Fear the BARBARIAN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming from director writer/director Zach Cregger and 20th Century Studios is the fear in a house with BARBARIAN.

Tess (Georgina Campell) is coming to Detroit for a job interview going to the Air B&B house she rented in the neighborhood of Brightmoor. Arriving late at night and during a rainstorm, she learns that someone else, Keith (Bill Skarsgard) has also rented the same house on the same dates. Both upset about the situation, there is only one answer, to share the house for the night until they can resolve the situation in the morning.

Over the course of the evening, Tess and Keith discover they have a lot in common and that eases the tension of being around a stranger for her. Sometime in the night, she is woken up by the sound of a creaking door. Going to see if it is Keith, he is asleep which is even more confusing.

In the morning light, Tess sees the neighborhood that is totally derelict and run down. Taking her mind off it, she interviews and is excited about the potential new job. Returning back to the house, a man is running up on her screaming and Tess makes it inside the house in time. Calling for help, it is clear that the police have no interesting in coming to her part of town.

Going into the basement for supplies, Tess discovers an opening that leads into the darkness. At first she is not about to go in but her curiosity gets the better of her. She does not like what she finds and when Keith returns, she tells him all about it. He decides to go down and investigate which brings about a whole new set of horror.

Back in Hollywood, AJ Gilbride (Justin Long) is an actor who is about to have his world blow up. Needing an influx of cash, he decides to go to Detroit and the house he owns. Turns out it is the same B&B Tess and Keith have rented. He arrives to find the house has been used but not cleaned, which makes no sense. Hearing a noise in the basement, he makes his way down and finds more horror and mayhem.

This is no ordinary house and it has no ordinary story!

Campbell as Tess is a strong character (even though she makes seriously stupid mistakes) that is not afraid to fight for her life. She has the 'spidey tingles' but does not trust them once she realizes that what is happening in the house is just plain wrong. I think Tess needs a class on how to recognize HUGE red flags! Well done Campbell.

Skarsgard as Keith is a sweet guy who only seems spooky. It could be because the actor has already freaked out everyone with his gruesome role as Pennywise the Dancing Clown from the IT remake. So you can understand why I am waiting for him to go 'boo!'.

Long as AJ the panicked actor is a mixture of curiosity and comedy. There are scenes where he just needs to run but instead he hangs around and other scenes where he is screaming and for very good reason. He is also a character I'd push off a bridge easy so there is that bonus.

Other cast include Richard Brake as Frank, Kurt Braunohler as Doug, Jaymes Butler as Andre, Sophie Sorensen as Bonnie Zane, Zach Cregger as Everett, Devina Vassileva as the Property Manager and Matthew Patrick Davis as "The Mother".

Twentieth Century Studios 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.20thcenturystudios.com.

BARBARIAN is a jumpy thriller that has one yelling at the screen with 'awwww…why are you doing that' or 'are you serious?' and 'oh hell no!'. There are plenty more things to say but there might be kids present. That being said, it is what makes the film kind of really cool.

The focus takes place in the house and on the street without distractions from anything else. That’s when the nervousness sets in! I actually leaned over at one point to look into a hallway forgetting that I am not a participant, just an observer. It’s a slow ride into the basement and once there, the real story unfolds.

So for the Halloween spooky season, BARBARIAN is the right kind of fright to binge watch tonight after gather up all the ghoulish candy you can lay your hands on. But be very careful, you never know if Mother is lurking in the dark!

In the end - right street just the wrong house!

THE GOOD NURSE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Netflix from Film Nation and director Tobias Lindholm is the suspense drama based on a true story with THE GOOD NURSE.

Amy (Jessica Chastain) is an ICU nurse trying to make ends meet while also raising a daughter. Learning that her heart is in trouble, Amy continues to work and keeps the condition to herself. Charlie Cullen (Eddie Redmayne) is the new hire who is just as compassionate and caring as Amy which makes for a good friendship.

Daughters Maya (Devyn McDowell) and Alex (Alix West Lefler) are under the care of Jackie (Marcia Jean Kurtz) while Amy works. The great part is that they also enjoy the company of Cullen so it is a really good friendship.

They are both working the night shifts so it is easy for them to share what is happening in each other’s’ lives. When patients pass, Amy believes they should be just as compassionate in death as they should be in life. In the case of one patient, Ana, something seems wrong. Led by Risk Manager Linda Garran (Kim Dickens), they inform the authorities including Det. Danny Baldwin (Nnamdi Asomugha) and Det. Tim Braun (Noah Emmerich).

The police aren’t happy with the length of time the hospital waited to call them making their investigation more difficult. Even more so when they are told that they cannot question staff in a room alone. Linda announces to the nurses that there is a case that is being investigated and it makes them all nervous.

Charlie sees that Amy is struggling and he reiterates that he wants to do whatever he can to help and explains things to daughter Alex. In the meantime, Baldwin and Braun are losing their collective law enforcement patience and let Linda know they understand that she is hiding something.

The investigation starts to heat up as Amy tries to help the police figure out who is responsible and the hospital hides behind itself. What’s more – there may be other patience like Ana.

Chastain as Amy is a mother of two girls and trying to keep it all together. The new health issue is making that even more difficult than ever. That is what Chastain does in this role, manage to keep it together when it becomes even more and more dangerous. Taking on the different and unusual, Chastain has always been the actress who has never put herself into one category of roles and it is always awesome.

Redmayne as Charlie is charming and caring but there is something that causes Amy to question their friendship. Having his own difficulties with not being able to see his kids, he is drawn to Amy and the girls so he can have a bit of something he’s missing in his life. Redmayne gives his character a struggle and a mystery that I love about the roles he chooses.

Asomugha as Det. Baldwin is a man who is not going to stop looking no matter how little evidence they have to go on. Taking it step by step, he works with Amy to do whatever they can with the little they have. Asomugha gives this character strength of character but that doesn’t mean he won’t be shocked in the end.

Emmerich as Det. Braun sees that the one responsible is tricky and has managed to slip through the cracks. Frustration seeps in and the time comes when he will be face to face with questions. Emmerich has always been a straight forward actor who takes his roles to places never expected.

Dickens as Garran is the risk manager at the hospital who clearly understands what is at stake. That doesn’t stop her from working the system that has done nothing to stop the deaths. Dickens is straight forward with a straight face and

Lefler as Alex is a pre-teen that has the attitude to match. She does understand that her mother is ill but at the same time is struggling to understand it all together. She is a strong actress who gives a stellar performance.

Other cast include Judith Delgado as Ana Martinez, Jesus-Papoleto Melendez as Sam Martinez, Myra Taylor as Vivian Neal, Ajay Naidu as Dr. Robert Hind, and David Lavine as Duncan Beattie.

Netflix is the world's leading streaming entertainment service with over 158 million paid memberships in over 190 countries. Enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films, Netflix is across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere and on any internet-connected screen. For more information, please visit www.netflix.com.

THE GOOD NURSE is a hospital thriller that is filled with twists and unexpected turns. Once again, one woman takes on an establishment that is not only hurting her physical existence but mental as well. Making it clear from the beginning that they will do whatever is necessary to protect themselves, Amy is the only way to find the answers.

One thing that the film says under its breath is that hospitals were not held accountable for anything that happened to patients. That was aggravating to see because it is easy for them to hide with the money and power of good lawyers over patients who do not have the same access.

This is also a crime story because of what happened these patients and who caused it. That is the twists because suspicions are just flipped through distractions and ways around accepting what the truth really is. Yes, I’m been a little bit vague here because I want the viewer to take the same ride through it all as I did.

In the end – this is an unthinkable true story!

Time Life Keys up with ED SULLIVAN’S ROCK & ROLL CLASSICS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on a 10 DVD Set from Time Life is an extensive look at music with ED SULLIVAN’S ROCK & ROLL CLASSICS.

The Ed Sullivan Show was a staple variety show in family homes beginning in 1948 util 1971. Through all that time, he introduced some of the most outstanding talent. Elvis Presley hit the stage in 1956 and sent the shows rating skyrocketing. Appearing again to sing ‘Hound Dog’, he sent censors reeling with his gyrating performances. So much so they had to enact policy about how Presley would be filmed.

That same year, Fats Domino would entertain audiences with his R&B sound and ‘Blueberry Hill’ which is still a memorable song today. The next year, a very tall young man with thick black glasses from Lubbock, Texas would perform. Buddy Holly rocked with ‘Peggy Sue’ and ‘That’ll be the Day’. To this day I am partial to the song ‘True Love Ways’.

In 1960, a thrilling Jackie Wilson would bring ‘Lonely Teardrops’ to music lovers and in 1964 The 4 Seasons sing ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’. Both of these songs are still played on the radio and can be found on song lists today. That’s how memorable and good they are.

The year 1964 would turn out to be one of the most fantastic with the introduction of a young Stevie Wonder playing the piano and singing ‘Fingertips Pt. II’. The world would also discover that this major talent did so without his sight. The Beach Boys would bring another summer hit with ‘I Get Around’, The Animals brought the dark and brooding ‘House of the Rising Sun’.

Also, that year, The Rolling Stones sang and played ‘Time is on My Side’ with Mick Jagger leading his group.

The world would be introduced to a very sexy Welshman with Tom Jones capturing female fans especially with his rendition of ‘It’s Not Unusual’. The girls aren’t far behind with their Ed Sullivan musical contribution with Martha & The Vandellas having us all ‘Dancing in the Streets’.

The Byrds brought the most memorable and frequently still used in movies and television shows with ‘Turn! Turn! Turn!’ and later played the Dylan son ‘Mr. Tambourine Man’ in psychedelics.

The music starts to change with a mixture of R&B and the feel of the 60’s beginning with The Young Rascals and ‘Good Lovin’. James Brown brings historic energy to the show with ‘Prisoner of Love’. Marvin Gaye also changes things up by performing ‘This Heart of Mine’ (another of my personal favorites).

For a bit more of the 60’s vibe, The Mamas & The Papas fall into the counterculture of music and sweep with the melodic ‘Monday, Monday’ and the harmony of ‘California Dreamin’.

Lovin’ Spoonful bring a different color with ‘Do You Believe in Magic’ and Johnny Rivers ‘Baby I Need You’re Lovin’. Another psychedelic came with The Turtles singing ‘She’d Rather Be with Me’. The Temptations would bring two of their hits to Ed Sullivan with ‘I Know I’m Losing You’ and ‘My Girl’.

One of my favorite groups, The Bee Gees would croon with ‘Words’, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles agree to ‘I Second that Emotion’. The funk arrives with Sly & The Family Stone with ‘Dance to the Music’.

If you don’t know The 5^th Dimension and ‘Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In’ then we might not be able to be friends. What a stunner performance. CCR or Creedence Clearwater Revival in case you don’t know performs with his ‘Proud Mary’ as Janis Joplin made sure we all got to ‘Raise Your Hand’. Steppenwolf asks us all to go on a ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ and it is so worth it.

When you want to make sure the band has a memorable name, then you name yourself The Band and bring roots to their performance of ‘Up on Cripple Creek’ in 1969. There has always been controversy around Jerry Lee Lewis, but that didn’t stop the Ed Sullivan from having him on the show to perform ‘Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On’.

The world was about to know The Jackson 5 as a young Michael Jackson and his brothers would charm and belt out the song ‘I Want You Back’. The audience did not realize but in the years that followed would, they were in the presence of the future King of Pop.

Finally, in 1970, the song that would become synonymous with memes about it and the song associated with BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID with B.J. Thomas’ ‘Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head’. The brother and sister team known as The Carpenters put sister Karen on a set of drums and sway the audience with ‘(They Long to Be) Close to You’.

Ike and Tina Turner brought something explosive to The Ed Sullivan Show with their rendition of CCR’s song ‘Proud Mary’. The difference is that Tina Turner put her own touches on it reviving the song into a hit once again.

Time Life continues to bring never before released anywhere classic collections of television shows for fans to revisit and remember what has made television so special. Time Life has released Mama’s Family, CPO Sharkey and The Tonight Show and they now remind of us of a time when sex and politics were up for grabs with ROWAN & MARTIN’S LAUGH-IN. For more of what Time Life has to offer fans of classic television visit www.timelife.com.

What is so amazing about this 10-disc collection is what you see above is only a fraction of what this set has to offer. Inside the set is a program guide that will go into detail even more of the music we have come to love and know that we will never see again. There are more gems such as The Supremes, Tommy James and the Shondells, The Friends of Distinction, Dusty Springfield, Steppenwolf and so many more.

That is what Time Life has done for music, kept it safe and secure so generation after generation can experience the progression of where The Ed Sullivan Show started and where we are now. Giving audiences and families watching at home each week something unseen and unheard at that time, it is what Sunday nights were made for.

Take time to revisit something so special, it is worth the 10-discs and more.

In the end – these are rock & roll classics!

Christmas is Iconic with THE CLASSIC CHRISTMAS SPECIALS COLLECTION

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from Rankin/Bass and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the beloved holiday stories with THE CLASSIC CHRISTMAS SPECIALS COLLECTION.

The joyous holiday season is even more wonderful and magical when RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER spends time with the family with the story told by Sam the Snowman (Burl Ives). The tale first aired in 1964, Rudolph (Billie Mae Richards) was born with an unusual nose that glowed! Pushed away by other reindeers, the young one decides to leave home in search of something better. Along for the journey is Hermey (Paul Soles), an elf who also feels like no one understands him wanting to be a dentist.

On their walk they meet Yukon Cornelius (Larry Mann) who is looking for silver and gold. After being chased by the Abominable, the three end up on the Island of Misfit Toys. The King (Stan Francis) asks that if they ever return home, to tell Santa there are toys who needs homes. Quickly, Rudolph has become a young buck and decides to go home. Once there, he discovers that his young decision has caused his family to be put in danger.

Everything is about to change for them all and Santa could not be happier!

Other cast include Stan Fracis as Santa Claus, Alfie Scoop as Fireball, Paul Kligman as Donner, Carl Banas as the Head Elf, Corinne Conley as Dolly for Sue, Peg Dixon as Mrs. Claus/Mrs. Donner, Bernard Cowan as Bumble and Janis Orenstein as Clarice.

Bonus Features for RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER include The Animagic World of Rankin/Bass, Restoring the Puppets of Rudolph, Reimagining Rudolph in 4D, RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER Attraction Film and T.E.A.M. Rudolph and the Reindeer Games.

Airing in 1969, Rankin/Bass Productions brings snow to the holiday season with FROSTY THE SNOWMAN. This story being told by Jimmy Durante, the school children are watching magician Professor Hinkle (Billy De Wolfe) try to entertain them. Going outside to play, they decide to build a snowman instead. Karen (June Foray) gives him the name Frosty (Jackie Vernon).

When a gust of wind comes up, the Professor’s hat blows off and Karen finds it putting it on Frosty’s head. Trying to reclaim the hat, it is his rabbit Hocus Pocus that gives it back to the children who bring Frosty to life. The bigger problem is that the temperature is rising and Frosty is beginning to feel it.

Knowing he needs to get to the North Pole. The children find a way to get Frosty and Karen on a refrigerated train car but the Professor is not far behind. Once the train stops, they must go through the forest as Hocus gets them help from the woodland creatures. All of this to get Frosty to Santa (Paul Frees) but will they be in time before the worst happens?

Bonus Features on FROSTY THE SNOWMAN include The Animagic World of Rankin/
Bass, Original Pencil Test and Commentary with Animation Historian Mark Evanier. 

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN comes to families in 1970 and continues to be one of my family’s favorites. Postman S.D. Kluger (Fred Astaire) tells the story of how Santa came to us all. In Sombertown, Burgermeister Meisterburger (Paul Frees) finds a baby wearing a tag named Claus (Mickey Rooney) and is sent to an orphanage.

Instead, a wind blows the baby to the Mountain of the Whsipering Winds (Keenan Wynn), and the animals know they must take him away before the Winter Warlock finds him. Instead, he is taken to the elf family known as the Kringles. Tanta Kringle (Joan Gardner), who comes from a toymaking family, accepts the boy and calls him Kris. As he gets older, Kris decides it is time to bring toys to Sombertown once again.

The Burgermeister trips and his injury causes him to ban toys in Sombertown. Finding other ways to bring toys to the children, Kris also meets Miss Jessica (Robie Lester) who wants to help. After a confrontation with the grumpy Burgermeister, Kris and his new penguin friend Topper make for the woods and is captured by the Winter Warlock. He has issues of his own but Kris has the magic to win people over.

The Burgermeister decides it is time to set traps for the law breaker but Kris has other plans making his way down chimney’s. Knowing that he will continue to be chased, Kris and Jessica decide to go to the North Pole where he can continue his work and bring joy to children everywhere!

Bonus Features of SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN include The Animagic World of Rankin/Bass and Commentary with Animation Historian Greg Ehrbar.

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.

Newly restored on 4K Ultra and Bluray, the color we have come to know returns in stunning brilliance. Each film is not only enchanting but has proven to be timeless. Seeing them as a young girl was the highlight of the holiday season, so much so that when I had children, they became excited for them to show up on television.

Now, I can share them with my grandchildren and make a family evening of it. These are stories of hope, love, fun, friendship, family and joy. The sights and sounds of the holidays are brought to us by Rankin/Bass and have found their place in holiday history.

This is an amazing collection to add to your own home entertainment library making the holidays a little sweeter, a lot more fun and a reason to curl up with your family.

In the end – the holidays are coming home!

THE AMBUSH

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to selected theatres and On Demand and Digital November 1^st from director Pierre Morel, AGC Studios and Saban Films is the pain and war with THE AMBUSH.

It is 2018 and the Yemen War has United Arab Emirates Armed Forces at their base on Mocha and preparing for a mission. It is a routine patrol through rugged terrain as Ali Al-Mismari (Marwan Abdulla Saleh), Bilal Al Saadi (Khalifa Al Jassem) and Al Hindasi (Mohammed Ahmed) ride down the road keeping an eye out.

The hills are filled with rebels who would like nothing better than to take down a Humvee. When their truck hits an IED, the barrage of weaponry rains down on their truck. There is no way for the men to get out and their vehicle cannot continue to take hits. As the rebels get closer to their vehicle, they have no choice but to get out.

Radioing out the ambush, drones are sent in to see where the rebels are hiding but sending in choppers to help is going to take time. Other vehicles arrive and are ambushed as well sending the soldiers into survival mode until more help can arrive. They do their duty with their family on their minds but this is what they are trained for!

Other cast include Mansoor Alfeeli as Col. Jamal Al Khatri, Khalifa Albahri as Al Sayari, Ibrahim Almusharaakh as Mansoor, Hassan Yousuf as Abdulla Alblooshi, Abdullah Bin Heider as Col. Almazouri, Salem Altamimi as Sgt. Salem, Saeed AlHarsh as Captain Saeed Al Shehhi and Ghanim Nasser as the Rebel Leader.

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.

THE AMBUSH is a powerful film in that we usually see stories about American soldiers in wars. This is an opportunity to experience war from the view of the UAE soldiers and the intensity of emotion. Hearing them speak about their families and see their friendships is so important because it brings us closer to understanding the complexities from another point of view.

At the same time, the film brings the shock of what war brings and the cost of human life. The anger that brings such violence is not just a United States problem, it is a world-wide problem and war is not the solution. THE AMBUSH has a high anxiety level that stayed that way to the last.

The story is written by Brandon Birtell of FURIOUS 7 fame and Kurtis Birtell responsible for MEDAL OF HONOR. THE AMBUSH is the highest grossing Arabic-language film from the United Arab Emirates. Director Morel says, “The feedback we have received from audiences across the UAE has been overwhelming and I am so proud to have been a part of this fantastic project. I hope audiences continue to resonate with this inspirational story of brotherhood.”

In the end – they will bring their brothers home by any means necessary!

 

 

 

She Makes Her Way Down the CAUSEWAY

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to selected theatres this Friday and then to AppleTV+ on November 4^th from director Lila Neugebauer and A24 comes her story with CAUSEWAY.

Lynsey (Jennifer Lawrence) has returned from Afghanistan after her convoy was hit with IED’s. Staying with Sharon (Jayne Houdyshell), she helps Lynsey relearn the things we all take for granted. Slowly, she starts to regain her life and is nervous about returning home to New Orleans.

Almost immediately she is met with the past and mother Gloria (Linda Emond), who has issues of her own. One of them is forgetting to pick Lynsey up from the bus station but it won’t be the first time she has let her child down.

Lynsey uses the family truck to look for a job and takes one as a pool cleaner. On the way home, the truck starts acting up and Lynsey makes it to the local auto shop. There she meets James (Brian Tyree Henry) and the two strike up a friendship. She shares only the tiniest bit of her life and James shares his own story.

As she starts to feel stress at home, Lynsey decides that she wants to return to Afghanistan but Dr. Lucas (Stephen Henderson) makes it clear that he does not agree. Each appointment goes the same until Lynsey finally lets it be known that returning to her job in Afghanistan is her decision and no one else’s.

In the meantime, she and James are spending time together and enjoying each other’s company. Cleaning the pool of one client who is out of town, they both go for a dip. James decides to tell Lynsey more about what happened to him. When things go a little wrong, James lets Lynsey know that her pain is not exclusive nor has she been totally honest with him.

It is time for Lynsey to stop living in her past, embrace brother Justin (Russell Harvard) and truly decide that it is time to stop running – oh, and make things right with a good friend.

Lawrence as Lynsey is playing a woman who has trauma on many levels. Of course, her experience in Afghanistan is what brought her home but the question becomes why did she leave in the first place? Once she was away, why did resign herself to ignoring her family? Does experience mean being a bad friend? Finally, did Lynsey learn nothing from what happened to her? Lawrence takes the complex through each level of trauma; Lynsey might not do it well but it’s better than running.

Henry as James is a man that has his own traumas which makes it easier to see when someone else is wounded. James embraces his new friend and tries to be a good one (he is, trust that!) but can hurt just as easy. Henry gives us a flawed man who lives with his own guilt each and every day and his performance is truly stellar. His own levels of trauma are hidden under the skin of a man who shows nothing but kindness.

Emond as Gloria is a woman who does not know how to connect with her children. She is concerned but it seems only if she can be the center of their attention. Edmond brings her confused character with no regrets and that’s hard to do so well done. A small but powerful scene between Lawrence and Harvard – it is a surprise to experience their conversation and beautiful at the same time.

Shout out to Houdyshell as Sharon because, as they say in the south, bless her little heart! This actress gives us the big-hearted woman who cares for Lynsey and not just for the money. It is so apparent that the focus of this character is to give life and love back to the wounded. Houdyshell makes it look stunning on film.

Other cast include Frederick Weller as Rick and Han Soto as physiotherapist Tim Stuart.

Apple+ is a video on demand web television that debuted in 2019. Viewable through Apple’s TV app, CEO Tim Cook wanted original content calling it “a great opportunity for us from a creation point of view”. From THE MORNING SHOW to TRYING and THE BANKER and Jason Momoa in SEE, there is plenty of choices for everyone. Plenty of genres? That is exactly what they are bringing to viewers and to see more of what they have to offer please visit www.apple.com/tv/.

A24 is an independent entertainment company that specializes in film and television production based in New York City. Films such as A GLIMPSE INSIDE THE MIND OF CHARLES SWAN III, the amazing EX MACHINA, ROOM and THE WITCH. Many of their films can be found on DirecTV Cinema and Amazon Prime. For more information, please visit www.a24films.com.

The Gotham Awards has nominated Brian Tyree Henry for Outstanding Supporting Performance and at the Rome Film Festival it is nominated for Best Film. CAUSEWAY is the Official Selection of the BFI London Film Festival and TIFF.

CAUSEWAY is a story about a journey back, not just from her injury but from her life in general. Fighting all her life, it is now all right in front of her and not going anywhere. Finding a breather with new friend James is okay for a while, but even then, the cracks start to show.

A causeway is, by definition, an island reached at low tide – so to get back to the world, Lynsey can not get to it until the tide goes down and the road is clear. In the meantime, this character must come to terms with so much but, it is time. I think James is dealing with the same pain but on the other side of the same island and he too must clear the way so he can cross.

Their relationship is mired by pain but, when they are together, there is something so special between the two. All I could think of toward the end was that this film reminds me of a friendship I had many years ago, we got off the trail too but it was so worth coming back together remembering that its okay to reach out in a deep and loving friendship.

In the end – its time to begin again!

Classic Monsters Brings Thrills Home

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes UNIVERSAL CLASSIC MONSTERS Icons of Horror Collection.

THE MUMMY hit screens in 1932 as Boris Karloff plays Imhotep, a mummy who is killed for trying to bring his love Ankh-esen-amun back to him. Once revived, he becomes Ardeth Bey to everyone around him while still searching for his long-lost love. Bey meets Frank (David Manners) and Professor Pearson (Leonard Mudie) who are looking for her as well.

He also meets Helen Grosvenor (Zita Johann) who looks like his love. When his secrets are discovered, the only way to stop the mummy is to burn The Scroll of Thoth. The climatic ending brings Helen to Bey’s world of power and a time long past but who will survive?

Other cast include Arthur Byron as Sir Joseph Whemple, Edward Van Sloan as Dr. Muller, Bramwell Fletcher as Ralph Norton, Kathryn Byron as Frau Muller and James Crane as Pharaoh Amenophis.

Bonus Features on THE MUMMY includes: Mummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition Unearthed, He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce, Unraveling the Legacy of THE MUMMY, THE MUMMY Archives, 100 Years of Universal: The Carl Laemmle Era, Trailer Gallery, Feature Commentary with Film Historical Paul M. Jensen and Feature Commentary with Rick Baker, Scott Essman, Steve Haberman, Bob Burns, and Brent Armstrong.

The 1935 hit THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN sees the return of Boris Karloff as The Monster. Percy Shelly (Douglas Walton) and Lord Byron (Gavin Gordon) tell Mary Shelley (Elsa Lanchester) that her story of the monster is well done. She tells them there is more to the story continuing with villagers and Hans (Reginald Barlow) wanting to see the bones of the monster. While looking, he discovers he is alive and going after wife Minnie (Mary Gordon).

Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive) has his body returned to his beloved fiancée Elizabeth (Valerie Hobson). Minnie tries to warn her that the monster is alive but no one is listening to her. Elizabeth is more interested in helping Henry recover from his trauma. He reaches out to Dr. Septimus Pretorius (Dwight Frye) to continue his research., The monster believes he has found his mate, but everything starts to go wrong but in the midst of madness.

Other cast include E.E. Clive as Burgomaster, Dwight Frye as Karl, Ted Billings as Ludwig, and J. Gunnis Davis as Uncle Glutz.

Bonus Features on THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN includes: She’s Alive! Creating The Bride of Frankenstein, The Bride of Frankenstein Archive, 100 Years of Universal: Restoring the Classics, Trailer Gallery and Feature Commentary with Scott MacQueen.

The 1943 PHANTOM OF THE OPERA brings Erique Claudin (Claude Rains) no longer plays at the Paris Opera House which effect the young Christine Dubois (Susanna Foster) with her voice lessons. He is devoted to her and at the same time sees Raoul Dubert (Edgar Barrier) wanting to marry her. He isn’t the only one as Anatole Garron (Nelson Eddie), a famous opera singer, wants her heart as well.

Trying to write music, Claudin takes it to Maurice Pleyel (Miles Mander) who rejects him, yet, he hears his music being played by Franz Liszt (Fritz Leiber). Rage causes Claudin to become injured and he runs to the sewers covering his face with a mask he steals from the opera house. Once again helping Christine, he knocks out the singer Biancarolli (Jane Farrar) for the opera Amour et Floire and they have no choice but to put Christine in her place. She is a success!

As everything starts to go wrong and the men try to stake their claim to Christine, it is the Phantom who kidnaps the girl. He wants her to sing only for him, but when Raoul and Anatole go after her, disaster strikes them all but in different ways.  

Other cast include J. Edward Bromberg as Amiot, Fritz Feld as Lecours, Frank Puglia as Villeneuve, Steven Geray as Vercheres, Hans Herbert as Marcel and Hume Cronyn as Gerard.

Bonus Features on PHANTOM OF THE OPERA includes: The Opera Ghost: A Phantom Unmasked, Production Photographs, 100 Years of Universal: The Lot, Theatrical Trailer and Feature Commentary with Film Historian Scott MacQueen.

Finally, the 1954 CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON brings the expedition of Dr. Carl Maia (Antonio Moreno), Dr. David Reed (Richard Carlson) and Dr. Mark Williams (Richard Denning) going down the Amazon to look for the fossils a creature with webbed fingers. Davis has brought his girlfriend Kay Lawrence (Julia Adams) and scientist Dr. Edwin Thompson (Whit Bissell) along.

Watching them is the ‘Gill-man’ (Ben Chapman/Ricou Browning) and he notices Kay following their boat down the river. When Kay goes for a swim, the creature follows and leaves behind a claw in the net. The scientists now know that the creature is real. Once captured, it doesn’t stay so for long and kidnaps Kay! David, Lucas and Carl know they must go after her and face the creature.

Other cast include Henry Escalante as Chico, Bernie Gozier as Zee, and Nestor Paiva as Captain Lucas.

Bonus Features of CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON includes: CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON, Back to the Black Lagoon, Production Photographs, 100 Years of Universal: The Lot, Trailer Gallery and Feature Commentary with Film Historian Tom Weaver.

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.

What is amazing about this collection is that these are the movies my mother introduced me to because they are the movies her parents introduced her to! This was the height of frightening films and how I loved Friday nights in our house. First, making pizza (yes, there was a time when people made pizzas in their own home) and then pajamas, grabbing pillows to gather on the floor and making a night of horror films.

As my kids grew up, we did the same thing, tradition in the best possible way. It was a way to gather to have family time but also to enjoy some of the best monster movies ever made. The jumps, the richness of the black and white films, the chaos, the yelling at the screen was a blast as a child, a blast with my kids and now, a blast with the grandkids.

These characters are iconic and have made history because of the story, the cinematography, special effects and directors that knew exactly who to cast in the roles. Boris Karloff and Claude Rains brought exactly what these characters needed for us to be frightened but yet, also felt a bit of humanity at the lives they were forced to live.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has brought this awesome collection just in time for the spooky season so get your pizza made (or ordered), find the most comfortable p.j.’s you own, every pillow in the house and settle in with the lights out for a bit of monster binge watching!

All of these iconic characters are, well, misunderstood to my way of thinking which is probably why we enjoy them so much!

In the end – these are the icons of horror!

 

 

THE MISSING CHILDREN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Topic is the shocking and heartbreaking documentary about the children of Ireland and the Mother and Baby Homes filled with THE MISSING CHILDREN.

Tuam is a small town in Ireland and in the town was St. Mary’s, Tuam’s Mother and Baby Home that was once a workhouse. Women had their babies and could not take them home. Now having that stigmatism, the children were treated differently and could not socialize normally with other children.

In the corner of the home was a small grotto, two boys jumped over the wall to get apples and the ground gave way. The boys discovered the horror of child remains, it was reburied and life went on. That was until Catherine Corless, a local historian of Tuam, started researching about the home and discovered all the children that died at the Tuam home.

The thing is, the register is supposed to have a location where over 700 children were buried and there was no record at all. Getting maps of the home, she discovered one place where they could be. The journalist Allison O’Reilly took over the story with the thought that an investigation would start – none did.

Catherine confronted the nuns at Bon Secours Convent told that the sisters vehemently denied any such thing occurred. Caelainn Hogan, also a journalist, heard that the story of the Tuam children was not true. Terry Prone, who represented the sister of Bon Secours emailed people saying, ‘if you come here, you’ll find no mass grave’. 

Fergus Finaly of the Irish Government found it hard to believe that the nuns would not keep a record of the deaths as they were so meticulous with their record keeping. He believes the nuns know something. In Manchester, England, Annette McKay was a child of a woman who went to the Tuam home to give birth to another child. The sister’s told her the baby had died and she was turned away.

Dr. Maeve O’Rourke, a human rights lawyer, explains how Ireland was a Catholic country and wanted to show that by being a morally pure country. The homes were a way of keeping those who didn’t tow the religious line out of sight. It did not matter how you got pregnant, having a baby brought shame and was a sin.

PJ Haverty was born in 1951 and survived his time at Tuam. He tells of how his own mother was treated by the family and was eventually taken to Bon Secours Convent. This particular convent was filled with nuns that had nurses training. When PJ was born, his mother continues to work at the convent and he rarely saw her until she eventually was made to leave.

Peter Mulryan, born in 1944, also remembers his time and the memories still haunt him. He remembers the sounds most of all. Pat Duffy explains how they were just kept in their beds with nothing but their own selves. This is the horror grown men still remember.

In 2015, the Irish government finally began an investigation into the mother and baby institutions. They announced they would look at the years 1922 to 1998 but also other homes as well. Tuam’s was just the beginning of the story and now the plot that Catherine believes existed, would finally be looked at in 2016.

Beginning with Dr. Linda G. Lynch, Human Osteoarcheologist, the digging began along with Dr. Niamh McCullagh, Forensic Archaeologist and Excavation Director. There job is to decide if the spot was an official burial spot or not. A 19th century sewage structure is what they found along with human remains. What Catherine believed had finally been proven to be true.

In 2017 at the House of the Oireachtas, which is Ireland’s Parliament, Katherine Zappone, Minister for Children & Youth Affairs, announces their findings at the digging site in Tuam. Now, people want to know what really happened to these children and Catherine is still asking the hard questions. One of the people who has been asking questions as well is Anna Corrigan who had two brothers die in Tuam.

Anna, like Catherine, starts collecting information about what happened and discovers that there was something wrong with her brother John. Backing up her suspicion is an inspection report yet no one then followed up. When starvation becomes a reason for death, it does not make sense since the sisters were paid by the government to take care of these children and they grew their own food in large quantities.

Catherine wonders if it is possible that some of the children did not die, if that is the case, where are they? Patrick Naughton was born in 1954 and later adopted from Tuam but he never knew until he confronted his loving parents. He discovered the true story from his mother Lucy and it was devastating. Now, it is not only the deaths of the children at Tuam but the unknowing parents who are adopting children.

Mothers were led to believe that their children had died when, in fact, the nuns and priests were sending the children away for adoption in other countries like the United States. Journalist Mike Milotte learned that in the 50’s over 500 children arrived in the United States in one year. One of those children is a little boy named Michael.

What becomes more disturbing is that as the adults who survived Tuam begin to find paperwork from their ‘parents’ and learn the truth of who they are and where they came from. Looking for records or anything that could help them trace their own roots becomes important to them all.

The answers are slow in coming but with the determination and anger of those who see the injustice done to the children of Tuam and holding accountable those who are to blame.

Topic is the boundary-pushing streaming service for thrillers, mysteries, dramas and documentaries from around the world, serving viewers who crave entertainment beyond the mainstream. Whether it’s a Nordic-noir crime thriller (The Killing), a back-stabbing, an Italian political drama (The Miracle), or a mind-blowing supernatural mystery from Russia (Dead Mountain), Topic expands your view of the world. For more of what Topic has to offer please visit www.topic.com.

THE MISSING CHILDREN is just a horribly heartbreaking documentary about the blatant disregard for human life both living and dead by the nuns and the church for these children. Once the box was finally opened, papers came flooding out about how many children actually died and how many were ‘bought’ by adoptive parents. I never believed through the storytelling of this documentary that the adoptive parents knew what was happening.

That means that the church, an institution that people have generationally believed that they could trust, was an agent of destruction both physically and mentally of human beings. If the children truly died, their remains were treated with such disrespect and if they lived, they became victims of human trafficking. Calling the purchase money for the child a ‘contributions’ can only be described as disgusting.

Those who are trying to piece together the story and those who are living this injustice are so patient and, to be honest, I know I wouldn’t be. They are continually blocked by a system that is clearly afraid of what more the documents they are holding back will expose about those responsible. Using their power to block any legal action is once again a slap to survivors.

THE MISSING CHILDREN won the BAFTA Award in 2022 for Tanya Stephan, Rachel Cumella, Brian Woods, Anne Morrison, Paddy Garrick, Ella Newton, True Vision, Nevision and Itv.

This documentary is just so hard to watch at moments because all of the child-survivors of Tuam share their heart, story and soul. There is no way to watch and not become angry at the way they have been treated from birth until now, in their senior years. Their emotion just breaks my heart but, there are moments of joy and that has to be enough – for now.

Finally, the speech given by the Prime Minister holds nothing but disgust for me. Hiding behind laws, the church and making the records unavailable for thirty years proves that he is just as complicit as everyone else who is hiding the total truth.

In the end – they are finding who they truly are!

 

 

 

The Iconic TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital celebrating its 60^th Anniversary from director Robert Mulligan and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment based on the novel of the same name by Harper Lee is TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD.

Jean Louise Finch (Mary Badham) is a young girl who questions everything and is curious about the world around her. Called Scout by her brother Jem (Philip Alford) and father Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck), they all live in Alabama in the 1930’s. Being raised by a single father, he relied on the help of their beloved housekeeper Calpurnia (Estelle Evans).

Scout and Jem spend their summer playing with friend Dill (John Megna) with their biggest game being that they want to see Boo Radley (Robert Duvall). He is a recluse who is never seen but lives with his brother Nathan (Richard Hale). That is odd considering Jem finds things inside a tree in the Radley yard. One time, Jem finds little carvings that look like Jem and Scout!

While they are off adventuring, father Atticus is a lawyer that works hard for the people of their small town. Sometimes folks pay with money but others pay with whatever they have, like food. All of his cases are important, but this summer Atticus is about to take on the hardest case ever. Tom Robinson (Brock Peters) has been arrested for the attack on Mayella Ewell (Collin Wilcox), the bigger issue, however, is that Tom is African American and Mayella is white.

Atticus does whatever possible to protect Tom until the trial starts as Jem and Scout see how the town reacts. When a covered mob of people come to the jail, it is Scout who calls out in recognition one of the men and they leave quickly.

As the trial begins, Tom tells how he had seen Mayella on the day in question and she looked like someone had beaten her up. She asked that Tom help break down a cabinet, a chifforobe and that is supposedly when he attacked the girl. Atticus also calls the girls father, Bob Ewell (James Anderson), and confronts the man about the actions of his daughter.

When the jury reaches its verdict, the African American community shows Atticus respect and soon after the reality of the world comes crashing home. Trying to continue with life, time passes as Scout is part of a school play, on their walk home, the children are attacked. Rescuing them is the most unlikely town’s person and who attacks them is no surprise.

What is a surprise is the decision to carry on as Scout walks Boo home.

Peck as Atticus Finch is a man who keeps himself in check at all times. He doesn’t ruffle easily and if he did, you would never know it. Peck gives the performance of a father who wants his children to always be aware of the world in its true form, with no blinders. I love this character and see why Peck was chosen for the role. It is honorable and beautiful in equal measure.

Badham as Scout is a young girl who questions everything and is probably the first female character that I remember not having a filter. Even when her own father tries to reign her in, Scout finds a way to make sure she is heard. She is a strong girl who sees injustice as her father taught her, knows life isn’t always fair and can be truly dangerous. Badham is perfection.

Alford as Jem also sees what his father is going through and feels extra protection toward pesky sister Scout. His is like Atticus in many ways in his quiet demeanor as if he is taking everything in rather than act out. Alford gives a wonderful portrayal.

Peters are Tom is a man who knows that there is no one who is going to listen or believe him except for Atticus. Telling his truth, the real truth falls on deaf ears during a time and place that makes it clear that only one race can be believed. Peters gives us all the emotion we would expect to see and does so with grace.

Wilcox as Mayella is a young woman that has no idea what she is doing. Whether put up to it by her father or trying to escape the life she is trapped in, this is a disturbed woman. From the moment she steps on the stand, it is hard to hear the lies that she is trying to believe herself. Well done Ms. Wilcox. Anderson as Bob is everything about the racially motivated south in his hatred of Tom and knowing he can hide behind his color. His anger and idea of revenge comes through the screen and it is frightening.

Now, let us speak on Mr. Duvall as Boo Radley – absolute and stunning perfection. His character does not have a big role in the film but instead a subtle reality of the world without a word being spoken. Instead, Boo is a gentle soul that finds his own way through the insanity and Scout sees its beauty. Just spectacular and memorable.

Other cast include Jester Hairston as Spence, Frank Overton as Sheriff Tate, Hugh Sanders as Doctor Reynolds, Rosemary Murphy as Miss Atkinson, Ruth White as Mrs. Dubose, Paul Fix as Judge Taylor, Paulene Myers as Jesse, Alice Ghostley as Miss Crawford, Jamie Forster as Mr. Townsend, William Windom as Horace Gilmer, Crahan Denton as Walter Cunningham, Kim Hamilton as Helen, Bill Walker as Reverend Sykes, and Kim Stanley who narrates the beginning of the film as adult Scout.

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

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

Bonus Features include TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD: All Points of View, Two Feature Length Documentaries: Fearful Symmetry and A Conversation with Gregory Peck, Academy Award Best Actor Acceptance Speech, American Film Institute Life Achievement Award, Excerpt from Tribute to Gregory Peck, Scout Remembers, Feature Commentary with Director Robert Mulligan and Produce Alan Pakua and more.

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is an iconic and beloved film and if you haven’t read the book, you really should. The film is stark, strong and powerful every step of the way. Seeing it in black and white is sublime and if they ever tried to colorize it, I’d probably lose my mind.

The film was nominated for 8 Academy Awards with a win for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Gregory Peck, Best Writing Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium for Horton Foote and Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Black-and-White for Alexander Golitzen, Henry Bumstead and Oliver Emert.

Also, a winner is Robert Mulligan for the Gary Cooper Award at the 1963 Cannes Film Festival, winner Best Foreign Actor for Gregory Peck from the David di Donatello Wards, Golden Globe winners Best Actor-Drama for Gregory Peck, Best Original Score for Elmer Bernstein and Best Film Promoting International Understanding. The list is almost endless!

I have always believed classrooms should carry this film, even with its delicate subject matter, because it is a teachable film. It is a story of humanity, lack of humanity, brutality, honorable actions and acceptance of those who might be different in so many different ways.

If it has been some time since you’ve seen the film, then see it again as well as introduce it to the next generation.

In the end – it is a sin to kill a mockingbird!

 

 

Paramount+ Frights with SIGNIFICANT OTHER

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Paramount+ from writers/directors Dan Berk and Robert Olsen is a weekend in the woods with the SIGNIFICANT OTHER.

Ruth (Maika Monroe) and Harry (Jake Lacy) are off for an adventure on the Red Ridge Trail. It does not take long on the trail before Ruth begins to suspect that something is off. As they continue on, Harry makes the big move on a picturesque cliff but it doesn’t get the effect he had hoped for.

Camping in the woods, Ruth discovers a deer that has been killed and it disturbs her a bit but Harry makes it alright. Later, she discovers a cave and can’t help but go inside finding a glowing blue substance on the ground. More frightening is that she is not alone.

Continuing their walk, chaos ensues and Ruth is sent flying through the woods. Couple Vivian (Dana Green) and Ray (Matthew King) find her injured and not remembering anything. They sense something is happening with her but cannot place it until Harry walks into the camp. Ruth cannot get away fast enough because her fear is pushing her hard.

She discovers that the something in the woods is more than she could have imagined as the game of cat and mouse continues.

Monroe as Ruth has a character full of issues. Going on this hike with her boyfriend seemed like the way to get out of her head. The problem is that the opposite happened but because of what she discovers. I enjoyed Monroe’s portrayal of a woman that is clearly trying to enjoy her life but has unresolved issues and now the stress of what is in the forest.

Lacy as Harry just wants to love his girlfriend and thought their time in the forest would be a way to just clear their heads – and he has a bit of a surprise. Unfortunately, the surprise is on him as he discovers his ‘human-ness’ and wants Ruth to be a part of it all. He has patience to a point but when she doesn’t respond the way he wants, the true story of what is going to happen becomes clear and frightening.

Other cast include Loudon McCleery as Jimmy and Teal Sherer as Dolores. 

Paramount+ is a subscription streaming service with content from CBS Media Ventures, Paramount Media Networks and Paramount Pictures. Leading with original series, films and sports coverage, programming also includes shows like Big Brother, The Good Fight, and Star Trek: Discovery. For more of what they have to offer please visit https://www.paramountplus.com.

SIGNIFICANT OTHER comes out just in time for the spooky season adding a bit of thrill, a bit of horror and a bit of sci-fi all mashed into a trip through the forest. It is nice when the surroundings are a character in the story as well. There is nothing to get in the way of these two characters going through their own madness.

Staying focused on Ruth and Harry, it is a constant twist and turn of events. I found myself puzzled one minute and having ‘ah-ha’ moments the next. That happened a lot through the film which made it fun in a freaky cool way.

Get out the popcorn and stay out of the woods!