The Adventure of DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Honor Among Thieves

 

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from directors Jonathan Goldstein, John Francis Daley, eOne and Paramount Pictures is the adventure of DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Honor Among Thieves.

As a member of the Harpers, Edgin Darvis (Chris Pine) has turned away from his order when a Red Wizard brings pain into his life. Raising daughter Kira (Chloe Coleman) with companion Holga Kilgore (Michelle Rodriguez), they have turned to becoming thieves. Along with Simon the sorcerer (Justice Smith) and Forge Fitzwilliam (Hugh Grant), they take without hurting anyone.

Forge brings a mission that could change Darvis’ life but it all turns when a Red Wizard Sofina (Daisy Head) puts Darvis and Holga in prison leaving Forge to take care of Kira. A few years later, Darvis and Holga make their way out of prison discovering Forge has become the Lord of Neverwinter. Finding lovely daughter Kira, Darvis also learns that Forge has not been telling the truth about what happened.

Leaving Neverwinter without Kira, Darvis knows there is only one way to change this, find Simon to help get into the castle for Kira and retrieve the resurrection tablet. Needing more help, they look for the tiefling shapeshifting druid Doris (Sophia Lillis). She begrudgingly decides to help and each step leads them to more relics with the help of Xenk (Rege-Jean Page).

All of this is to get inside the vault to change their fates and deal with Sofina during Forges’ opening of public games. Not swayed by the danger, Darvis, Holga, Simon and Doris take on everything thrown at them because together – they are a mess, but a mess with heart!

Pine as Darvis leads this rag tag group of misfits on an adventure that is really kind of cool. He is a man on a mission and sometimes the character forgets that it isn’t all about him. Pine has got some great lines, swing into action and is fun to watch. Coleman as daughter Kira is a delight to watch. Her character obviously cares for her father but hurt can be a powerful thing. Kira gives a performance of how I would think a young daughter would feel believing what she does about her father Darvis.

Grant as Fitzwilliam is clever, silly, hilarious and cowardly. I just loved watching his character be as shifty as I know Grant can play a character. This is also the character type of a man who will use anyone to get what he wants – even if it kills them. He has the twinkle eye of greed and Grant has such timing and it is totally fun to watch.

Rodriguez as Kilgore has a short fuse when it comes to people attacking her or pretty much anyone else for that matter. She is strong, swings what ever is in her hands like a pro and does not suffer fools. I actually enjoyed watching Rodriguez in this role believing that it is actually she who holds them all together.

Smith as Simon just wants everyone to know that he needs to learn a lot more about the world of magic. Yet, when he is called upon to help take on the big mission, he rolls his eyes, protests a bit and then off he goes to help Darvis. Smith is funny and yet sweet at the same time in this role. Lillis as Doris is another strong female character that just does not have time for stupidity. Wanting to stop the madness that is happening all around them, she reluctantly joins Darvis on his mission.

Page as Xenk is the handsome good guy that offsets Darvis’ sort of bad guy. He is charming, thoughtful, giving and wants to help the band get what they need. From the moment he is on the screen he oozes smooth and I’m okay with that. Head as Sofina is a woman that has powers to make even the earth shake. She is on her own mission to turn the world into zombieland and stopping her becomes just as important. Head is awesome and a tad scary in her portrayal, well done.

Other cast include Spencer Wilding as Gorg, Will Irvine as Tobias, Nicholas Blane as Chancellor Anderton, Bryan Larkin as Chancellor Norixius, Sarah Amankwah as Baroness Torbo, Colin Carnegie as Elvin High Harper, Georgia Landers as Zia and clayton Grover as Chancellor Harnathan.

Paramount Pictures is the longest operating and remaining major studio in Hollywood that has been on the ground floor of every major development in film. From the advent of motion pictures to the emergence of television, through the digital revolution, Paramount Pictures has been there. During our 100-year history, we have served as the production site for thousands of notable movies and television shows. For more please visit www.paramountstudios.com.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Honor Among Thieves is definetly a fun family film. I saw it with family and we had such a good time together. I did not know what to expect and left the theatre talking about the film. There is action, adventure, a solid story, great special effects, and lots of humor that everyone gets to enjoy.

Directors Daley and Goldstein might have a franchise on their hands for sure. Yes, it did remind me a bit of THE MUMMY franchise but I’m a huge fan of those films so sure, do it with DUNGEONS & DRAGONS. If you can keep the story from breaking off into ridiculous directions then I’d be all in.

Get ready for a whole lot of fun because that’s what DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Honor Among Thieves brings. If non-stop action is your thing, if video games are your thing, if having fun is your thing then this is the film to see this weekend!

In the end – who needs heroes when you have thieves?

When Mom Goes MISSING

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from directors Will Merrick, Nick Johnson and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the story of a mother who goes MISSING.

June (Storm Reid) lives with her mother Grace (Nia Long) after her father passes when she is very young. Into technology and friends, June is thrilled when Grace decides to go on a vacation with new boyfriend Kevin (Ken Leung) to Cartagena, Columbia. As Grace gives her final instructions that friend Heather (Amy Landecker) is in charge and June pretending to listen, the first thing the teen does is set up party time.

One week later, June is supposed to be picking Grace up from the airport but as passengers leave the plane, June’s mother is not in sight. Using her savvy of the computer, June starts looking for where her mom could be. Running out of ideas, she turns to a Columbia P.I. Javi (Joaquim de Almeida) to do some of the leg work for her.

June also manages to get into personal information about Kevin and learns about his past and how it effects what is happening now. Not able to find anything, she needs Javier to find out where they were seen last. June also finds a man named Jimmy (Tim Griffin) who says that Kevin is a good guy and really cares for Grace.

Elijah Park (Daniel Henney), an FBI agent, also stays in touch with June giving her information as he gets it. That doesn’t stop June from following her own leads and investigating through the internet. With all her investigating, June discovers the horrible truth about her mother and it leads to a situation that could end her own life.

Reid as June Allen is a young girl who believes that because she is 18 that she does not have to follow rules and feels her mother is just a kill joy. Once she realizes that life is much more complicated and dangerous, she dives into a world of secrets and lies. Reid is the main focus of the film and does her utmost to portray a young woman who does not rely on others to find her mother.

De Almeida as Javier gives us a part time private investigator who knows his way around Cartagena. Getting the information just leads to more questions and a very long distance relationship with June. His soft spot for the young girl is showing and he chases leads with a vengeance. I have always enjoyed the roles that De Almeida has taken and this film joins the list of performances.

Landecker as Heather is the ‘adult’ while Grace is away but when it is clear she is missing, she helps June get the ball rolling on finding her. Leung as Kevin is the man dating June’s Mom. He has a past and June has to discover whether it has anything to do with what is happening now.

Long as Grace has a small role in the beginning setting up her life with June/Reid. She is a mom who is dealing with a daughter that is starting to show her independence (even if she really isn’t ready for it). Wanting to be a good mom and wanting a love life as well can be complicated enough without disappearing as the cherry on top.

Other cast include Ava Zaria Lee as young June, Michael Segovia as Angel, Megan Suri as Veena, Tracy Vilar as Det. Gomez, Lisa Yamada as Alison, Jameel Shivji as Karthik, and Lauren B. Mosely as Rachel Page.

The film follows the 2018 film SEARCHING and also reminds me of the 2018 film PROFILE. These are also two interesting films dealing with people and their sleuthing ability to use the internet.

MISSING is a film about family, love, and the ability to outsmart bad guys. The character of June is definetly tech savvy because I couldn’t even keep up with how to do what she was doing. I need a class just to figure out how to install an app most of the time. Once June starts, her magic is fast and furious.

It is interesting to watch the trail of breadcrumbs she follows and, although illegal, the ways in which she gets information. That’s the world we live in however, information is key to everything and the internet is full of information. Good or bad, the search for answers is diligent by June and where it all leads her is an absolute shock.

Cuddle up with popcorn because this is about to get strange, fast and intense and jaw dropping in its conclusion.

In the end – no one disappears without a trace!

AVATAR: The Way of Water

 

Jeri Jacquin

Available on 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from director James Cameron and 20th Century Studios Home Entertainment is the continuing adventure and Oscar winner for Best Visual Effects with AVATAR: The Way of Water.

Things have been quiet for the Na’vi since expelling the sky people with the help of Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) who is now chief. Now, he and Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) have an ever-expanding family they are raising. Sons Lo’ak (Britain Dalton) and Neteyam (Jamie Flatters) and daughters Kiri (Sigourney Weaver) and Tuk (Trinity Jo-Li Bliss). In addition to their family is a teenage human boy names Spider (Jack Champion) who is fluent in the ways of the Na’vi and spends all his time with the Sully family.

As the attacks against the forest people continue, the sky people are expanding their base and taking more resources than ever before. Knowing his family is being hunted, Jake decides it is time for them to go in order to save the Omaticaya people. Planning to get as far away as possible, they seek refuge with the Metkayina sea people. Chief Tonowari (Cliff Curtis) listens to the plea for help but it is his wife Ronal (Kate Winslet) who see’s pain and heartache in their future.

Trying to embrace this new culture, the boys find themselves constantly in trouble, Tuk is enjoying the water and all the creatures and Kiri begins to understand that although different, she easily embraces the sea life. Lo’ak, trying to make friends with the chief’s son Aonung (Filip Geljo), finds himself once again in trouble but is helped by a Tulkun names Payakan. Looking on at the encounter is the chief’s lovely daughter Tsireya (Bailey Bass) who realizes there is something special happening.

Now, for the hard part, As Pandora becomes more and more colonized, the company RDA has found a way to create Na’vi people without needing a human host but yet transferring their essence. One of these is Quaritch (Stephen Lang) who has a score to settle with Sully. Having no conscience previously, he makes it clear that he has no qualms about killing the Sully family and anyone that gets in his way.

The battle is on once again for the world Jake has come to love and the people in it. The Na’vi may be different tribes but one thing is clear, when you attack one, you attack all! As Quaritch comes closer and closer, it is clear that he and those with him are out for destruction.

Worthington as Sully returns and now is a father of quite a brood. He has trained his sons to be warriors but they have his disregard for orders and rules. Trying to find safety for his family, Sully packs up and tries to find the farthest place anyone would look for them. Like life, problems have radar and will always find you. Sully has become a respected member of the Omaticaya people and they look to him for guidance during their time of peace. When it becomes clear that peace is over, he knows what has to be done and does so with a broken heart. Worthington picks up right where he left off without a misstep in his character portrayal of the blue Na’vi Sully.

Saldana is now a mother lioness who is not about to let anyone hurt her children (too bad she needs to worry more about what they are doing than others are doing). She is not happy to be joining the sea tribe but makes the best of it and remains supportive of Sully. Like other mother lioness’, Saldana’s Neytiri does a lot of hissing in this film and when her angry rears its very tall head, stand back because the rage is on.

Curtis as Chief Tonowari is unsure from the beginning about the Sully clan hanging around but knows that they are Na’vi and that means something. Curtis gives his character a quieter leadership than Sully but that changes when the sky people decide it’s time to do their damage. Winslet as Ronal is also a mother lioness and pitted against Saldana’s Neytiri get a little tense at times. She wants the best for her family which includes son Aonung and beautiful daughter Tsireya and once her belief system is on the verge of destruction, Winslet sets her vocal Ronal loose.

Dalton as son Lo’ak is trying to fit in as the youngest boy in the family. Ready to fight, he makes mistakes and does not listen to his father’s orders and that continually gets him in trouble. Dalton gives us a fierce warrior kid who also has a softer side for whale-like creatures and feels a kinship with their plight. Flatters as Neyeuam is the older son who sees the wisdom of his father’s orders but does make a mistake here and there. Once he is in fighting mode, it is easy to look at Flatters portrayal and think ‘yep, he acts like the son of Jake Sully!’.

Bliss as young Tuk is nothing short of adorable and loves adventure in any shape and form. She understands what is at stake with the family and comes very close a time or two of becoming a sad story in this tale but she is fiery and I love it. Weaver as daughter Kiri feels like the outsider of the Sully group (although I associate that with being a moody teenager) but discovers with the sea people that she has a gift. There is a story here that Weaver is trying to tell and I am sure there will be more answers in the next AVATAR installment.

Lang as Quaritch is back to his old tricks again. Trying to be a warrior for the sky people and the military, let’s face it, the guy is just nuts. There are a few surprises in this film for him as well. Bass as Tsireya does not see a reason to be unsure about the Sully clan, in fact she embraces and teaches them quickly and with a smile. She fights with the Sully clan with heart, soul and wisdom and that’s quite beautiful. Champion as Spider is a human boy who has lived with the Na’vi since he was born. Accepting their ways and being a part of the Sully clan is a bit confusing for him but he knows what’s wrong and makes it clear he is not that person. Geljo as Aonung is a chief’s son and he behaves with all the problems that can come with that. Hey, Na’vi will be Na’vi!

Cast also includes Joel David Moore as Norm, Jermaine Clement as Dr. Gavin, CCH Pounder as Mo’at, Brendan Cowell as Scoresby, Dileep Rao as Dr. Max Patel, Giovanni Ribisi as Parker Selfridge, and Edie Falco as General Ardmore.

Celebrate today’s release with an all-new clip from the 3+ hours of never-before-seen bonus features.

James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water is available to buy TODAY exclusively on all major digital retailers including Apple TV, Prime Video, Vudu, Google Play and Movies Anywhere. To celebrate today’s digital release and Earth Month, fans can continue to participate in the “Keep Our Oceans Amazing'' campaign, which launched with the theatrical release of Avatar: The Way of Water. This initiative supports The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and its work to protect 10 of our oceans’ amazing animals and their habitats, connected to the beauty of Pandora. From now through July 31, 2023, fans can create their very own Avatar-inspired Ocean creature. For every creature created in the Virtual Pandoran Ocean, Disney U.S. will give $5 to TNC U.S. to help them achieve their global goal of protecting 10 percent of the ocean by 2030. Visit www.avatar.com/keepouroceansamazing to learn more.

AVATAR: The Way of Water comes flooding into theatres at almost three hours and thirteen years after the original AVATAR. There is a mish-mash of storytelling here which leads me to think that the next film will clarify things a little more.

Cameron’s reasoning behind the almost three hours is, “The goal is to tell an extremely compelling story on an emotional basis, I would say the emphasis in the new film is more on character, more on story, more on relationships, more on emotion. We didn’t spend as much time on relationships and emotion in the first film as we do in the second film, and it’s a longer film, because there’s more characters to service. There is more story to service.”

All the scenes underwater are really pretty. The good news is that the characters returning to their original roles offered something comforting about seeing the film. I think Worthington, Saldana, Weaver and Lang are the films safety net although I do not think Weaver and Lang’s story lines have a lot to offer other than a way to get butts in the seats at the next installment.

People are still wanting an escape and Cameron gives it to them while throwing in lessons about hurting sea creatures, bad guys do bad things and misunderstood teenagers who out of control (unfortunately that’s my pet peeve in films, mouthy and whiny teenagers). This is a family film for sure but not for the small ones and only because of the time issue. It is a BIG tub of popcorn type of film that does not hold to many surprises but instead plants seeds for the next film. Hopefully not in 13 years.

In the end – they are a family!

He is THE SON

 

Jeri Jacquin

On Bluray 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 cannot bring himself 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 Special Feature includes Bringing THE SON to the Big Screen.

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 cannot 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.

JOHN WICK: Chapter 4

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Chad Stahelski, Summit Entertainment and Lionsgate comes the final chapter with JOHN WICK: Chapter 4.

John Wick (Keanu Reeves) has not changed his revenge against the High Table and begins again with The Elder in Morocco. What he doesn’t know is that the High Table has called up on the Marquis Vincent de Gramont (Bill Skarsgard) who believes he knows how to take down Wick and it starts with the New York Continental Hotel and Winston Scott (Ian McShane).

Wick turns to friend Shimazu Koji (Hiroyuki Sanada), the manager of the Osaka Continental Hotel much to the dismay of Koji’s daughter Akira (Rina Sawayama). The Marquis sets his sites on Osaka as his next point of impact but with the help of Caine (Donnie Yen) who has begrudgingly been recruited.

Now on the run again with limited places to go, Winston reminds Wick that he has every right to challenge the Marquis to a duel. The only problem is that Wick must be part of a family and the only place he can find that is in Berlin. He must convince Katia (Natalia Tena) that what he plans is good for everyone.

Helping with the plan is The Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne) who has found an excellent life under the streets of Paris and is thrilled to help his friend Wick. Watching all of this with fascination is Mr. Nobody (Shamier Anderson) who tracks Wick while playing the money game with the Marquis.

As the rules for the dual are set by the Harbinger (Clancy Brown), the die is cast for the final showdown that could earn John Wick what he has been fighting for – freedom!

Reeves as John Wick will always be John Wick and any attempt to remake or carry on the franchise without him would be an outrage. In this film, Wick is in for a two hour and 50-minute fight with time for one suit change only and Reeves makes it look fantastic. There is no reason to go over his performance because this is purely a visual film and Wick isn’t about conversation. This time out, Wick announces from the beginning that he intends to finish what they started and Reeves is taking it seriously in every step he takes.

McShane as Winston has his own axe to grind and I’m sure he wouldn’t mind grinding it in the Marquis! Knowing that he has always been limited in how he can help Wick, this is an opportunity to set his own path straight. I’ve always loved McShane in this role because he brings the cool and calm to a very intense storyline.

Skarsgard as the Marquis is full of himself and has no problem loving the extra fine things in life. Making promises to the table about the destruction of John Wick has made him a little more than full of himself and everyone has taken notice. The Marquis is a smooth talker but Wick is not falling for it and neither did I. That being said, Skarsgard glides through the film without ever raising his voice and looks good doing it.

Yen as Caine comes to understand the pain Wick is fighting for now that he has his own family. Having no choice but to go after Wick, he also goes up against men he calls brothers. Yen is capable of some fantastic stunts and martial arts which is seamless in this film. He has always been on the list of actors I’ve enjoyed and, in this film, he is smooth and aware.

Anderson as Mr. Nobody (are you catching that Mr. Anderson is in the same film as Neo and Morpheus? Just sayin’) clearly knows how to track John Wick but there is something else. He knows the job, he knows the money but to get to see Wick in action and a side no one else has, Mr. Nobody starts to wonder what is the truth behind the man. Anderson’s role is that of a swift and smart man who knows his business and has a dog that I’d like to hang out with.

Fishburne as the King is clever and always has John Wick’s back. Working with Winston becomes so much more enjoyable under the streets of Paris. I am always thrilled to see Fishburne on the screen but as the King, he is a man who sees all and knows how to handle it.

Sanada as Koji understands Wick and tries to find a way to truly help bring this all to a close. As the manager of the Osaka Continental, he is aware that something bigger is no at play. Sanada is such an overlooked actor and this is a shining example of his acting and martial arts skill. Sawayama as Akira knows that anyone around John Wick has a target on them and coming upon him and Caine means that the world as she knows it is over. Her stint was short but listen to what she has to say to Wick in the subway.

Shout out to Brown as the Harbinger keeping character cool, calling it as he sees it and looking stunning in black.

Other cast include George Georgiou as The Elder, Aimee Kwan as Mia, Scott Adkins as Killa, Marko Zaror as Chidi, and Lance Reddick as Charon.

JOHN WICK: Chapter 4 needs no introduction, no explanation and no sum up because this character has been doing it since 2014. We know why it all started, we know we it keeps happening and we know why it comes to taking out anyone that gets in the way of ending it. Reeves has put his stamp on this role that was created by Greg Pak and Giovanni Valletta from the comic book limited series telling the story of Jardani ‘Johnny’ Jovanovich aka John Wick.

The film comes in at two hours and fifty minutes (bathroom first!) and if you think that’s too long then you don’t deserve to see it. John Wick has come a long way in the franchise so, as far as I’m concerned, he can take as long as he damn well pleases to finish what he started. This is a film of constant bombardment of those who are intent on being the one to take out John Wick.

Now, there are a few moments that were a little far fetched but, as a fan of John Wick, I am willing to overlook it. I did giggle at what seemed to be a bit of Walter Hill’s 1979 film THE WARRIORS and I’ll leave that hint right here. I also thought it funny to see Wick in a subway tunnel waiting for a train in a bit of a reminiscent Neo moment. Again, I ain’t mad about it!

The smashing up, car chases, clubs, countries, music, action, martial arts – all of it – fantastic! The audience was cheering, laughing, cheering, pain reacting, fist pumping, and yelling at the screen which made watching the film a total audience experience. Now that is how you go to the movies to see a film like JOHN WICK: Chapter 4.

This is a gather-up-a-gang-of-people film so that popcorn, snacks, soda and experience are shared so leaving the theatre is loud talking about the film. Go to the theatre excited and leave the theatre excited!

In the end – Baba Yaga!

 

They are MOVING ON

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Paul Weitz and Roadside Attractions is a pair who team up when MOVING ON.

When a long-time friend passes away, Claire (Jane Fonda) has a reason to attend the funeral. During the eulogy given by husband Howard (Malcolm McDowell), another longtime friend Evelyn (Lily Tomlin) bounds in making it clear she is not interested in anything being said by Howard.

Meeting up at the gathering after, Claire informs Evelyn that the only reason she is there is to kill Howard. At first Evelyn tries to talk Claire out of it but as they talk to one another about what has happened in their lives since college and revelations come out, Evelyn decides to help Claire after all.  

But something unexpected happens when Claire sees ex-husband Ralph (Richard Roundtree) and goes to his house for dinner. Meeting his grown daughter and grandkids, she sees that he has done well. When they have the chance to speak alone, Ralph wants to know what he did that made their marriage end.

That reminds Claire of her plan and Evelyn is two steps ahead. Calling Howard, he agrees to meet with her to talk later at the park. Packed and ready with Evelyn, Claire takes Howard aside and things do not go as she plans. It is Evelyn who receives a bit of a nice shock from Howard’s daughter Molly (Catherine Dent) that brings her joy.

Life has a way of setting things right, especially when these two women decide to move on!

Fonda as Claire is a woman who has been holding in pain for decades. Staying loyal to her college friend, once passed, she is going use that pain to end him. The problem is saying a thing and doing a thing are opposites. Fonda as Claire gives us a character that has spent all her time living with the pain on the incident by not telling anyone and it ruins the happiness she could have had. Fonda gives giggles, the sadness of regret and still amazing playing opposite Tomlin.

Tomlin as Evelyn has taken life in stride the best way she can. Trying not to let the bad seep in, she accepts what life has given her. When Claire arrives announcing her intentions, Evelyn slowly realizes her own pains and jumps on the revenge bandwagon. I love this character because of the ease in which Tomlin changes gears given the situations. Tomlin is hilarious, authentic and still amazing playing opposite Fonda.

McDowell as Howard is a man who clearly knows how to make everyone believe he is the victim in life. Using his selective memory, Howard makes Claire feel dirty and worthless in the way she remembers the biggest pain of her life. An ugly character from a beloved actor which means he is so good at his craft.

Roundtree as Ralph has questions of his own. Remembering a marriage that was good, he still decades later does not understand what truly happened. Having the chance to talk to Claire is important plus, he is thrilled to see her again. Roundtree performance is that of a man who moved on and created a good life and I thought this character so graceful.

Roadside Attractions has, since 2003, grossed over $300M and garnered nineteen Academy Award nominations. They have had critical and commercial hits such as MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, BEN IS BACK, BEATRIZ AT DINNER, HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS, WINTER’S BONE and THE COVER as well as so many others. For more information of what Roadside Attractions has to offer please visit www.roadsideattractions.com.

MOVING ON is a film about how decades can go by so swiftly to some but to those with unanswered questions and pain, those decades can drag by. Claire is a woman who never spoke about the one traumatic thing that changed the course of her life and there is painful regret. The difference is the regret has turned to revenge – with a little help from Evelyn.

Being women of a certain age (not sure what that age is but okay), looking back can be hurtful along with the reality that so much time is wasted on what can’t be changed. That’s the lesson of becoming older! Claire and Evelyn come to understand it and then life has its say. Watching these two actresses together is always amazing. I still love them in 9 TO 5, and love them in GRACE AND FRANKIE, and once again in MOVING ON.

There is a chemistry between Fonda and Tomlin that is undeniable and a combination of so many emotions. They play off each other with such ease and style that I hope they return to the screen again soon. For now, catch MOVING ON and know that revenge can be fun to watch!

In the end – it’s never too late for revenge!

Hanks is A MAN CALLED OTTO

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from director Marc Forster and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the complicated history and life of A MAN CALLED OTTO.

Living in a suburb of Pittsburgh and begrudgingly retired, widower Otto (Tom Hanks) is a rigid man with a routine that gets him up daily. He decides that he has had enough of life and had planned to make an end of it. Out the window he sees a boisterous family moving in. A very pregnant Marisol (Mariana Trevino), Tommy (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), Abby (Alessandra Perez) and Luna (Christiana Montoya) are not exactly what Otto expected.

Marisol makes it clear that she is going to be his friend and tries to learn about him. Otto is not forthcoming with his memories of meeting wife Sonya, their life together or how she passed. His life is changing moment by moment as the neighborhood comes out of hiding to begin to embrace Otto.

From teaching Marisol how to drive out of pure frustration and helping young Malcolm (Mack Bayda) how to care for his bike, Otto is busy again. He even tries to repair a friendship with life-long neighbors Anita (Juanita Jennings) and Reuben (Peter Lawson Jones) and caregiver Jimmy (Cameron Britton). The life he once thought he wanted to end, is a life he now sees with possibilities without having to change his grumpiness.

But what really gets Otto in high gear is when he learns that real estate builders Dye & Merika are forcing his friends out of their home. Now, Otto knows what must be done and how to make his days more than he could have imagined.

He does it all in his own Otto way!

Hanks as Otto has managed to bring a little of every character he has played into this man who’s sadness and inability to budge is charming and endearing. The frightening part is that I have the same fixation with parking spots! When Otto finds Sonya, he finds a woman who accepts him for exactly who he is and Hanks runs with that in his character. I do love that although curt, Otto’s thought process can bring on giggles.

Trevino as Marison is fast talking, a bit loud and will not stop until she knows what Otto is up to. Once she does, she, like Sonya, embraces Otto for who he is and does what she can to help him see the joys he has been missing since his wife’s death. Trevino also gives us the mom who loves her family and embraces everything around her. Trevino gives us such a wonderful character.

Rulfo as Tommy just goes along with his wife and Otto but in such a loving way it is heartwarming. Perez and Montoya as their young daughters are not afraid of Otto but find him rather entertaining. Britton as Jimmy is a caregiver that truly does care about not only Anita and Ruben but all the neighbors.

Bayda as young Malcom remembers Sonya and the times Otto came to class so as everyone else is a bit standoffish. He also sees something more in the man and knows where to turn for help.

Other cast include Mike Birbiglia as Real Estate Agent, Kelly Lamor Wilson as Shari Kenzie, Dave Magee as Dye & Merika Rep, Rachel Keller as Sonya, Emonie Ellison as young Anita, Laval Schley as young Reuben, and Truman Hanks as young Otto.

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 Materials include Breaking the Rules: Making A MAN CALLED OTTO, ‘Til You’re Home’ Music Video, In the Studio with Rita Wilson & Sebastian Yatra and Deleted Scenes.

A MAN CALLED OTTO is heartwarming story of when a man who has wrapped himself in a cocoon of memories and sadness. Hanks gives us heart, soul and laughter in watching Otto become ‘alive’ once again. The cast starting with Trevino as Marisol has me cheering from start to finish with each character bringing level upon level of compassion.

The film is based on the New York Times Bestseller A Man Called Ove. Gather the family because this story is the definition of a movie night!

In the end – fall in love with the grumpiest man in America!

There is Fear with WOMEN TALKING

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from writer/director Sarah Polley, Orion Pictures and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the film based on the novel inspired by true events by Miriam Toews with WOMEN TALKING.

In a religious and secluded community, a group of women have gathered together to discuss a ultimatum given to them by the men of the community. After men are arrested for assaulting a the female, Ona (Rooney Mara), Mariche (Jessie Buckley), Salome (Claire Foy), Agata (Judith Ivey), Mejal (Michelle McLeod), Greta (Sheila McCarthy), Anna (Kira Guloien) and their children meet in a barn to decide if they will forgive the men accused.

Almost immediately the truth begins to come to the surface in the secret of the gathering. Taking notes is August (Ben Whishaw) and is moved hearing the plight of the women. Making a list of pros and cons of their decision, the conversation begins to turn between two groups – the angry and the calm.

Trying to keep the conversation focused on their final decision, emotions begin to surface on the treatment of women by the men of their religious community. Wanting to keep their faith, both groups are frightened that either decision will affect entering the kingdom of God.

Then the issue of their children begins to hit home. What is happening is becoming generational and that’s where the women begin to draw the line. Between protecting their daughters and educating their sons, the anger makes its way to the surface but also makes way for a decision based on the discovery of their own power as human beings.

Normally I would talk about each of these actresses separately but, in this case there is no way to do so. Each brings something unique to the table to be sure but, that uniqueness spreads throughout the hay barn and I can not pick out one stand out performance.

From the youngest woman to the elder women of this story’s community, these actresses give us the tale in the most amazing and humblest of ways. They each tell of the generational agony they have suffered at the hands of those who should be protecting them. The character of August is the only male to have a moment to speak in the barn but begins to understand the agony faced by each of them.

So, I will step aside and let them shine together in this cast that is exceptional and thought provoking. See and experience for yourself.

Other cast include Emily Mitchell as Miep, Kate Hallett as Autje, Live McNeil as Neitje, Shayla Brown as Helena, Locklan Miller as Julius, Nathaniel McParland as Aaron, August Winter as Melvin and Frances McDormand as Scarface Janz.

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.

WOMEN TALKING has been nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Pictures and Adapted Screenplay in this years Oscars.

This film is phenomenal! Stripping away everything down to a barn of hay and decisions, this cast of women carry every human emotion. Even the actors are down to the plainest of clothing and, what looks like, hardly any makeup. What we are left is to witness a struggle between faith and the rest of a closed in world of right and wrong.

With so many films being remade, redone or re-shoved down theatrical throats, I was personally stunned by this film in its originality and thoughtfulness. These actors brought out so much that I talked about it with a friend for a very long time over tea and debate. That is what a substantial story should do, make us all walk away with the first thought of ‘what did I just see!’ and secondly telling a friend ‘you have to see this!’.

In the end – do nothing, stay and fight or leave!

 

 

THE MASK OF ZORRO Returns

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital in SteelBook from director Martin Campbell and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the 25^th Anniversary release of THE MASK OF ZORRO.

Nobleman Don Diego de La Vega (Anthony Hopkins) fights against the Spanish in 1821 but not as a regular man, but as Zorro, a masked man who helps the peasants of California. His rival in life and love is the corrupt Governor Don Rafael Montero (Stuart Wilson) who wants Zorro taken down by holding a public execution of innocent peasants.

Of course, Zorro is going to be there but also, two brothers Alejandro and Joaquin Murrieta who take on Montero’s soldiers. When Montero begins to suspect who Zorro is, de la Vega’s home is barraged by soldiers wanting to arrest him. During a sword fight, chaos happens as Montero steals de la Vega’s daughter Elena and sends the man to prison.

The two boys, Alejandro (Antonio Banderas) and Joaquin (Victor Rivers) have become bandits and have a bounty on them both. Their nemesis is Captain Harrison Love (Matt Letscher) who also happens to work with Montero who has returned to California with daughter Elena (Catherine Zeta Jones). Now it is Alejandro’s turn to have Montero’s murderous happenings fall on his family.

When de la Vega hears of Montero’s return, he finds Alejandro and takes him on as a protégé to become the new Zorro. Taking on a stunning stallion named Tornado, de la Vega makes it clear that he is no longer a thief but a standard for the people he will be helping. Now, the transformation is nearly complete as Alejandro becomes Don Alejandro del Castillo y Garcia and with his loyal servant Bernardo.

Attending a gathering at Montero’s hacienda, Alejandro meets Elena and is struck by her but that is not the goal this particular evening. He learns that Montero’s plan is to basically steal California from the other Dons and buy it from General Santa Ana. When wondering where the money would come from for such a purchase, the nobles are taken to a mine called El Dorado.

That’s when Zorro makes his move because once it is known that slaves and peasants are being used to work the mines, de la Vega and Alejandro know what must be done. Now the swordplay and revenge meet one last time!

Banderas as Alejandro is absolutely perfect for Zorro and you will never hear me say otherwise. He is dashing, roguish, charming, swoon-worthy, and has a comedic sense of timing when it plays perfectly. From the moment he is on screen, Banderas is in high action mode, even when kissing the girl! Playing opposite Hopkins and Jones, this actor uses the energy to bring life to the Zorro I grew up watching. There is a little more humor but it is all in the context of a man coming into his own Zorro, call it Zorro 2.0 if you will.

Jones as Elena is equally charming and has the right amount of sass and skill that makes her the perfect match for Alejandro and Zorro for that matter. She is the good and devout daughter until she realizes she no longer has to be and then its game on. I enjoyed her portrayal as it comes at a time when women in film are beginning to find their power through these characters and Jones does that thinking credit.

Wilson as Montero is just plain bad to the bone but then anyone capable of doing what he did in the first 10 minutes of the film, could you expect things would change? Wilson is as dastardly as I would expect and he does it deliciously well. I enjoyed watching his character feel free to come and go into being every persons worst nightmare of a politician without so much as a scratch – well, almost.

Let us talk about Sir Anthony Hopkins as Don Diego de la Vega and can I say – wow. He carries himself with the world charm and grace of the Zorro I knew growing up. Yes, there was a Zorro in black and white on television people, come on now. Yet, this Zorro has a family and that is one step beyond the television character. He is not only dedicated to the people but now equally dedicated to the life he has created with Esperanza and Elena. Hopkins gives us a further look into that life of a character that has his own plans to make things right, well done sir.

Other cast include Julieta Rosen as Esperanza Del La Vega, William Marquez as Fray Felipe, Tony Amendola as Don Luiz, Pedro Armendariz Jr. as Don Pedro, Diego Sieres as Young Joaquin, and L.Q. Jones as Three-fingered Jack.

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.

THE MASK OF ZORRO is available in 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital in a stunning SteelBook that would look amazing in any home entertainment library shelf.

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 on 4K Ultra HD include Feature Presented in High Definition, 5.1 Audio, Commentary with Director Martin Campbell, “Unmasking Zorro” Documentary, Two Additional Deleted Scenes and Music Video by Marc Anthony and Tina Arena.

THE MASK OF ZORRO is just an action-packed film from start to finish leaving very little down time (except for maybe a kiss or two). It is a story of love, family, betrayal, revenge, change and revelations that make for an amazing time for a home family night at the movies.

What I enjoyed the first time I saw the film in theatres was the ease in which these wonderful actors drew me into a world of so much action, tension and adventure that I remember hardly eating any of my popcorn! I saw the film with my daughter who was then in her mid-teens and she loved it then. Sitting down to watch the film on 4K Ultra HD, she remarked how it was such a great memory we were repeating at home on a comfy sofa but this time we planned to finish the popcorn.

That’s what film excellence is all about, bringing a story that endures as THE MASK OF ZORRO has. You can easily say it has been 25 years since its release but watching it today, it stands tall, colorful, proud and still frakken amazing. Banderas, Jones, Wilson and Hopkins are responsible for making it so. These actors of quality made the adventure big, saucy and fun while director Campbell put it all in a neat stunning film.

In the end – when freedom is a memory and justice is outlawed, then just must become outlaws!

 

 

 

AIR FORCE ONE Lands on 4K Ultra HD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray, Digital in SteelBook from director Wolfgang Peterson is a thrill ride in the most famous planes with AIR FORCE ONE.

United States President James Marshall (Harrison Ford) is in Moscow at a dinner where he gives a speech making it clear that the U.S. ‘no longer negotiates with terrorists’. That sets a few nerves on edge but Marshall, wife Grace (Wendy Crewson) and young daughter Alice (Liesel Matthews) along with the press corps and a advisers return for the trip home on Air Force One.

What they don’t realize is that a man named Egor Korshunov (Gary Oldman), a loyalist to a man named General Radek (Jurgen Prochnow) who has been imprisoned by Russia. As easy as it looks, that’s because Korshunov has inside help and when the big move is made, the plane becomes a place of chaos. Secret Service try to help Marshall escape and the plane to land. Instead, the president and passengers are captive and the plane diverted to Kazakhstan.

But Marshall isn’t any ordinary president, he is a veteran of Vietnam and still has a few moves up his sleeve. Managing to call Vice President Kathryn Bennett (Glenn Close), now everyone is on alert as to what is happening and Korshunov realizes that Marshall is on the loose. Threatening the president’s family, Marshall begins to take matters into his own hands with a plane that puts Korshunov on notice that not negotiating means just that!

Ford as the president gets an opportunity here in 1997 to be a bad-ass president. He may not be the loudest voice in the room but that’s because he processes everything happening around him. I’d rather that than all the ridiculous shouting. One step at a time Ford shows up as a man of action but with steps that are calculated and he makes it look easy and intense which is always an awesome combination.

Oldman as Korshunov is as awesome as I would want him to be. Let’s face it, the guy could do a sit down in a red velvet jacket in a high back chair reading the phone book and I’d be happy. What makes Oldman amazing his that what ever role he plays, he molds it, shapes it and presents it in a mesmerizing way to a glad audience. From vampire to futuristic shady businessman to a Gotham commissioner, Oldman knows what to give his characters that make them memorable.

Close as VP Bennett has just as much gumption as Marshall has and she certainly isn’t going to let a room full of twitchy fingered men lead her around by the high heels. I love when Close gets worked up because it rains awesomeness! Crewson as wife Grace is a thrilled First Lady until she gets a taste of the real world that a president deals with on the daily. She gets a chance to scream as only a mother would. Matthews as Alice has a few choice words of her own to say to the bad guys and I backed her up with a ‘yea, what the kid said!’.

Other cast include Zander Berkeley as Agent Gibbs, Alan Woolf as Russian President Petrov, Donna Bullock as Press Secretary Melanie Mitchell, Michael Ray Miller as USAF Axelrod, Carl Weintraub as USAF Ingraham, Bill Smitrovich as General Northwoodm, Levan Uchaneishvili as Sergei Lenski, Dean Stockwell as Defense Secretary Walter Dean, Paul Guilfoyle as Chief of Staff Lloyd Shepherd and William H. Macy as Major Norman Caldwell.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment encompasses motion picture production for television, digital content and theater releases. The studios include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films and Sony Picture Classics. To see what is coming to theaters and to home entertainment please visit www.sonypictures.com.

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

AIR FORCE ONE is available on 4K Ultra HD, Bluray, Digital and neatly packaged with cover artwork in an awesome SteelBook.

Bonus Features include on 4K Ultra HD Feature presented in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos +5.1 Audio and Theatrical Trailer. On Bluray the Bonus Feature include Feature Presented in High Definition, 5.1 Audio and Commentary with Director Wolfgang Petersen.

AIR FORCE ONE is a film that just made the 90’s so much fun, intense and awesome at the theatres. To say they don’t make them like that anymore is speaking the truth. The film gave drama, high intensity, action and a shift at every turn. Seeing it on the big screen with a tub of popcorn with Harrison and Oldman going at it was a thrill all its own.

Now, it is back! On my 75” with sound bar, I am back in the theatres with a tub of popcorn in a recliner cheering for the president and throwing popcorn at the screen’s bad guys. Except now the whole family has the chance to get in on the fun. Director Petersen definetly thought this story through before putting it on film and gave us what a true action film should look like.

In the end – the fate of the nation rests with the courage of one man!