Entertainment comes the story of growing up with tradition in TURNING RED.
Meilin (Rosalie Chiang) is a thirteen-year-old girl living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with father Jin Lee (Orion Lee) and Mother Ming Lee (Sandra Oh). She excels at school, is a bit bossy but loved by her friends Miriam (Ava Morse), Abby (Hyein Park) and Priya (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan). She has two worries in life, pleasing a very overprotective mother and Tyler (Tristan Chen), the school pain in the behind!
What she is not prepared for is to add to those worries but some things just come when they are ready. After a powerful storm in the night, Mei wakes us and looking in the mirror staring back at her is a big red panda. Freaking out, her mother immediately goes into panic mode as well believing her little girl has started having a period. Learning that it is her panic that keeps her covered in fur, Mei calms down and returns to normal.
In class, she sees mom out the window and it sends her back into red panda mode. Trying to get away as fast as she can there is no escaping Mom. Once home, Meilin learns that generations ago, a woman named Sun Yee could transform into a red panda to fight battles and since then every woman in the family could do it as well.
The only way to stop it is a ritual that sends the red panda spirit back on the night of the Red Moon. The problem is that is also the same night that Meilin and her friends are supposed to see their favorite band 4* Town in concert and, the girls have all been raising money to pay for the concert tickets. Meilin even uses her red panda persona to make the final bit of money they need.
Agreeing to appear at Tyler’s birthday, everything goes horribly wrong when Mom shows up and learns that Meilin has been doing things she cannot believe! Now, Grandma (Wai Ching Ho) and the Aunts have shown up to help put the red panda back in the box as it were. There is only one place Meilin wants to be and that is with her gal-gang at the SkyDome to see 4* Town.
What happens next is a red panda revolution between Mom, Meilin and all the women in the family who know what needs to be done – and they better do it quickly!
Chiang as Meilin offers up her vocals giving us a thirteen-year-old girl who wants to just be as wild (as wild as a thirteen-year-old can be) and enjoy friends and life. There is a delightfulness that she brings to a character going through so many changes. Oh as mom Ming is a bit scary with her overprotective and a bit overbearing ways. She pushes her daughter into a corner and a red panda emerges to push back wanting to change their future together.
Ramakrishnan, Morse and Park are as energetic as Meilin’s friends as Mei herself. Even when their friend turns her back on them when they need her the most, forgiveness and friendship always win out.
Chen
as Tyler is a young man who, believe it or not, is trying to find a way to have
friends. It is his approach to it that needs some help. He is going through his
own growing up issues and, like Meilin, has no one to reach out to about it.
Other cast includes Lori Chinn as Auntie Chen, Mia Tagano as Lily, Sherry Cola as Helen, Lillian Lim as Auntie Ping, Jordan Fisher as Robaire and Finneas O’Connell as Jesse and Topher Ngo as Aaron T and Grayson Villanueva as Tae Young and Josh Levi as Aaron Z of 4* Town, and James Hong as Mr. Gao.
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!
The Bonus Features include Audio Commentary, Featurettes with Life of a Shot, Build Your Own Boy Band, Ani-Mei-Tion, Deleted Scenes with Intro Meilin, Taming the Panda, The Debate, Fei and Christina Hang, 4*Town Dilemma, Roping in Leo and Easter Egg Robutton Deleted Scenes.
TURNING RED has so many different issues that are wonderfully wrapped in a red panda. First, this is a generational film in that history repeats itself from mother to daughter but, Meilin is about to make some serious changes. As each confrontation with Mom happens, the young girl has to find it within herself to be herself.
The film also addresses the expectations for Meilin but she lives a double life. Once away from Mom, she has friends, interests and is getting to that age where boy watching is a friend gathering sport. I have to admit, watching her with the gal-gang reminded me so much of how it was, and my granddaughter wanted to know if its going to be that fun when she gets that age (talk to me again in seven years!).
There is also the traditional story of a woman warrior that is reminiscent of the film MULAN. Another young lady who lives with the struggle of wanting to be what her parents see as a daughter yet wants to break away. The film also carries the same wonderful stories of ancestors and their importance to the Asian culture.
TURNING RED is just delightful, funny, charming and chocked full of life lessons and the importance of knowing a family past yet embracing the potential of the future.
In the end – growing up is a beast!
Jeri Jacquin
This week from director Mark Williams and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is a story of corruption and the man who will not tolerate it in BLACKLIGHT.
Travis Block (Liam Neeson) is a war veteran who now works quietly for FBI Director Gabriel Robinson (Aidan Quinn). Whenever there is something that needs to be handled, Block is called in to makes things right.
After several years, Block is trying to retire to spend time with daughter Amanda (Claire van der Boom) and cute granddaughter Natalie (Gabriella Sengos). Trying to make up for the years he was not there for his family, he has a chance to make his own world right.
His assignment is to bring back the undercover Agent Dusty Crane (Taylor John Smith) who is not about to be taken willingly. While running, he finds Mira Jones (Emmy Raver-Lampman), a journalist who suspects foul play in a politician’s death. Agreeing to meet, Block is also on their trail.
When things go wrong, Jones tells Block that the man he was after had information about a program called Operation Unity run by Director Robinson. Denying that their program is nefarious, he also tells Block to just do his job. But, when a story Jones was not ready to release gets published, all craziness breaks loose.
Now Jones’ editor meets an SUV and Block’s family mysteriously disappears and that is not good for anyone. This is a man who clearly does not care who gets in his way where his family is concerned and is determined to find out who is responsible for all the death and why.
Neeson as Block is doing what he has been doing for years, making sure that all the bad guys (no matter what side of that fence you think your on) are held responsible for their deeds. Thinking retirement meant time with his family and no more madness, he finds out all too soon that there are those who are not going to let him go quietly.
Raver-Lampman as Mira Jones is not about to let anyone, or anything get in the way of finding out what Crane knows. She is as determined as Neeson’s character and when they work together, it is no less dangerous but necessary. Raver-Lampman jumps into her role and gets action from start to finish.
Quinn as Robinson has spent more of his career playing a good guy so when he has the opportunity to ramp up to be a shady individual, I am all in. Robinson is a character that thinks he is above the law and above anyone holding him accountable, clearly, he does not know Block as well as he thinks he does.
Other cast include Yael Stone as Helen Davidson, Tim Draxl as Drew Hawthorne, Georgia Flood as Pearl, Melanie Jarnson as Sofia Flores, Andrew Shaw as Jordan Lockhart and Zac Lemons as Wallace.
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience and re-experience in our own home theaters. There are films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.
MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.
Bonus Features of BLACKLIGHT include BLACKLIGHT: Behind the Scenes and Shooting BLACKLIGHT.
The film is a game of cat and mouse but then what would anyone expect when Liam Neeson has a part. The storyline may be a tad thin, but it does not stop from the pure enjoyment of a good action film. Twists and turns wrap us up in the chase and with a tub of popcorn, it is a great way to spend an evening!
In the end – they’re going to need more men!
Jeri Jacquin
This past week, Las Vegas hosted the annual NATO (National Association of Theatre Owners) CINEMACON gathering together to experience what the studios have to offer theatres with their coming slates for 2022-2023 and beyond.
Caesar’s Palace was the place to be as each studio called us into the Colosseum to talk about the return of the theatrical experience and thanking the theatre owners for hanging on during the Covid shutdown. Reopening to movie-lovers, theatre owners were thanked by studio executives and stars for recognizing that everyone wants to get back into theatres!
Starting on Monday, Sony studios began the convention with director David Leitch giving the audience a look at the new film starring Brad Pitt with BULLETTRAIN. The lovely Reese Witherspoon joins the fun via the big screen to talk about the highly anticipated summer film WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING.
One of my favorite actresses, Viola Davis is introduced by the director of her latest film THE WOMAN KING, Gina Price-Bythewood and receives the CinemaCon Trailblazer of the Year award. Marvel’s film EL MUERTO brings Bad Bunny to star in its Latinx character driven film that will hit theatres in January of 2024.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse gives us a look at what’s to come and introduced by Phil Betancourt and Chris Miller. This installment has over two hundred and forty characters in six universes and that’s going to test my attention span for sure. Other films coming from Sony include 65 MOVIE, DEVOTION, MADAME WEB, KRAVEN, THE EQUALIZER, GHOSTBUSTERS AND VEMON.
Sony’s Chairman/CEO Tom Rothman talks about the upcoming film about George Foreman to close out the studio’s presentation.
Tuesday morning brought the studio Neon and right out of the gate is Matt Reeves, the director of the successful recent release of BATMAN. He announces that he will be heading up the next BATMAN film much to the excitement of the audience. My shock of the morning is watching the iconic David Cronenberg arrive on stage to introduce the trailer for the Viggo Mortensen-Kristen Stewart film CRIMES OF THE FUTURE. He says, “Seems an appropriate place to launch our attack on the world.”
Cronenberg also admits that writing CRIMES OF THE FUTURE took about 20 years and adding another confession that he has never been to Las Vegas. Welcome sir!
The film FIRE OF LOVE explores the relationship of love between a couple who also happens to love volcanos. An odd but interesting top for this Sundance award winner and I cannot wait to see it.
To finish the Neon presentation is MOONAGE DAYDREAM which is a film about the amazing David Bowie. We were treated to a performance of Hallo Spaceboy as director Brett Morgen says, “Bowie cannot be defined, he can be experienced”. If that were not enough, another performance of Heroes. Everyone in the audience was engrossed and emotional.
Warner Bros. presentation begins with Chairman Toby Emmerich talking about Reeves return for the next installment of BATMAN, followed by Denis Villenueve talking about his own excitement bringing DUNE 2 to the big screen in theatres. That is when the presentation is taken over by none other than Aisha Tyler.
Baz Luhrmann takes the stage to talk about the power of seeing a film in theatres and also talks about his next film ELVIS starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks. He says, “it is not really a biopic but more about America in the 50s, 60s and 70s with Elvis Presley at the center of culture.”
Next, a look at the film WONKA starring Timothy Chalamet and THE FLASH starring Ezra Miller. Olivia Wilde takes the stage to talk about her directed film DON’T WORRY DARLING with Florence Pugh and Harry Styles. She says her film is a “love letter to the movies that push the boundaries of our imagination”. I don’t know Ms. Wilde, I can imagine quite a lot!
I absolutely loved seeing Helen Mirren enter the stage along with Zachy Levi and Asher Angel to talk about their new film SHAZAM! Fury of the Gods. Mirren says of her character, “She’s convinced of her righteousness.” James Wan offers up a trailer for AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM and director Gary Dauberman gives us a take on the new Stephen King film SALEM’S LOT.
The roof always comes down when The Rock enters a large room, and the Colosseum is no exception. Coming in to do double duty introducing two of his films DC SUPER PETS and BLACK ADAM, he couldn’t waste the chance to talk about the bromance with Kevin Hart “who continues to be like my third child”.
Talking about BLACK ADAM, Johnson says it is “truly a dream of mine” and shares the stage with Quintessa Swindell and Noah Cent and a peek at the film. Chairman of Warner Bros. Pictures Toby Emmerich is on hand to give Johnson the Entertainment Icon of the Decade Award. Well deserved!
Jason Blum refers to his new film THE BLACK PHONE as ‘scary as hell’ and the audience will have a chance to see it for themselves later in the evening. Ethan Hawke gives a startling and stunning performance in this eerie film that is going to keep me up nights for a while.
Wednesday morning starts out with a smile on my face particularly because Disney is bringing it all it has to offer. Starting out the morning with a peek at the upcoming slate, it is exciting to see more. Starting with Chris Evans, as the voice of Buzz Lightyear, screening to the audience a thirty-minute preview of the highly anticipated family film LIGHTYEAR coming this summer.
The film AMSTERDAM stars Christian Bale and Robert DeNiro is coming in November and BOB’S BURGER coming in May. Jon Landau announced the re-release of AVATAR this September as James Cameron gives the audience a peek at AVATAR: The Way of Water. And that is exactly how you end a presentation, with a big blue bang!
Universal Pictures and Focus Features bring their presentations starting out with writer/director Jordan Peele talking about his next film NOPE. Waiting for its release, he says, “I’m going to personally thrive on the amount of times I hear the word nope”, and I hope he has a counter on hand because from the looks of it – the number of times is going to be infinite!
Jamie Lee Curtis is always a joy and a laugh to see as I did a few years ago when she was promoting the HALLOWEEN film. She is back to talk about the next film HALLOWEEN ENDS saying that playing Laurie Strode has “been the ride of my life”. Her final warning about the new film is “trust me it’s gonna f**k you up!” and I trust her!
Allison Williams brings a trailer for the film M3GAN and the film BEAST OF NO NATION with Idris Elba. Ko Joy decides to have a little fun with the audience to get them ready for a look at his new film EASTER SUNDAY. I am so looking forward to the dark film THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER since I am a wicked period piece fan, this is going to be good.
If lots of laugh is what anyone is looking for, Steve Carell promises that we will get just that with the new installment from Illumination of MINIONS: The Rise of Gru. Along with that, Carell does not mind offering up Gru-voice lessons that are equally as hilarious.
The first entire LGBTQ cast is brought about by Billy Eichner and the film BROS, George Clooney and Julia Roberts come together again with a TICKET TO PARADISE, Carey Mulligan brings SHE SAID to the screen in November and MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS is coming this July. Other films include VENGEANCE, SPOILER ALERT, CHAMPIONS, Anthony Hopkins film ARMAGEDDON TIME, and the Kate Blanchett starring in TAR.
Like a kid weeks before Christmas, I am excited to see any sneak peek or just the name mentioned of DOWNTON ABBEY: A New Era. On stage a special message is brought from the cast that just gets me giddy all over again.
Speaking of Christmas, what is the holiday season without a good horror film as David Harbour gives the audience a look at VIOLENT NIGHT. Our favorite swash-buckling cat is back with PUSS IN BOOTS: The Last Wish but a certain perro in the film thinks he has what it takes to declaw our hero with new charm.
Finally, and what a way to end the evening, Jeff Goldblum and Bryce Dallas Howard give a never-before-seen footage peek at JURASSIC WORLD: Dominion. Bigger, badder and madder dinosaurs are hitting the screen in weeks!
On Thursday, the final day of CinemaCon, the Paramount presentation begins with a supersonic performance that reminds us that SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 is still ringing at the box office. Chris Aronson, President of Domestic Distribution for Paramount, dressed like Eggman with the warning “papa has a brand new stache’!” He also introduces a reel to show what is coming with such films as TOP GUN MAVERICK, PAWS OF FURY, BABYLON, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, IF, TIGERS APPRENTICE, PAWS and A QUIET PLACE: Day One. Brian Robbins talks films of 2023 with TRANSFORMERS, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES and BOB MARLEY.
That all leads up to a message from Tom Cruise who could not attend CinemaCon because he was filming his newest MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: Dead Reckoning Part One. On the wings of a biplane, he apologizes for not being able to attend and hopes we all understand before hanging on as the plane makes a daring dive! All of this leads up to a first screening of TOP GUN MAVERICK.
The final presentation on the final day of CinemaCon comes from Lionsgate with host Sebastian Mariscalco. Starting off with an introduction by 50 Cent, a preview of EXPENDABLES 4 hits the screen followed by a look at the horror offering THE DEVIL’S LIGHT. Rachel McAdams and Abby Fortson have the chance to talk about their newest film ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME MARGARET.
Helen Mirren makes another appearance on stage to present WHITE BIRD: A Wonder Story. Director Mark Forster says it “is a film of magical realism that is both beautiful and emotional”. That is an amazing description of the film.
Robert DeNiro and Kim Cattrall talk the film ABOUT MY FATHER from Sebastian Mariscalco. DeNiro says, “Your father was a guy I sort of understand” which is probably the most amazing compliment ever.
Director Chad Stahciski and Keanu Reeves talk JOHN WICK CHAPTER 4. Keanu cracked me up saying, “and to think, this all started because of a puppy.” Dang it Keanu, can you be any cuter? Just a personal observation.
To wrap up the Lionsgate presentation, more films coming include Eli Roth’s BORDERLANDS, BALLERINA, DIRTY DANCING 2 and HUNGER GAMES: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
The final show at CinemaCon is the BIG SCREEN ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS that go the following actors, congratulations to them all and well deserved.
Cinema Verite
Award – Robert DeNiro
Comedy Star of the
Year – Billy Eichner
Rising Star of
2022 – Abby Ryder Fortson
CinemaCon Vanguard
Award – Rachel McAdams
Star of Tomorrow –
Glen Powell
CinemaCon Star of
the Year – Zoe Saldana
There you have it, the four days of presentations, stars, studios and theatre owners all gathered in one place to celebrate what we love the most – MOVIES! As 2022 begins to reopen, so do our favorite theatres that are popping the popcorn, keeping the soda’s cold, and stocking up on our favorite movie candy’s. As the theatrical experience brings us all back together to see everything as it was meant to be seen, you can be sure I will review it all.
Our thanks to Sony, Neon, Warner Bros. Pictures, Walt Disney Studios, Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Paramount, and Lionsgate for bringing us such exciting previews. Thanks to Cesar’s Palace for our yearly home away from home with your thoughtful staff.
See you next year CinemaCon and thank you!
