The Final Day of CinemaCon 2023

 

Jeri Jacquin

The final day has come swiftly and there is no time to waste. Wrapping up another year of the amazing convention will dazzle with everything possible in film.

Starting out with Paramount they want to make sure the new generation of movie goers about the turtles on a half-shell with TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: Mutant Mayhem. Paramount CEO Brian Robbins makes a dashing entrance through a manhole and carries what we all love – pizza!

He also announces that SCREAM VI brings the franchise in as its high-grossing film and that SMILE 2 will be coming as well. That all being said, the biggest thrill is the return of the fastest blue streak in red shoes with SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3.

Seth Rogen takes over the stage to talk about TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: Mutant Mayhem making sure everyone knows it is a film families can see together. Michelangelo, Donatello, Raphael and Leonardo are the crimefighters that are generational icons. A star-studded vocal cast led by Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson and Laurence Fishburne bring TRANSFORMERS ONE, the animated prequel coming in 2024.

On the animated side of fun is director Chris Miller showcasing Rihanna as Smurfette in THE SMURFS. Also, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS back for more fun but this time facing foe the Flying Dutchman as both film debut in 2025. More animation comes from Aang, Katara, Sokka, Zuko and Toph returning for AVATAR: The Last Airbender. Rounding out the fun is PAW PARTROL: The Mighty Movie with Chris Rock.

TRANSFORMERS: Rise of the Beasts brings back the struggle as Decepticons and Autobots go head-to-head once again.

The next three films are going to fill the theatres for sure as John Krasinski brings A QUIET PLACE: Day One as another family struggles against what has landed on earth. The film stars Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn and Alex Wolff. Krasinski also brings IF, a live-action family film with Ryan Reynolds and Steve Carrell and with those two actors together, it is going to be amazing.

The next Tom Cruise installment directed by Christopher McQuarrie is MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: Dead Reckoning Part One. The film is due to be released this July and that will make for an extended firework celebration.

KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON due out in October is directed by Martin Scorsese and stars Leonardo DiCaptrio, Robert DeNiro, Lily Gladstone, Jessie Plemons, Tantoo Cardinal, John Lithgow and Brendan Fraser. The film tells the story of the Osage natives in 1920’s Oklahoma when the native people are being murdered as more and more settlers come to Osage County. It is a story of greed and sacrifice with a couple in the middle with loyalties to both sides.

Lionsgate is the very last studios presentation for 2023’s CinemaCon with its slate of films. The first is the highly anticipated continuation of HUNGER GAMES: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes takes us back in time sixty-four years before anyone ever heard of Katniss Everdeen.

The story follows the Snow family and the young Coriolanus who is looking to battle good and evil. He is paired up with Lucy Baird from District 12 and it becomes clear that it is a good pairing but will it change Snow? The film stars Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, Peter Dinklage, and Viola Davis. Coming this Thanksgiving 2023.

Lionsgate’s slate for 2023 includes About My Father, The Blackening, Joy Ride, White Bird: A Wonder Story, The Expendables 4, Ordinary Angels, and a Saw sequel.

Finally, the last event bringing CinemaCon 2023 to a close is the Big Screen Achievement Awards for 2023. This year’s winners include:

NATO Spirit of the Industry Award – Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas

Star of the Year – Zendaya

Comedy Ensemble Award – The cast of “Joy Ride” - Ashley Park, Sherry Cola, Stephanie Hsu, and Sabrina Wu

CinemaCon Award of Excellence in Animation - Chris Meledandri

Cinéma Vérité Award - Melissa McCarthy

Rising Stars of the Year – Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback

More Surprises at CinemaCon 2023

 

Jeri Jacquin

Day three of CinemaCon brings an early morning presentation at Caesar’s Palace and the large Colosseum by Walt Disney Studios and 20^th Century Studios. It is a big presentation that ends with the screening of THE BOOGEYMAN.

Disney jumped right in with a trailer of the GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Vol. 3 which opens in a little over a week. Celebrating in theatres for Thanksgiving is the Disney Animation film WISH with Chris Pine voicing King Magnifico (what a name eh?).

Another holiday weekend opening film is Disney’s live-action LITTLE MERMAID with Melissa McCarthy as Ursula. “Ursula is everything – she’s a dishy, conniving broad, maybe that’s why I relate to her”, says McCarthy. Look for it in theatres Memorial Day weekend.

A trailer for Marvel Studios works THE MARVELS is shown as well. HAUNTED MANSION stars Tiffany Haddish along with LaKeith Stanfield, Rosario Dawson, Winonya Ryder and Jamie Lee Curtis in a cool role! Coming in June is the animated film ELEMENTAL.

From 20^th Century Studios is THE CREATOR and from Searchlight and director Taika Waititi is NEXT GOAL WINS with Michael Fassbender as a soccer coach sent to American Samoa to turn their horrible team into winners. Indy is returning as Lucasfilm’s INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY returns for another adventure.

OPPENHEIMER opens the Universal and Focus Features slate of films and the introduction of its director Christopher Nolan. He says, “I know of no more dramatic tale. J. Robert Oppenheimer is the most important person who ever lived. He made the world we live in, for better or for worse. His story has to be seen to be believed.” OPPENHEIMER will be in theatres July 31.

Illumination has become a legend in its own right with some amazing animated films. Chris Meledandri is coming off of a THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE high to present MIGRATION starring Kumail Nanjiana, Elizabeth Banks and Danny DeVito. It is a story about a family of ducks getting lost in an adventure.

If you haven’t seen the trailer for the Will Ferrell-Jamie Foxx film STRAYS, you are really missing out. Ferrell plays Reggie, a dog that doesn’t realize how he is being treated by his owner until the strays set him straight.

Blumhouse gets a chance to brag a bit about the hits M3GAN and THE BLACK PHONE and will try once again with the film THE EXORCIST: Believer. DreamWorks brings RUBY GILLMAN: Teenage Kraken about a girl who has the ability to turn into, well, a kraken. Starring Toni Collette, Jane Fonda, Annie Murphy and more in this blue character fun this summer.

The gang is back in TROLLS BAND TOGETHER as Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake talk about the film’s premise. Branch and Poppy take the gang to save Branch’s brothers and that will not be taken troll-lightly.

KUNG FU PANDA 4 has Jack Black returning as Po the Panda. It’s time for Po to move up the spiritual ladder of success but in order to do that, he has to find a replacement for himself as the Dragon Warrior. Black says, “My films have made more than 48 quadrillion dollars around the world. You’re welcome! But none is more iconic than the noodle eating panda in the most successful trilogy in cinema history, the saga of KUNG FU PANDA.”

Upcoming films from Focus Features include a huge cast in the new Wes Anderson film ASTEROID CITY coming in June featuring Jason Schwartzman, Tom Hanks, Tilda Swinton, Edward Norton, Steve Carell, Matt Killion, Margot Robbie, Jeff Goldblum and the list goes on and on!

Also coming is the films DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS and THE HOLDOVERS with Paul Giamatti as a prep school teacher who goes from instructor to babysitter. Not to be left behind is America’s favorite Greek family (hold the Windex) with MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 3 as Nia Vardalos writes and directs the Portokalos family back onto screen, this time for a family reunion in Greece. Look for it in theatres this September.

It is time for FAST X with Michelle Rodriguez, Sung Kang, Jordana Brewster and Tyrese Gibson getting the chance to talk about the film. They talk about the beginnings of the franchise and where it has taken them all from past to future. The walk down memory lane leads to the walk on stage of franchise fearless leader Vin Diesel.

“FAST is now the longest franchise in motion picture history with the same actors playing the characters. This is our family. The audience is our family. As we were building toward this achievement, we were attracting directors who each brought their own magic to the saga. I’m proud to say that for exactly two decades, the Fast films has been the most successful film of every one of our directors’ careers.”

That’s one way to end a presentation!

CinemaCon 2023 Brings the Stars Out

 

Jeri Jacquin

Here we are once again in stunning and bright Las Vegas with CinemaCon 2023! It is a time to get together with friends, colleagues and fellow film lovers to see what is upcoming in theatres and what the studios have been planning. From April 24^th to the April 27^th, it is a non-stop awesome assault and we are covering it.

Starting with the Monday evening presentation of the Sony Studios offerings KRAVEN THE HUNTER with Aaron Taylor-Johnson, ACROSS THE SPIDERVERSE, MADAME WEB, DUMB MONEY with Paul Dano, INSIDIOUS: The Red Door, THE MACHINE, BAD BOYS 4, NO HARD FEELINGS with Jennifer Lawrence, and the rom-com ANYTHING BUT YOU with Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell.

NO HARD FEELINGS from director Gene Stupnitsky stars Jennifer Lawrence as Maddie, an Uber driver who is financially falling apart. Looking for a job on Craigslist, she takes a job to ‘girlfriend’ the socially awkward Percy, played by Andrew Barth Feldman. As expected, comedy will ensure.

There is also the interesting look at the film GRAN TURISMO from director Neill Blomkamp. The film is about a gamer who becomes a race car driver. The story stars Orlando Bloom, David Harbour and Djimon Hounsou. Apple Original Films brings Ridley Scott’s epic film NAPOLEON with Joaquin Phoenix in the starring role.

The highlight of the Sony presentation was Denzel Washington walking out on stage to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award given to him by director Antoine Fuqua. Washington tells the audience that, “We would be nothing without you all. We’re here for you. We’re here because of you. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have been blessed beyond measure.” No Mr. Washington – thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  

Tuesday morning brings Warner Bros. into the colosseum with their presentation with the line up. They pack every moment with such titles as BARBIE with Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie, BLUE BEETLE, THE NUN 2, WONKA, AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM, BEETLEJUICE 2, MEG 2: The Trench, a musical of THE COLOR PURPLE, and the highly anticipated DUNE: Part II.

Barbie pink seemed to be the color of the day with the presentation of the upcoming BARBIE film. Directed by Greta Gerwig along with writer Noah Baumbach, the story is based on the Mattel doll. Barbie is kicked out of Barbieland and is let loose on the real world as she looks for happiness with Ken. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling dig deep into their roles. Issa Rae and Kate McKinnon also star.

BLUE BEETLE stars Xolo Mariduena as Jaime Reyes, gets superpowers from an ancient alien relic. Now he’s on the loose.  A musical is coming with THE COLOR PURPLE to star Fantasia Taylor, Taraji P. Henson, Halle Bailey, Colman Domingo, Danielle Brooke, Corey Hawkins and H.E.R. Oprah Winfrey is producing the film joined by Steven Spielberg and Quincy Jones.

Okay, let’s just say that loving the 2018 film THE MEG can be put under the heading of ‘guilty pleasure’ so imagine the joy of knowing that MEG 2: The Trench brings out the kid like giggles of delight. Directed by Ben Wheatley, Jason Statham returns as Jonas so clear the decks for the end of summer round two guilty pleasure.

It is a double morning for actor Timothee Chalamet with the first showing of him in the role of Willy Wonka. This is the pre-story to about Willy Wonka before he opened the chocolate factory in the new film WONKA. Adding to the delight of the audience, there is a reveal of Hugh Grant as an Oompa Loompa. The film also stars Olivia Colman, Keegan-Michael Key, Sally Hawkings, Rowan Atkinson and Rufus Jones.

Returning again to the stage, this time with his co-star Zendaya, they discuss the upcoming continuation of DUNE: Part II. The trailer shows us Florence Pugh as the Princess Irulan, Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, and Havier Barden returning as Stilgar. Shot entirely in IMAX, director Villeneuve, Chalamet and Zendaya talk about the film as the audience gets a teaser.

CinemaCon once again starts out the first two days filled with excitement and anticipation as to what is coming to theatres. There is just enough time for everyone to catch their collective breathes as the early evening will end the second day with the WB’s presentation of THE FLASH.

Onward!

 

They Make THE COVENANT

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from direction Guy Ritchie and STX Films comes the story of war, the men who fight it and THE COVENANT.

In Afghanistan, Sgt. John Kinley (Jake Gyllenhaal) is looking for the Taliban and needs an interpreter. He is assigned Ahmed (Dar Salim), who has his own personal reasons for wanting to be a part of the squad. Kinley is known to do things his way and quickly discovers that Ahmed is not afraid to throw himself in the middle of things.

Receiving intel that there is a ammunitions factory out in the desert, Kinley takes his team to investigate. They not only find the bombs but a shoot out ensues as he, along with Ahmed manages to escape, but briefly. The Taliban soldiers catch up to them and Kinley is hurt as Ahmed begins his journey to get him home avoiding the Taliban leaders order to capture them alive.

Rescued and in the hospital, Kinley learns that Ahmed and his family are in hiding. As an interpreter, Ahmed had applied for a Visa and without it, hiding is his only options. That doesn’t sit well with Kinley as he plans to return to Afghanistan and complete a mission to honor the covenant.

Gyllenhaal as Kinley is the tough as nails, compassionate and determined Sgt. of a team that move in sync. Wanting to do more, he is sort of taken off the leash to find the Taliban. When it comes time to right a wrong, the same determination motivates him. Gyllenhaal gives the film a character that isn’t swayed by what others might call the impossible, instead it fuels his own personal mission. His performance is uniquely one note, and that note is no nonsense and intense. Gyllenhaal understands this role uniquely from his experience in the 2005 film JARHEAD.

Salim as Ahmed is a man on his own mission as well. Protecting his family is his first priority and with the invaluable knowledge of his people and the Taliban, he is uniquely perfectly matched with Kinely’s intensity. Saving Kinley and avoiding the enemy takes Ahmed on his own personal journey. Salim brought me deep into the story and bought on that nervous feeling when a character is in danger. His performance matches the intensity of Gyllenhaal as these two actors are marvelous together. If Salim looks familiar, perhaps you might recognize him as one of Khal Drogo’s Bloodrider’s, Qotho, from GAME OF THRONES.

Other cast include Antony Starr, Bobby Schofield, Emily Beecham, Jonny Lee Miller, Jason Wong, Sean Sagar, Sina Parvaneh, Cyrus Khodaveisi, Christian Ochoa, Rhys Yates, Fahim Fazli, Swen Temmel, Fariba Sheikhan, Reza Diako, Gary Stennette, Abbas Fasaei, and Alexander Ludwig.

STX Films and Entertainment is a global next-generation company who has taken on the mission to unlock the value of direct connection stars have with their fans through the development, production and distribution of film, television, VR, digital video, music and live entertainment content. It is the industry leader in transforming beyond traditional platform-driven content to creating talent-driven enterprises. To experience more please visit www.stxfilms.com.

THE COVENANT is the story of two men with the same goal, remove the enemy from where they are and get home to their loved ones. Easier for Kinely until he discovers Ahmed has become a wanted man. Gyllenhaal gives the performance of a man who will not take no for an answer when it comes to completing the agreement the U.S. has made with Ahmed. Salim gives his own performance of a man who understands the world he is interpreting and the danger that comes with what his is doing for the military.

During the Afghan/Iraq war, translators or interpreters were able to apply for visas. The process is long and I went to the government website to see for myself what steps a translator must take in order to get a visa. As much as it is outlined, I can not imagine how difficult it must have been/be to try to do it all in a war zone. Knowing this brings an even deeper respect for the role Salim played as Ahmed.

This is also a story of two men who are alike and although they are two men from two different worlds, there is an intense, non-spoken connection that makes them more alike than they realize. Neither Kinley or Ahmed has a lot to say but when they do, everyone needs to hear them. Director Ritchie captures the story written by

Writers Ivan Atkinson, Marn Davies and Guy Ritchie have written a story based on the amalgamation of stories about Afghan translators and the soldiers they worked with. The US left thousands of interpreters behind who were waiting for special immigration visas when the government left Afghanistan in 2021. Their fate could quite possibly be that of Ahmed’s and worse.

In the end – two men, one war and a covenant!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He is QUASI

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on HULU from director Kevin Heffernan and Searchlight Pictures is the twisted hilarity and the story of QUASI.

It is 1800’s France and the very hunched Quasi (Steven Lemme) is hanging out with his friend Duchamp (Kevin Heffernan). Walking to work, Quasi is subjected to, well let’s just say, bad manners by the people of his village. Working at the local torture chamber, the rest of the village is celebrating Pope Week.

King Guy (Jay Chandrasekhar) is bored with life at the moment and with the new Queen Catherine (Adrianne Palicki). She is stunning but more importantly, very smart as well. She visits the torture chamber below wanting a tour led by Quasi taking an interesting in his work.

In the town square, Quasi finds himself the winner of an audience with the Pope but also the King. During a private conversation, the King reveals what he really wants – the Pope gone! Pope Cornelius (Paul Soter) does not want to spend one dinner moment longer than he has to with King Guy as it seems there is a history there as Cardinal Claude (Erik Stolhanske) gets caught in the dining crossfire.

When Quasi finally has his confessional win with the Pope, it seems the King isn’t the only one who wants a person knocked off with a jewel encrusted dagger. Now Quasi is caught between two men who want each other dead and a Queen who has plans of her own. As with everything in Quasi’s life, things go awkwardly wrong with death is at his doorstep, he shows that even a hunchback can be a hero!

Lemme as Quasi is so sweet and really doesn’t want to hurt anyone. Shocked at the attentions of Queen Catherine, that has to be put aside while he finds his way out of a serious mess. Lemme is just cool, period, and, if it can be said – nice hump dude! Heffernan as buddy Duchamp is a little more than upset that Quasi won the lottery. Getting attention from the lovelies of the village is about one step more than he can handle. Heffernan takes his role and makes me want to spend the evening doing shots with him.

Chandrasekhar as King Guy is a ruler full of, well, himself and has no conscience where death is concerned. That all being said, Chandrasekhar looks frakken fantastic in a crown! I do have to say that I miss his moustache but I can’t be greedy (or can I?). As the King, he is greedy, arrogant and petulant – and I love it.

Soter as the Pope is a man of some god or other with a long-standing grudge toward the King. Soter’s version of the Pope is probably the most hilarious ‘pope’ I’ve seen mainly because he says what a lot of us think. Stolhanske as the Cardinal is the perfect pairing with Soter, their whispering session was sheer hilarity.

Palicki as Queen Catherine is hilarious, beautiful, smart and is not about to let a King or a Pope stand in her way of making sure Quasi is saved. Well, truth be told she isn’t thrilled about being married to this particular King either. Palicki is charming and hilarious all rolled into one, but then again, I’d expect nothing less! Long live the Queen!

SHOUT OUT to Brian Cox, seriously, you can not reunite the gang without bringing back the leader with the voice that makes you want to buy a burger from McDonalds and crushes family in succession. Yea, I did that.

Other cast include Buck Heffernan, Quinn Heffernan, Kelsey Heffernan, Eugene Cordero, Marcus Henderson, Michael Yurchak Hassie Harrison, Gabrielle Lane, Gabriel Hogan and Phil Hudson.

Hulu is the leading premium streaming service offering live and on-demand television and movies. The platform gives viewers instant access to current shows, libraries of hit television series and film as well as Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning originals such as The Handmaid’s Tale and The Act. For more of what Hulu has to offer please visit www.hulu.com.

Searchlight Pictures is responsible for such films as SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, 12 YEARS A SLAVE, THE SHAPE OF WATER and THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI. They have an extensive film library as well as documentaries, scripted series, and limited series. For more information, please visit www.searchlightpictures.com.

The SUPER TROOPERS band of Broken Lizard consisting of Steve Lemme, Jay Chandrasekhar, Paul Soter and Erik Stolhanske join writer/director Heffernan in creating their newest comedy. Based on The Hunchback of Notre-Dame by Victor Hugo, this 1831 class is being set on its ear!

It is nice to see the band is back together again taking on a period piece with the coolest set designs. Running along the borderline of appropriate, I’ve always thought this group is the funniest because of their unique ability to dance along that line while making us all laugh. As a superfan of the 2001 film SUPER TROOPERS and use the lines from the film in everyday life, my funny bone needed a good laugh right meow!

Taking the story of Quasi and giving it every hilarious moment they could squeeze out is not only what I would expect from this gang of comedy misfits but, to be honest, I probably wouldn’t have watched otherwise. The pairing of Lemme with Heffernan, Chandrasekhar with Soter and Palicki as the sparkling, sugar coated cake topper is everything.

Get ready for a new twist on an old tale, or should I say a new twisted story just waiting for this particular group to share.

In the end – every day is a hump day!

The Name is RENFIELD

 

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres today from director Chris McKay and Universal Pictures is one man’s story of learning how to be RENFIELD.

Robert Montague Renfield (Nicholas Hoult) has been spanning the eras being the familiar to the one and only Count Dracula (Nicholas Cage). At a personal cross-road, Renfield finds himself attending a 12-step self-help group with others who are coping with being in a bad relationship with a narcissist.

New Orleans has also been plagued by the Lobo crime family headed by Mom Ella (Shohreh Aghdashloo) and out of control son Teddy (Ben Schwartz). Trying to put them behind bars is officer Rebecca Quincy (Awkwafina) who is shut down every time she has Teddy in cuffs.

A chance meeting brings Renfield (his tin of bugs) and Quincy together and angers Ella but Dracula has other plans. Making it clear that he is happy with being in the 21^st century, he shares the plan with Renfield that he must do better at providing, well food, for his master. This isn’t sitting well with Renfield who is learning to be his own man!

Teddy is now after Renfield as well but ends up in Dracula’s lair. That’s where the ancient fanged horror finds out that Renfield has been sort of living a good life. Now the table is about to turn as Dracula finds people who are just as happy to be evil in order to take out the good because, as Dracula says, the good taste so much better.

Co-dependency – its time to take back the power!

Hoult as Renfield is charming, disarming, thoughtful, caring and pretty much accessory to eras of, well, murder. That being said, Hoult brought life to a character that has been a bit overlooked throughout history. I just love how he is given his due and in the most unusual way. The interaction between Hoult and Cage is fantastic and a bit intimidating just to watch.

Awkwafina as Quincy is a cop who has been fighting for years to find justice for her murdered father. Especially when the ones responsible are the Lobo family. She gives us a hard edge but comedy to boot. Awkwafina gets a chance to show some action skills and it’s pretty cool.

Schwartz as Teddy is just ridiculously out of control and pretty much knows he can get away with anything. The corrupt police department makes sure of that. Schwartz looks like he is having a great time in this role.  Aghdashloo as Ella has one purpose, to keep her crime family together even if her son is a loose cannon. Its wonderful to see her take on a comedic role while being the most well-dressed bad gal in the film.

Now, lets talk about Cage as Dracula – I swear I either couldn’t stop laughing or was riveted by his portrayal. This isn’t your handsome, smooth talking nice guy that is misunderstood. Nope, he is clearly got dental issues, controlling tendencies, a plan for world domination and needs a nail technician asap! He has taken this role and given is thrills, laughs, chills and more thrills. Well done from start to finish.

Other cast includes Adrian Martinez as Chris, Danya LaBelle as Karla, Rhonda Dents as Sharon, Christopher Cook as Bob, Michael Sullivan as Weird Kevin, Rosha Washington as Trevante, T. C. Matherne as Kyle, Brandon Jones as Mark, Jenna Kanell as Carol, James Black as Captain Browning, Caroline Williams as Vanessa, Bess Rous as Caitlyn and Camille Chen as Kate.

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.

RENFIELD is such a horror/comedy filled with amazing performances. Starting with Hoult and Cage then add a spicy dash of Awkwafina and add a well-chosen cast of disturbing characters and this is fun for everyone. There is action, a long history story line, blood, gun fights, body fights, more action and all in the name of the prince of darkness.

The opportunity for Renfield to tell his side of the story makes it clear that working for a self-indulgent, narcissistic ageless boss needed its moment in the sun (pun intended). Jaw dropping moments along with uncomfortable laughs only add to this strange and pretty dang cool telling.

I was all in for Cage being Dracula but man, oh man, did direction McKay get it right from action to cinematography to special effects. It is everything we didn’t know we wanted!

In the end – it sucks to be him!

The Chase is on with COCAINE BEAR on Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from director Elizabeth Banks and Universal Pictures Home Entrtainment is the VERY loosely based on the 1985 true story ridiculousness and savagery of the COCAINE BEAR.

After a drug runner throws tons of cocaine, and himself, in red bags out of a plane, it crashes. Investigating the incident is Officer Reba (Ayoola Smart) and Bob (Isiah Whitlock, Jr.) who recognizes the runner.  In the forests of Georgia, scattered about are the bundles of cocaine and a 500-pound bear has found and ingested said white powdery substance.

Skipping school is Henry (Christian Convery) and his friend DeeDee (Brooklynn Prince) much to the dismay of Mom Sari (Keri Russell). Sari turns to Ranger Liz (Margo Martindale) to look in the forest for the kids. The drugs are also wanted by Eddie (Alden Ehrenreich), Daveed (O’Shea Jackson Jr.) and Syd (Ray Liotta).

So, Mom is looking for kids, drug dealers are looking for drugs, the cops are looking for drugs, the ranger just wants a little cuddle time with her crush, the hiker is just sad and it all falls under the category of ‘don’t do drugs!’

With so many people in the forest, its easy for the cocaine laden bear to go on a rampage because he only has one goal – more cocaine and clawing up anyone who gets in its way!

Russell as Sari is a Mom that is not going to let her kid get away with skipping school, even if she’s been kidnapped by a bear. Whitlock, Jr. as Bob the cop is doing his job and a bear isn’t going to stop that – someone else might, but not a bear.

Martindale as Ranger Liz had me cracking up every minute. She’s sassy and a badass all at the same time. Liz might need a few more weapons lessons but hey, stress is a bitch. O’Shea and Ehrenreich as Daveed and Eddie are trying to get their product back for dad Syd. Speaking of Liotta, he has always made an awesome bad guy and in this film he, as always, nails it.

Prince as DeeDee is talked into skipping school until she becomes a babysitter and Convery as Henry is a wise cracking kid who isn’t so wise when they find him up a tree!

Shout out to Allan Henry as Cokey the Bear, awesome job! Also, Kristofer Hivju as Olaf the hiker, dude, if you can take on White Walkers then you can definetly handle a cocaine induced bear.

Other cast includeAaron Holliday as Kid, J.B. Moore as Vest, Leo Hanna as Ponytail, Kahyun Kim as Beth, Scott Seiss as Tom, Hannah Hoekstra as Elsa, Jess Tyler Ferguson as Peter and Matthew Rhys as Andrew Thornton.

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 Alternate Ending, Deleted and Extended Scenes, a Gag Reel, All Roads Lead to Cokey: The Making of COCAINE BEAR, UnBEARable Bloodbath: Dissecting the Kills, Doing Lines, Feature Commentary with Director/Producer Elizabeth Banks and Producer Max Handelman and so much more!

COCAINE BEAR is based on the 1985 story of drug smuggler Andrew C. Thornton II who was dropping cocaine out of his plane. His parachute didn’t open so we all know how that ends. They 175 pound brown bear was found a few months later a bit dead and all that was found was forty plastic containers of cocaine - opened. If you care to see the bear, you can visit his display in the Kentucky Fun Mall in Lexington.

If you are a fan of early 80’s films, then COCAINE BEAR is for you. It has the cheesy music, bad clothes, and slightly off acting with references that the tykes of 2023 might not get right away. Don’t worry, there will be someone in the room to explain it to you. Its hilarious, its bloody, it quirky

You take all of that and put it into the Elizabeth Banks mixer and COCAINE BEAR comes out. A mixture of ‘ewwwww’s’, laughter, jaw drops and righteous 80’s music means that this twisted tale of mayhem is going to be a good time had by all (without the cocaine side effects!) The cast is perfection and their interaction with ‘Cokey’ is hilarious.

So, get a big bucket of popcorn, turns the lights out and stay still when COCAINE BEAR comes on the screen!

In the end – get in line!

 

He Tell His CHESS STORY

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently available on DVD from director Philipp Stolzl and Film Movement is a stunning story of the mind when telling the CHESS STORY.

Dr. Joseph Bartok (Oliver Mascucci) is living the life of a lawyer-notary in 1938 Austria with his love Anna (Birgit Minichmayr). Spending time with her, music, books and their nighttime parties is a wonderful existence. That is until the Nazis sweep in and begin to take Vienna apart piece by piece. Although he is warned to leave quickly, the Gestapo is quicker.

Bartok is taken to a hotel meeting the secret police operative Bohm (Albrecht Schuch). It is simply explained that he wants the codes that would access the bank accounts of several of the Austrian aristocracy. When Bartok makes it clear that he doesn’t know what Bohm is speaking about, Bartok is led away to a room in the hotel.

Bartok begins to understand that they are going to keep in locked away until he gives them what they want. The days begin to pass in solitary confinement where he is provided the very basic food and nothing else. He begins to lose track of time as a man once in the thick of society is left alone.

After one interrogation, Bartok is taken to his room but not before a ruckus breaks out. That’s when he sees a stack of books and grabs the first small one and hides it. Getting back to the room he discovers it is a book about chess, a game he is known for making jokes about. Drawn by something other than bare walls and silence, Bartok begins to read soaking in every word.

Then something begins to click in his head and he gets creative about how to play without his captors knowing. If he can not get away physically, he will mentally to stay alive. The game is on between one man and a war.

Mascucci as Bartok is a man who loves the finer things in life. When a friend warns him to leave Vienna, Bartok knows he has to do what is necessary to save Anna and then his clients. What happens next is a psychological voyage of wills, survival and where the mind can take a person under extreme circumstances. Mascucci is absolutely marvelous in this role keeping me riveted from the first frame until the last taking me through every range of emotion.

Minichmayr as Anna is so lovely and it is clear that Bartok is mad for her. This not a large role for Minichmayr, but her presence in the film is large and poignant. Schuch as Bohm is the man in control of the situation. Keeping his demeanor calm and unthreatening, he hopes to get the codes from Bartok. When that doesn’t happen, he is patient believing that how they are handling their “guests” will bring better results than the normal Gestapo handling.

Other cast include Dieter Bernhardt as Fahrer, Elias Gabele as Hafen, Rafael Stachowiak as Harry, Isa Hochgerner as Kochin, Johannes Zeiler as Dr. Fink, Markus Schleinzer as Dr. Auer, Clemens Berndorff as Dr. Swoboda, Lukas Miko as Gustav Sailer and Andreas Lust as Johann Prantl.

Film Movement, founded in 2002, is an award-winning independent and foreign film company that has released more than 250 feature films and shorts. Theatrical releases include American independent films, documentaries, and foreign arthouse titles catalog such directors as Hirokazu Kore-eda, Maren Ade, Jessica Hausner and Ciro Guerra and Melanie Laurent. Bluray and DVD films bring such directors as Eric Rohmer, Bolle August, King Hu, Sergio Corbucci and Luchino Visconti and many more. To discover what Film Movement is all about and find out more about what they have to offer please visit www.filmmovementplus.com.

Bonus Features include Introductory Essay by Writer and Curator Larry List and Bonus Short Film DER TUNNEL directed by Christoph Daniel and Marc Schmidheiny.

CHESS STORY is a stark film director Stolzl also directed NORTH FACE and THE PHYSICIAN brought to the screen through the novella written by Stefan Zweig.

This film is so beautifully done with a difficult background story. Mascucci carries the film filled with emotions, confusion, frustration, anger, fear and the difficulty between reality and what his mind is telling him. That is an intense thing to do and Mascucci brought me in effortlessly into those emotions and my jaw dropped a few times absolutely.

The cinematography and set designs are perfection for bringing in this 1930’s period piece. Stripping away the story from luxury to a barest room with only the mind left brings us all to a level that we cannot possibly imagine, so director Stolzl gives us a glimpse. The game of chess that Bartok thought so silly a game turns into a reason to live.

In the end – it is the story of his mind.

THE SUPER MARIO BROS MOVIE Brings Iconic Family Fun

 

 Jeri Jacquin

In theatres today from directors Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic, Pierre Leduc, Nintendo, Illumination and Universal Pictures is the iconic THE SUPER MARIO BROS MOVIE.

Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) have started their own business in Brooklyn but everyone seems to think they aren’t capable of making a success of it. When Mario sees that the city water main is broken, he sees this as an opportunity of a lifetime!

Discovering a tunnel of tubes, Luigi looks inside and disappears and when Mario goes into the tube he is sucked in as well. They try to hang on but both go different ways. Mario lands in the Mushroom Kingdom and met by Toad (Keegan-Michael Key) and Luigi ends up in the Dark Lands.

Quickly captured and taken to their leader Bowser (Jack Black), he learns where Mario is and what Bowsers evil-love-laid plans are for Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy). In the meantime, Mario meets Princess Peach explaining that he needs to rescue his brother. She reluctantly agrees but also needs to save the Mushroom Kingdom from a Bowser takeover.

Knowing they need help; they go to King Cranky Kong (Fred Armisen) of the Jungle Kingdom. To get help, Mario must tackle Donkey Kong (Seth Rogen) and all too soon, Bowser arrives with his own army! Now, the battle to save the Mushroom Kingdom, as well as all the Kingdoms, and bringing brothers back together are intertwined and its on – well, you know, like Donkey Kong!

Pratt as Mario gets a chance to play one of the most iconic Nintendo characters and does so as only Pratt can. He takes us all away into the Mario character completely making it easy to forget whose voice you are hearing. Don’t worry, the voice change is all explained and then it’s off to the adventure and it certainly seems like Pratt had a good time because, well, everyone in the theatre certainly did.

Day as Luigi is the brother who goes along to get along and it is clear he loves being with his brother. A little more apprehensive and slightly less adventuresome than Mario, Day still gives us a character that would do anything for family. He is loveable and enjoyable which is how we have always seen him.

Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach is perfection. She is exactly what I believed she should sound like. She is strong, caring, compassionate and yet won’t hesitate to get in the middle of the action and show her stuff. Taylor-Joy gives us a powerful Princess Peach and the vocal performance is worth every moment the animated character is on screen.

Black as Bowser, I mean what can you say. He has always been known to take on different characters but as Bowser he is, oddly, strange, evil but with a soft spot of love that can be destroyed in a millisecond. Bowser made us laugh, shout and even ‘awwwwwwww’ for a few seconds mixed in with giggles. He is strong, he is loud and Black gave us a fantastic Bowser.

Rogen as Donkey Kong is absolutely fantastic. As a fan of that particular video game, he gave me everything in this vocal performance. I laughed, cheered, loved his comebacks and one liners (that will be added to our families film lines) and heart of friendship. Rogen gave all of that and I the next time I play Donkey Kong I’m going to hear him.

Key as Toad is fun, protective and has a heart full of courage. Wanting to be a part of protecting the Mushroom Kingdom, he just has no fear, not to mention how cute he is. Armisen as King Cranky Kong is a laid back but entertaining from start to finish.

Shout out to Jelenic as the blue Lumalee for the existential view of the film’s situations that totally cracked me up and to the penguins for their bravery and charm.  

Other cast include Charles Martinet as Mario/Luigi’s father, Khary Payton as the Penguin King, Jessica DiCicco as the brothers Mom, John DiMaggio as Uncle Arthur, Eric Bauza as the Tod General, Juliet Jelenic as the blue Lumalee, Sebastian Maniscalco as Foreman Spike, Kevin Richardson as Kamek.

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.

Illumination, founded by Chris Meledandri in 2007, is one of the industry’s leading producers of event animated films. Bringing the DESPICABLE ME franchise, to include Minions, features some of the world’s most renowned talent. To read more please visit www.illumination.com.

THE SUPER MARIO BROS MOVIE is a film that everyone who loved/loves the Nintendo video games to see this weekend. Almost every iconic thing that is in the games has come to life and what would be expected. Illumination did not try to reinvent the wheel but instead is giving fans what they crave.

I absolutely love that nothing was out of place but instead brought to life in such a way that going on this ride is going to happen again and again. My family and I weren’t out of the film five minutes before my granddaughter, da Kid, asked excitedly, ‘can we go see it again right now?’ The answer is clearly going to be ‘yes!’ because, even at my age, want to see it again.

The film is colorful, vibrant and fun, with a storyline that clearly comes from the game (thank you writer Matthew Fogel, you have my heart!). The characters are iconic but also seeing the way they are brought to the screen is absolutely thrilling.

On a personal note, what a joy it was for me to see this film with my daughter and granddaughter. Nintendo has been a part of our lives since the first little gray box sat on our television. When da Kid was about four or five I introduced her to video games (I know, a grandma doing that – whaaaaaaaaaat?), and I taught her how to play the original Mario Bros.

Now we play Mario Kart 8 on her Nintendo Switch – if that isn’t love through the generations, I don’t know what is. What am I getting to? Well, just this, get your generational family together and hit the theatres this Easter weekend. Enjoy watching icons come to life in a way that is endearing, fun, exciting so that when everyone walks out, the joy is still on all faces.

In the end – let’s-a gooooooo!