Santa is Bring SILENT NIGHT on Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from director Tommy Wirkola and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is a different look about the man from the North Pole with VIOLENT NIGHT.

The holidays are here and Santa Claus (David Harbour) is disillusioned, disgusted and dismayed at what has happened to Christmas. Not his usual ho-ho-ho self, he does the minimum to get the job done and not with an ounce of jolly.

Jason Lightstone (Alex Hassell) gets wife Linda (Alexis Louder) to agree to go to mom Gertrude’s (Beverly D’Angelo) house for Christmas. Taking daughter Trudy (Leah Brady), it becomes clear quickly that there are family issues. Waiting for them is Jason’s sister Alva (Edi Patterson), her bad actor husband Morgan (Cam Gigandet) and son Bert (Alexander Elliot).

There is the usual sibling bickering about the family company and money. That is until all Christmas breaks loose as Mr. Scrooge (John Leguizamo) enters their festivities. He brings his band of merry gun-toting mercenary elves with only one mission – get money and go!

The problem is, they didn’t expect Santa to be in the house who catches on real quick that this is not the house to be visiting. Finding a radio, Santa hears Trudy on her radio telling him not only what she wants for Christmas but what is happening in the house. Wanting to walk away, there is something about Trudy that makes Santa decide that he needs to remember who he is and that makes all the difference.

It’s skull cracking time!

Harbour as Santa Claus is hilarious, sweet, a little vicious but has a story to tell. Once the gang realizes there is a Santa in the house, the chase is on and Harbour gets down and dirty. That makes the film so much more fun in a twisted sort of way. It is next to impossible not to cheer for Harbour’s character and, to be honest, I was all for it. That is part of the fun of the film and trust when I say it is Harbour who makes it thrilling every frame of film.

Leguizamo as Mr. Scrooge is a guy who has serious issues of his own. Money starts out being the motive for the madness but I suspect that Leguizamo’s characters issues run holiday deep. Deciding to go all out to get what he wants, there is nothing or no one, not even Santa that is going to stop this well-designed plan. Then again, Scrooge vs. Santa is a whole other knock down drag out.

Hassell as Jason wants his family back but has to go through a lot this night to see if that can happen. Louder as Linda knows the Lightstone family are a lot but puts it all aside to do the right thing for her daughter, bet she wished she had made other plans! Patterson as Alva is just one hot mess who thinks she has what it takes to take her own brother down, yea, about that…..! Gigandet as Morgan is that family member that just can’t help but show why everyone else rolls their eyes.

Brady as Trudy is just a sweet young girl who wants her parents to be happy and spending Christmas together. When the chaos happens, she reaches out to Santa for help and does not seem surprised when he comes through. There is a bit of another film mixed into Brady’s characters bag of tricks and its pretty funny. Well done young lady, well done. Elliot as Bert portrays all the kids us older folk can’t stand to be around and he does it really well!

Let’s talk about D’Angelo as Gertrude. She is saucy, mouthy and can take a hit. She knows what her family thinks of her and it doesn’t change anything about her naughty attitude. I just love this character and D’Angelo did it all with nothing short of bad attitude sprinkled with Christmas glitter!

Other cast include Brendan Fletcher as Krampus, Mike Dopud as Commander Thorp, Stephanie Sy as Sugarplum, John Lowe as Pub Santa, Andre Eriksen as Bjorn, and Erik Athavale as Richard.

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.

Exclusive Bonus Feature include Deleted and Extended Scenes – Family Arrives at the Mansion, Jason and Linda in Bedroom, Krampus Sees Trudy’s Radio, Santa on the Roof, Walk to the Manger, Family Resolution, Bad Dad, Cast Call Back and Extended Scenes.

Also, Quarrelin’ Kringle – Cast and Crew Relay why David Harbour is the Perfect Brawler for this Combative Rendition of Santa. Santa’s Helpers: The Making of VIOLENT NIGHT – Tommy Wirkola and David Leitch has reunited for another madcap, violent fairytale with heart in VIOLENT NIGHT. This making-of will celebrate their spirited reunion as well as the other little helpers. Deck the Halls with Brawls – Go Behind the Action as we go Blow for Blow with the New Villains of Christmas.

Finally, Feature Commentary with Directory Tommy Wirkola, Producer Guy Danella, Writer Pat Casey and Writer Josh Miller.

VIOLENT NIGHT does not waste a moment and from beginning to end it is Harbour that is a mixture of comedy, drama and charming. Oh sure, Santa has a history and sure he seems like a crushing Ninja but that does not change the fact that he brings gifts to believers. Don’t get me wrong, the film is really violent, really bloody but it is also really hysterical.

Now that being said, it has been quite a while since I’ve seen a film that had me cheering, making faces and dropping my jaw. Okay, so tried to close my eyes and ended up looking through my fingers at one point but darn it was fun. The cast assembled bring a holiday film that I will predict right now will become a holiday tradition (at least in my house).

I think we found another twisted film to add to the family’s equally twisted Christmas binging tradition.

In the end – you better watch out!

ALICE, DARLING

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Mary Nighy and Lionsgate is the story of losing one’s self in love with ALICE, DARLING.

Alice (Anna Kendrick) is a very busy working woman who is in love with boyfriend Simon (Charlie Carrick). Planning a girl-getaway birthday are friends Tess (Kaniehtiio Horn) and Sophie (Wunmi Mosaku). Struggling to find a way to please both Simon and the girls, Alice makes an excuse to be away for a week.

Staying at a beautiful lake side cabin, Alice cannot seem to find peace. Instead, she is struggling with her friendships and cannot stay away from her phone for more than a few minutes. Tess and Sophie notice immediately that something is not right with their friend. Trying to talk with her about it only causes even more strain in their relationships.

Alice tries to lose herself by helping the townsfolk with a missing person. Spending her day wandering through the forest keeps her from dealing with the reality. Tess isn’t about to let it ride and Alice finally lets out what is trapping her true self – a possessive boyfriend and the fear that it has brought to her life.

Then Simon shows up.

Kendrick as Alice gives the right performance here. She has the unique ability to be sarcastic and all the same time be so vulnerable. The comfortability with her friends is angst palpable which hides her fears and anxiety of her life. When Alice does have a chance to let loose, Kendrick embraces that freedom but it is only brief. This is an interesting character for Kendrick, I do wish it had been explored more as it felt mere surface.

Mosaku as Sophie is trying to keep the girls from going off on each other while also having a wonderful mini- vacation. She also knows something is wrong with Alice but is not sure how to handle it. Once she realizes the depth of Alice’s pain, she also knows what needs to happen and is there for her friend. Mosaku is straight forward as much as Horn and that’s everything.

Horn as Tess seems to be the thorn in Alice’s side and she knows it. Trying to reach her friend is proving difficult but Tess is not a push over. Horn is strong and does not take any nonsense and equally shocked to hear the struggles Alice has been going through. Now her guard is up and her eyes are giving off Mama Bear vibes when Simon shows up. Horn is the friend we all want but are a little bit afraid of – always a good thing.

Carrick as Simon is portrayed in a way that would make every person watching know that he has one goal – total possession of Alice in every way, shape and form. Carrick gives us the charming, smiling, attentive and ‘loving’ boyfriend but each move Simon makes deliberate and with purpose. Well done.

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

ALICE, DARLING has been nominated by the CMPA IndieScreen Awards and nominated with the Jordan Ressler First Feature Award for director Mary Nighy.

This film addresses the issue of one person doing a job controlling every aspect of another person’s life. That being said, I truly wish they would have delved deeper into that issue without the side story of a missing girl which really doesn’t play itself out and seems more a distraction. Watching Kendrick portray this struggling young woman is painful to watch at moments.

When Kendricks’ Alice finally talks about what she is going through, Mosaku and Horn are all in with their friend. Knowing something is wrong and finally discovering what it is, neither woman could have guessed it but know how to stop it even if Alice can’t.

In the end – sometimes the hardest thing to see is the truth!

THE SON

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Florian Zeiller and Sony Picture Classics is the story of struggle, pain and remembering THE SON.

Nicholas (Zen McGrath) is a seventeen-year-old kid who is struggling with his life. Living with Mom Kate (Laura Dern), he expresses that he can no longer live with her and she does not understand why. Turning to dad Peter (Hugh Jackman) and new wife Beth (Vanessa Kirby), he asks to live with them and his new baby brother.

Promising to attend school, go to therapy and do whatever his father asks, it seems that Nicholas is on the right path. Peter is thrilled to see his son doing so well, especially since his job keeps him away. But someone is noticing things aren’t quite right, Beth tries to speak with Peter about what she is sensing but Peter isn’t convinced.

Peter visits his father Anthony (Anthony Hopkins) and revisits old issues but Dad is not hearing it. Instead, he is making it clear that it is ridiculous that Peter lives in the past and holds resentments toward him. Returning home, Peter discovers that Nicholas has not been keeping his promises and a spiral sends the whole family into a place no family wants too ever be.

Jackman as Peter is a man torn between two families. Being consistently reminded of the breakup of his first family from both Nicholas and Kate, Peter is trying to do better the second time around. Jackman puts on a brave front for both families and believes that Nicholas will pull out of whatever is bothering him. Jackman’s performance is one of a man who can not bring him self to see the reality of what is happening around him.

Dern as Kate clearly does not know where to put her feelings. Still speaking of a life that no longer applies, it is a constant reminder to her son of what he feels he has lost. Dern is weepy and needy which makes the relationship with Peter awkwardly uncomfortable for anyone seeing it. That does not mean she doesn’t see what is happening with Nicholas but is equally confused about what to do as Peter. Dern turns on the needy and weepy full force.

McGrath as Nicholas is a young man who makes it clear that he does not feel like he fits in, has no friends and sees school as torture. Normally, if I saw this in a teen, I would make immediate calls and not stop until it was handled properly. Unfortunately, what I see in the character of Nicholas is a raging teen that seems more like he is throwing fits than crying for help. I do not believe that is what the director intended.

Kirby as Beth seems to be the only one who understands what is happening between the two families. Trying to bring it to Peter’s attention, she is reminding him that he is repeating neglecting his second family. She also understands far better what Nicholas is doing.

Other cast include William Hope as Andrew, Joseph Mydell as Brian, Erick Hayden as Allan, Isaura Barbe-Brown as Sophia, Akie Kotabe as Mr. Yama, Shin-Fei Chen as Alexandra, Danielle Lewis as Jessica and George Cobell as young Nicholas.

Sony Pictures Classics brings television, digital content, new entertainment services, independent films and technologies to viewers. Such films as GREED, THE BURNT ORANGE HERESY, THE CLIMB, CHARM CITY KINGS, I CARRY YOU WITH ME and THE FATHER are just a few of the current and upcoming releases. For more information on what Sony Pictures Classics has to offer please visit www.sonyclassics.com. 

The accolades include nominations from the Venice International Film Festival, Satellite Awards and the Golden Globe Awards nomination for Hugh Jackman for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama.

THE SON is a story of two families struggling with the issues of a teen who is living with his own whirlwind of insecurities and uncertainties. Those issues for a young person are serious, require immediate attention and ability to have available resources without a ‘waiting’ list. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

The film also brings to the forefront the issue of parents who believe they can solve a problem that is not in their wheel house. As a parent I can say it is difficult when your child needs something that you can not provide, but then again, if there is someone who can you can believe I’d get my kid to them.

I found the characters of Peter and Kate just so clearly in denial of everything. Their own lives, their unresolved issues, and their inability to admit to practically anything that has happened between them and the issues about Nicholas. They seemed more concerned about optics than solving the problem.

Then again, that’s just the opinion of someone who raised four kids.

In the end – family is complicated and love even more so.

Apple TV Brings Answers to the Final Season of SERVANT

 

Jeri Jacquin

Streaming on AppleTV+ tomorrow from M. Knight Shyamalan is the conclusion to the twisted and complicated series SERVANT.

Leanne (Nell Tiger Free) is decorating the house in anticipation of the return of Dorothy Turner (Lauren Ambrose). After her accident, it is time for Dorothy to return home to work on recovery and being home with son Jericho.

Husband Sean (Toby Kebbell) realizes there is a disconnect between he and Dorothy. He has his highly successful cooking show but it is on the back burner to the chaos in his home. Wanting to be there for his wife, she is distant and untrusting of him. Brother Julian (Rupert Grint) is wary of everything and even having problems in his relationship with Leanne.

There is something outside the brownstone that is determined to get Leanne back into the fold. Attack after attack, she manages to keep them at bay. When Dorothy returns, there is animosity between the two women that Leanne can not seem to grasp. Dorothy is determined to get well and calls on two women Bobbie (Barbara Kingsley) and Bev (Denny Dillon) to care for her.

Leanne is starting to unravel and everyone in the house sees it – especially Julian. As Bobbie and Bev make their mark on the Turner household, Leanne makes it clear that she is not happy with what is happening and it must be said, when Leanne isn’t happy bad things begin to happen.

As if they already haven’t been happening.

Ambrose as Dorothy is a woman who is clearly on the warpath. She may not be able to physically get to Leanne but she sure knows how to play the game. There are concessions to be made where Jericho is concerned but Dorothy is going to have her way. Ambrose has always given such complexity to the role of Dorothy and it has been mind boggling and delightful all at the same time. Keeping it together mentally was worth watching every moment of, now it’s time to see what Ambrose does physically with Dorothy and I’m all in. Well done!

Free as Leanne has gone from a sweet, loving, caring – oh wait, that was only in the first few episodes. Clearly this character begins to come into her own and discovers that she has something that other people want. Trying to stay away from those who would keep her captive, she makes a place for herself with the Turner family. The problem is that they are starting to question whether she truly does have a place. Free is absolutely stunning as Leanne and I have thoroughly enjoyed watching her embrace and take this role in places I didn’t see coming.

Kebbell as Sean is dealing with his own personal guilt. Constantly being pulled from Dorothy to Leanne and back again, I’m surprised he doesn’t have whiplash from the first three seasons. Now, with Dorothy literally down in the dumps, he might find a way to get back to her with the help of two little old ladies and a bit of ‘chef’ing. Kebbell has shown his character to be a bit of a narcissist and self-centered, but in this season, Kebbell has to show contrition with Sean and I have no doubt in my mind that will lead to choosing between Leanne and Dorothy for the fight of their lives.

Grint as Julian has, through these seasons, been the reason I laugh, a lot of jaw dropping and wondering what part his character will play in this last season. Right now he is shagging the nanny as it were but there is a price to pay for playing with crazy. I have so enjoyed watching the subtle and not so subtle changes in Julian and Grint is the reason for it. Come hell or high insanity, Grint’s portrayal of Julian is there in the thick of it and even if he doesn’t understand anything or everything, he doesn’t hesitate to talk about it.

Shout out to Kingsley and Dillon for being the new gals in town. They bring their own brand of crazy that I kind of like. Moving into the Turner home isn’t a cake walk (chef pun intended) but these two women aren’t about to let anyone in the house push them around or stop them from helping Dorothy get well. That is making Leanne crazy!

Other cast include Tony Revolori as Tobe, Molly Griggs as Isabelle, and Todd Waring as Frank Pearce.

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/.

SERVANT has been a series I could not stop watching, so much so that I have watched it twice to look for any clues as to where the story might be going. Honestly, I don’t think I wanted to know everything because it ruins the startling surprises and twists that are thrown into each thirty minute episode.

Yes, the thirty minutes never seems enough time but that’s the brilliance of SERVANT. Those thirty minutes are jam packed full of story telling and when the credits roll, I can guarantee you that those watching are practically throwing things at their television screens. To me, that is awesome!

This cast has brought four seasons of intensity, laughter, head smacks, and no denying a lot of ‘wtf’s along with way. Shyamalan, along with creator Tony Basgallop, have brought something unique and a bit mind blowing to Appletv+. But all good things must come to an end whether we like it or not right? It has been one heck of a unique wild ride!

Gawd what a great show.

It is all About LIVING

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Oliver Hermanus and Sony Picture Classics is the story of coming to life to learn about LIVING.

Mr. Williams (Bill Nighy) is a quiet man living in the 1950’s working in a bureaucratic role. Once a week he would take time to go see a film at the local cinema but life becomes awakened when it is discovered that Mr. Williams is ill.

Also, in the office working with Mr. Williams is Miss Margaret Harris (Aimee Lou Wood), a young woman who sees that moving ahead is not going to work so she decides to move on. The only thing stopping her is needing a reference from her boss Mr. Williams who seems to be absent from work.

Mr. Williams discovers that there is a life outside the office and away from the son Michael who means well. There is song, drink and discovering that sharing feelings with someone else is never too late to experience. It is in this grand opportunity of opening up does Mr. Williams discover what he has been afraid of, what he has been missing and the chance to embrace the time left of his life.

Nighy as Mr. Williams is so charming, eloquent and poignant in this role. He is a man that has been stuck in one place to the point of not even realizing it until the word ‘terminal’ is put into his life. Confused about what to do and how to feel, life shows Mr. Williams a path he never expects to be on and it is subtly beautiful in the hands of Nighy. Honestly, I’d expect nothing less from this fine actor.

Wood as Miss Harris is equally charming in that she gets to see a different Mr. Williams than everyone else gets to see. She wants to find her own place in the world and once she enters the into his new open world, she also sees the possibilities herself. Wood is the life breeze in a room full of stale air.

Other cast include Barney Fishwick as Michael Williams, Nichola McAuliffe as Mrs. Blake, Patsy Ferran as Fiona Williams, Jessica Flood as Mrs. Porter, Anant Varman as Mr. Singh, Lia Williams as Mrs. Smith, Zoe Boyle as Mrs. McMasters, Adrian Rawlins as Mr. Middleton, Oliver Chris as Mr. Hart, Michael Cochrane as Sir James, Hubert Burton as Mr. Rusbridger, and Alex Sharp as Mr. Peter Wakeling.

Sony Pictures Classics brings television, digital content, new entertainment services, independent films and technologies to viewers. Such films as GREED, THE BURNT ORANGE HERESY, THE CLIMB, CHARM CITY KINGS, I CARRY YOU WITH ME and THE FATHER are just a few of the current and upcoming releases. For more information on what Sony Pictures Classics has to offer please visit www.sonyclassics.com. 

LIVING is actually a remake of IKIRU written by novelist and Nobel Laureate Akira Kurosawa. It is the story of postwar Japan and a family moving from Nagasaki to England and their struggle to rebuild their lives after war.

The film has always been given nods from the Hollywood Music in Media Awards, British Independent Film Awards, National Board of Review, Los Angeles Film Critics Association, Chicago Film Critics Association, Dallas-Ford Worth Film Critics Association, Alliance of Women Film Journalists, National Society of Film Critics, San Francisco Bay Area Film Critics Circle, Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, London Film Critics’ Circle, Satellite Awards and Golden Globe Awards.

LIVING moves slowly and deliberately in the life of Mr. Williams. He has one final chance to feel, live, remember and explore the possibilities of life. He sees the opportunities to be something more, anything more than he has been and Nighy lights up the screen with his blossoming portrayal of this man.

Director Hermanus keeps the story so simple and that keeps my eye on Mr. Williams’ exploration. It gives the viewer pause when Nighy speaks bringing a reaction of thoughtfulness and awakening to the reasons for having a purpose in this life. It is a marvel and beauty to see and experience this film.

In the end – an ordinary man discovers the extraordinary key to life!

 

The True Story of SHE SAID

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from director Maria Schrader and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the true story of women fighting for justice with SHE SAID.

It is 2017 and Jodi Kantor (Zoe Kazan) is a reporter for the New York Times who receives a message from actress Rose McGowan. She tells about a sexual assault by the very famous Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein (Mike Houston). She also learns that more actresses, Ashley Judd and Gwyneth Paltrow talk to Jodi but don’t want to be named in the article.

Constantly being told not to name names, Jodi becomes frustrated and reaches out to reporter Megan Twohey (Carey Mulligan) for help. Now Megan begins to track down women who might have worked with Weinstein and one women she finds is afraid to talk because of an NDA she signed. Meanwhile, Jodi is confronting Miramax about payouts to accusers.

Finally, three women, Rowena Chiu (Angela Yeoh), Zelda Perkins (Samantha Morton) and Laura Madden (Jennifer Ehle) begin to slowly tell their stories as they are able. When Weinstein learns about what is happening, the war between he, the women along with Jodi and Megan begins. The more they dig, the dirtier it all gets but Jodi and Megan are not going to stop until everything is exposed.

Mulligan as Twohey is a woman who is trying to juggle her life as a reporter for the New York Times and becoming a new mother and all that emotionally entails. Meeting up with Kantor, she begins to come out of her depression finding purpose in her work once again. Discovering that the story needs both women, Mulligan gives her character the strength to hear the worst a woman could. Mulligan is amazing!

Kazan as Kantor is not about to let anything stand in the way of making sure Weinstein’s abhorrent behavior is brought to the forefront and he is held accountable. Kazan gives her character the determination one would expect from a journalist who discovers that it is all so much more horrifying than she could have imagined. Kazan is stunning in this role.

Shout out to Patricia Clarkson as Corbett giving her character the strength to say ‘we are going to do this!’ and giving an impeccable performance and Andre Braugher portraying a no-nonsense boss who, with Corbett, want to make sure that the story is done right.

Cast also includes Zach Grenier as Irwin Reiter, Peter Friedman as Lanny Davis, Emily Steel as Sarah Ann Masse as Emily Steel, Lola Petticrew as young Laura, Molly Windsor as young Zelda, Tom Pelphrey as Jim Rutman, Frank Wood as Matt Purdy, Anastasia Barzee as Lisa Bloom, Sean Cullen as Lance Maerov, Adam Shapiro as Ron Lieber, Patricia Clarkson as Rebecca Corbett and Andre Braugher as Dean Baquet. Also, Gwyneth Paltrow’s voice and Ashley Judd as herself.

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.

Exclusive Bonus Features on Bluray, DVD and Digital include Breaking the Story – As exclusive behind the scenes featurette with Journalists Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor that recounts what it took for them to break this incredible true story and Theatrical Trailer.

SHE SAID is a powerful film regarding the treatment of women by men in power. It reiterates what is happening in the world time and time again by men who, somehow, believe that they have the right to do whatever they want with no consequences. What they leave behind is a trail of women who had/have their lives destroyed for the rest of their lives.

Weinstein becomes trapped in his own criminal behaviors with rage, narcissism and the belief that his accusers are lying and that the journalists are trying to ruin him. Kantor and Twohey are not going to let lawyers or Weinstein or anyone else get in the way of finding justice for the women who’s lives he has ruined.

When the women start to discover their voices once again, it is clear that the power of those voices can push through any wall of deceit that their accuser continually tries to build. It is powerful as one by one the story is told and justice is finally being served so all the women can find healing.

In the end – it is the story behind the headlines!

 

It is the Return – Again, and Again of GROUNDHOG DAY

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD and Limited Edition Steelbook from director Harold Ramis and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the iconic film GROUNDHOG DAY.

Phil Connors (Bill Murray) is a television weatherman who has been sent to Punxsutawney to do a news spot on the Groundhog Day festivities. Before leaving he gives a weather report to viewers that a blizzard on the radar will miss Pennsylvania. Along with crew Rita Hanson (Andie MacDowell) and Larry (Chris Elliott) the cameraman, Connors makes it clear he is not happy with his assignment.

Dripping with contempt for the town and its people, he makes it loud and clear that a new job is on his horizon. Staying at the Cherry Tree In, the alarm with I Got You Babe blaring, Phil begins his day reporting on Punxsutawney Phil. Happy to be leaving, the run straight into the blizzard that he reported would not happen.

Forced to stay another night, Phil wakes up to the same song as the previous morning and quickly realizes he is suffering from some sort of déjà vu. Trying to leave town, he wakes up again, same time, same song and same place. Trying to discover what is happening, Phil goes through day after day trying something more destructive each time.

Confiding in Rita, Phil discovers that he is beginning to care for her but with each day he has to find a creative way to re-introduce his feelings. After trying everything to get out of the town and doing everything destructively possible, Phil begins to change in ways even he didn’t think were possible.

Phil becomes the new talk of the town and Rita is shocked! Finding his niche in the quaint little town – will he ever make it to the real ‘next day’?

Murray as Connors is everything about this film that makes it so iconic. He is grumpy, mean spirited, narcissistic, self-centered, and it works beautifully in his hands. Molding it into this character of Phil Connors, Murray not only delivers lines with perfection but his facial features are hilarious to the point of tears. Beginning with his utter distain for humanity, to a groundhog stealing crazy man to a piano playing life saver, Murray gives us each moment of enjoyment.

MacDowell as Rita has the ability to understand that nothing about Phil is going to change. He is who he is and she wants to wrap up the business in the cute town as quickly as Phil does but for seriously different reasons. As the days happen again and again, Rita starts to see a crazier side of Phil than one could have ever imagined and eventually see that something in him has changed. MacDowell is so sweet and charming from beginning to end.

Elliot as Larry brings his own brand of comedy as a guy who just can not seem to catch a break in work or in the potential for love. Elliott is uncomfortable in his own skin and it permeates to anyone that stands within five feet of him. That being said, he is still very funny and a joy to watch.

Shout out to Tobolowsky as Ned Ryerson, a character actor who, in this film, just shows up and never gets it. I know people like that!

Other cast include Stephen Tobolowsky as Ned Ryerson, Rick Ducommun as Gus, Robin Duke as Doris, Rick Overton as Ralph, Hynden Walch as Debbie, Michael Shannon as Fred, Les Podewell as homeless man, David Pasquesi as the psychiatrist, Willie Garson as Kenny, Richard Henzel as Rob Riley Radio host, Marita Geraghty as Nancy Taylor and real-life brother Brian Doyle-Murray as Buster Green. Let us not forget Scooter the groundhog playing Punxsutawney Phil.

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.

Bonus Material include Feature Presented in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos Audio and Channel Surround, Theatrical trailer. On Bluray the Features include Feature Presentation in High Definition, Dolby True Audio, Audio Commentary with Director Harold Ramis, Needle Nose Ned’s Picture-in-Picture Track, A Different Day: An Interview with Harold Ramis, The Weight of Time Documentary, The Study of Groundhogs: A Real-Life Look at Marmots and Deleted Scenes.

This 1993 film has so many memorable scenes and repeatable lines that our household will make it generational. GROUNDHOG DAY is one of those films that if you happen to be channel surfing and it shows up – you stop and watch it till the very end. It does not matter if the film has just started or there is only 10 minutes left – you watch. It is that iconic and made such an impact on everyone who saw it that year and Ramis directed a classic.

In our family, the line is “don’t drive angry, DON’T DRIVE ANGRY” and it cracks us up every time (if you don’t know then you don’t know so watch and KNOW). The other important thing about the film is that it makes one think – what would I do if a day kept repeating itself. Seriously? You can only nap so much, watch tv so much, eat so much – all especially since it has no effect on the day because there is no next day.

Okay, I think I might have just put myself in overthink so instead I’m going to re-watch GROUNDHOG DAY, which I’ve probably seen more times than Phil Connors actually woke up stuck.

In the end – what would you do if you were stuck in the same day… over and over?

Hey San Diegans! Ready to Board the PLANE with a Free Film Screening!

 

 Ready for the first free action film of the year?

PLANE

In the white-knuckle action movie PLANE, pilot Brodie Torrance (Gerard Butler) saves his passengers from a lightning strike by making a risky landing on a war-torn island - only to find that surviving the landing was just the beginning. When most of the passengers are taken hostage by dangerous rebels, the only person Torrance can count on for help is Louis Gaspare (Mike Colter), an accused murderer who was being transported by the FBI. In order to rescue the passengers, Torrance will need Gaspare’s help, and will learn there’s more to Gaspare than meets the eye.

Tuesday, January 10th at 7:00 p.m.

AMC Mission Valley

Please arrive early with your tickets.

Go to http://moviemaven.homestead.com and find out how to get yours. Each ticket admits two and enjoy!

Film or Book Giveaway for DEVOTION To Start the New Year!

Starting out 2023 we are giving away Digital Codes for the film DEVOTION. If that is not enough, we also have a copy of the book Devotion: An Epic Story of Heroism, Friendship, and Sacrifice by Adam Makos and the choice is yours!!

Jonathan Majors (Creed III) and Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick) star in the epic and inspirational true story of two elite U.S. Navy fighter pilots who helped turn the tide in the most brutal battle in the Korean War: Jesse Brown, the first Black aviator in Navy history and his fellow fighter pilot and friend, Tom Hudner. Their heroic sacrifices and enduring friendship would ultimately make them the Navy's most celebrated wingmen.

DEVOTION will be available to stream on Paramount+ and will be available to buy on Digital beginning Sunday, Jan 8. When you buy the film on digital, you receive access to never-before-seen bonus digital content, including:

The Aviation of a Forgotten War-Take a deep dive into the world of 1950s U.S. Naval aviation and experience the epic aerial action brought to life in Devotion. Meet the actors in real planes used during the Korean War in this incredible behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film.

The Legacy of Jesse Brown-Discover the extraordinary life of Jesse Brown, the first African American Naval Aviator, and explore his personal journey during the Korean War. Hear from the cast and crew as they discuss Jesse's unique and complex story.

We are also giving away a copy of the book Devotion: An Epic Story of Heroism, Friendship, and Sacrifice by Adam Makos. A deeper look into DEVOTION and a wonderful read. 

So here is what to do! Go to hellomoviemaven@aol.com, we have 5 Digital Codes for giveaway or if you wish to be entered for the book Devotion: An Epic Story of Heroism, Friendship, and Sacrifice by Adam Makos.

In the subject line please put – Film Devotion or Book Devotion and good luck!