RUBY GILLMAN, TEENAGE KRAKEN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from directors Kirk DeMicco, Faryn Pearl, DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures comes the story about the teen struggles of RUBY GILLMAN, TEENAGE KRAKEN.

Ruby Gillman (Lana Condor) is an unusual 16-year-old teen finding her place in the city of Oceanside. Along with mother Agatha (Toni Collette), dad Arthur (Colman Domingo) and little brother Sam (Blue Chapman), the family is hiding an interesting secret – they are kraken’s living among humans.

Almost no one takes notice, accept a suspicious Gordon Lighthouse (Will Forte) and his trusty crab. The entire high school is excited about the upcoming high school prom except Ruby because Mom has said no. Her reason? Because she doesn’t want Ruby near the water which means she won’t be able to ask crush Connor (Jaboukie Young-White).

That when best friends Margot (Liza Koshy), Bliss (Ramona Young) and Trevin (Eduardo Franco) suggest that maybe she should, well, just go. Asking Connor is the next step but chaos happens and Ruby discovers that she is a very large kraken.

Never-before-met Uncle Brill (Sam Richardson) shows up telling Agatha that their mom wants to meet Ruby. When all the family secrets come out, Ruby decides to visit Grandmamah (Jane Fonda) and discovers she is the Warrior Queen of the Seven Seas and also learns about life under the sea.

She also meets Chelsea Van Der Zee (Annie Murphy), a mermaid who also has a story to tell and it involves a rivalry between the kraken and mermaids. Becoming sea-besties, Chelsea suggests that rift could be healed if they could only get ahold of a special trident.

When chaos breaks out, a kraken family bands together to save those they love in a place they call home!

Condor as Gillman gives animated voice to a very sweet, charming, quirky character. Ruby tries very hard to fit in and all seems to be going well, until it doesn’t. Learning that secrets can be painful, Ruby must come to terms with the land and sea and where she fits in between the two. My granddaughter loves Ruby!

Collette as Agatha is a very ambitious real estate mom who keeps the family together. Keeping Ruby safe has been her goal but when secrets start to come out, she has no choice but to come clean. Collette gives the voice of Agatha the same voice I heard in my head when my kids were teens. Trying to stay one step ahead is exhausting but Agatha pulls it off nicely.

Fonda as Grandmamah (accent on the ‘mah’ if you please) is hilarious as the Queen Kraken. She is thrilled to see Ruby and does what she can to show her that side of the family. Ruby believed she was the only one with mom issues, its good to see that not only does mom-issues run in the family but so does solidarity.

Murphy as the wicked Chelsea came along to show Ruby what she was missing under the sea and all the fun there was to be had. Of course, her intentions are anything but fun! Richardson as Uncle Brill is that Uncle we all have and love, no matter how much mess he makes because the laughter he causes is everything.

Domingo as dad Arthur and Chapman as little brother Sam are supportive of their family and even Sam can’t help but love the family he is in. Forte as Lighthouse is on a mission to show the town that the kraken’s do exist and he’s going to get himself one.

Young-White as Connor is a teen who is more like Ruby than Ruby realizes. He is also very sweet and I was rooting for him the whole time! Young, Franco and Koshy as her loving friends Bliss, Trevin, and Margot love their very exclusive group but also find themselves expanding their world.

Other vocal cast include Nicole Byer as Janice, Echo Kellum as Doug, Juju Green as the Gym teacher and Jordan Matter as School Principal.

DreamWorks Animation brings amazing, animated entertainment to films, television specials and series for the young and young at heart audiences around the world. For more of what they have to offer please visit http://www.dreamworksanimation.com.

Universal Pictures has an amazing film to their library. 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.

RUBY GILLMAN, TEENAGE KRAKEN is an awesomely wonderful (my granddaughter Jaycie’s words) film. It grabs colorfully onto the themes of love, family, friendship, being a teen, being a different kind of teen, acceptance, and a fierce loyalty to protect all of the above.

DreamWorks has done it again creating a visually stunning animated story but, and let’s be honest, I would expect nothing less from the studio. Always in the forefront of animation, the studio also remembers what is important to fans who love their work. Creativity, a solid story, characters that become iconic and memorable, Ruby Gillman can be added to that long list.

Family film does not even begin to describe RUBY GILLMAN, TEENAGE KRAKEN. It just has everything needed to bring people into the theatres with the tub of popcorn for a really good time. Prepare to laugh, awwww, cheer and leave said theatre with a smile on your face and so much to tell friends about.

In the end – discover the hero just beneath the surface!

It Begins at DAY ZERO

 

Jeri Jacquin

On Bluray from director Joey De Guzman, writer Ays De Guzman and Well Go USA is the fight for survival that begins at DAY ZERO.

Elite soldier Emon (Brandon Vera) has been in prison for over eight years because of a mistake he made. Helping him get through it all is cell mate Timoy (Pepe Herrera) who, from time to time, gets himself in trouble with the other gangs in prison.

When parole is finally granted to Emon, he makes a quick telephone call to love Sheryl (Mary Jean Lastimosa) and young daughter Jane (Freya Fury Montiero). The phone call does not go exactly to plan and a fight in the prison halls leads Emon in more trouble than he ever wanted.

But something is happening, something strange, something horrible – and is brings the dead out to kill. Breaking out of the prison is Emon’s goal trying to get to Sheryl and Jane not knowing if they are dead or alive. Fighting his way through the army of vicious creatures, he gets to the apartment building where his family lives.

Floor by floor he rises up to finds survivors but also the dead in larger and larger numbers. Nothing is going to stop Emon from protecting his family, not the fight-biting creatures or humans who care so little for life.

Vera as Emon shows his muscles, ability to fight and no fear as an elite soldier who finds a way to reach the family he has hurt. Once he gets past the prison walls, he finds another kind of prison inside the walls of the apartment building that is holding his family against their will. Vera doesn’t have a lot to say but its clear what his characters mission is from start to end.

Herrera as Timoy is a friend to Emon when they are behind bars. They both need each other but, Timoy makes it clear that Emon must learn another language if he is to communicate with Jane. Herrera gives us a good friend even if he has small criminal habits.

Lastimosa as Sheryl has been raising a young daughter while Emon serves his time. When he calls, she is quickly frustrated with having to hold things together. After the call she has no idea that her ability to deal with life will be what can save the family. Montierro as Jane is a young girl thrust into the worst of humanity, both living and dead, yet she comes to trust a father she hardly knows. I liked that about her character.

Other cast include Joey Marquez as Oscar, Yohance Levi Buie as David, Ricci Rivero as Paolo, Jema Galanza as Hazel, Shermaine Santiago as Frida, James Lomahan as Peter, Aileen Sahibad as Linda, and Lao Rodriguez as Warden.

Well Go USA Entertainment is a theatrical and home entertainment company specializing in bringing the best Action, Genre and Independent films from around the world to North American markets. As a leader in independent film distribution, Well Go USA Entertainment’s titles can be seen across a variety of platforms including theatrical, digital, subscription and cable VOD, packaged media and broadcast television. Well Go USA Entertainment currently releases three to five films per month. To see more please visit www.wellgousa.com.

DAY ZERO is in the zombie-noir genre with a mysterious outbreak that has no reason behind it. That being said it is fast moving and the character of Emon provided by Vera does not get a moment to stop fighting. Filmed in the darkest and limited of spaces, it doesn’t leave a lot of room for much else but fighting and surviving.

Vera is a mixed martial artist and has worked his way up the ladder to become one of the most championed fighters. Born into a Filipino-Italian-American family, Vera eventually joined the Air Force and the wrestling team. After leaving the Air Force, he entered wrestling competitions and eventually trained by Lloyd Irvin, a jiu-jitsu Black Belt and onto an Ultimate Fighting and ONE FC.

In the end – when the dead rise, humanity falls!

The Summer Comedy Starts the Season with NO HARD FEELINGS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director writer/director Gene Stupnitsky and Sony Pictures to start the summer season is the comedy NO HARD FEELINGS.

Maddie (Jennifer Lawrence) lives in the family home in the beach community of Montauk. Inherited from her mother, she also inherited the property taxes that go along with it. Working as a bartender and Uber driving, Maddie is keeping her head just above the water line. That is until her car is repossessed and now, she is getting around via another set of wheels.

Hanging out with friends Sarah (Natalie Morales) and Jim (Scott MacArthur), they find a Craigs List posting from parents Allison (Laura Benanti) and Laird Becker (Matthew Broderick) offering up a car if someone can bring their college bound son Percy (Andrew Barth Feldman) out of his shell.

Meeting the parents, everyone is clear on what is expected of Maddie and she embraces the challenge. Dressing up for her new part, Maddie goes to visit Percy at the local animal shelter and she pours it on. Percy does not seem moved by all the candy she is throwing his way and Maddie’s ups her game.

Seeing each other again and again, Maddie and Percy begin to learn about each other but it doesn’t mean that Maddie has given up on getting the car. That being said, she does start to really see Percy and what an amazing young man he is. The problem is the one big secret she is keeping is the one big secret that could hurt them both in ways she couldn’t imagine.

Lawrence as Maddie brings the comic relief in jaw dropping and hysterical ways. She is the life of the film bringing slapstick and one-liners faster than a tourist eating a lobster roll. Maddie clearly hates the invasion of the rich into Montauk so agreeing to crack the shell of one for a car doesn’t seem like a stretch. Lawrence clearly took a role that tested her comedy chops and she made it look easy.

Feldman as Percy is a young man who is either in his room or at the local animal shelter volunteering. His parents are worried because he just doesn’t seem to be enjoying life. Feldman gives his character so much range between quiet to entertaining with everything in between but deep within his portrayal is a young man with his own story to tell.

Benanti as Allison is, I think, the reason that Percy is as Percy is. She has all the signs of a mother who says she wants her son to come out of his shell but does nothing to have made that happen. Broderick as Laird is the dad who really wants her son to experience the same fun he had growing up, maybe a little too much fun. It’s like Ferris Bueller grew up and can’t believe his son has no Bueller in him! Hilarious!

Morales and McArthur as friends Sarah and Jim try to keep Maddie out of trouble and made me laugh in the process of doing it. Morales gets a chance to show who is boss in the marriage and takes Maddie just as she is. McArthur is a husband who just needs to stay in the ocean (you’ll get it) but he is sweet in his own way.

Other cast include Kyle Mooney as Jody, Jordan Mendoza as Crispin, Hasan Minhaj as Doug Kahn, Amalia Yoo as Natalie, Alysia Powell as Fern, Quincy Dunn-Baker as Travis and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Gary.

Sony Pictures 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.

NO HARD FEELINGS breaks the ridiculously sad film cycle as of late. It brings laughs, jaw drops, hilarity and just a good time to theatre seats. That translates to starting off the summer season the best way possible. This is the film that brings groups together to experience it together and laugh all the way out the theatre door.

Lawrence brings her own brand to the film and there is a particular scene where I’m not sure if she’s an MMA fighter or a clothing aficionado but I do know I couldn’t stop laughing and neither could the audience. In the midst of it all, Lawrence gives her character a bit of heart and warmth which just adds to the likeability of her character. Feldman is trying to see the world through Maddie’s eyes and let me just say his interpretation almost caused me to shoot soda out my nose!

The premise is not all that new but then again there is no need to reinvent the rom-com wheel. Instead, this is just a fun time at the theatre with a film that doesn’t need to be dissected nor explained to the point of conspiracy theories. The only action and big explosions are the hilarious ones brought on by Lawrence and Feldman.

It is popcorn, friends, humor, fun and reminiscent of a time when all of that was important when going to the movies.

In the end – pretty and awkward!

 

Music and Love Drives CHEVALIER

Jeri Jacquin

Now on Bluray, Digital and available to stream from director Stephen Williams, writer Stefani Robinson and Searchlight Pictures is the story of CHEVALIER.

Joseph Bologne (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) arrives at a Mozart concert to show his talent playing the violin. Born to plantation owner George de Bologne and his African mother Nanon (Ronke Adekoluejo), he is taken away from his mother to France and a Paris boarding school. When it seems as if the school will not accept him, the young man stands with a violin and shows his remarkable skill.

Dealing with harassment, Joseph not only excels in music but in fencing and when Marie Antoinette (Lucy Boynton) arrives to see a fencing match, she is impressed and immediately knights him as his name changes to Chevalier de Saint-Georges. The two become close friends and are seen about Paris at social events.

That is where he meets the Marie-Madeleine Gruimard (Minnie Driver) as she tries to make it clear she is very interested in him and always gets her way – or else. The Chevalier is drawn to the singing of Marie-Josephine de Montalembert (Samara Weaving) and is also introduced to her very stern husband Marc Rene (Marton Csokas).

Also, he learns the fate of his father and reunited with mother Nanon. Stiff towards her presence, he goes about his plan to becoming the director of the Paris Opera with his only competition being Christoph Gluck. Convincing the Queen to have both men present their ideas to the committee, the Chevalier enlists the help of Stephanie Felicite (Sian Clifford) to produce the opera with his music.

Knowing he wants Marie-Josephine to be the lead singer, husband Marc-Rene refuses the offer but his wife has other plans. As the opera begins rehearsals, it becomes clear that there are other forces against the Chevalier and one of the is Marc-Rene who makes a deal that wife and the musician stay away from each other, again, or else.

All around him Chevalier is seeing the French Revolution begin as the people rise up, he begins to experience life through Nano’s eyes and the heinous act of a love lost. Through it all, Chevalier puts his world to music on the forbidden stage turning his back on a Queen’s fickle friendship and a man who has committed the unthinkable.

Harrison Jr. as Chevalier is a young man placed in a difficult situation in life. His music is the one thing he can call his very own. Making his way in society by having the Queen as a friend, there are those that believe their power can either make or break his success. Harrison Jr. portrays a man who seems to have it all together, until it isn’t and his eyes are opened up to what is actually happening around him.

Weaving as Marie-Josephine is a young woman married to an older man and all the problems that come along with that. Wanting to do what she is capable of musically also leads to a relationship that under any circumstances would have caused problems. Trying to keep Chevalier away became the problem for Weaving’s character. Csokas as the hostile husband Marc Rene controls his wife with a glare that would stop anyone in their tracks then again, that is not surprising. Csokas plays the bad guy like no one else.

Boynton as Marie Antoinette is a woman who clearly is living her best life. The problem is that the people of France are not happy with that life as they are all suffering. Boynton shows her character as a very insecure young woman and friendship with Chevalier has uncovered conditions.  Clifford as Felicite wants to help Chevalier and sees what he goes through until the end.

Adekoluejo as Nanon is a mother who is finally reunited with her son. Seeing how he lives and the way he goes through life, Adekoluejo gives her character grace and elegance in trying to explain what he is missing. Driver as Marie-Madeleine is a woman bent on using her status and power to control people, including Chevalier. When that doesn’t work, she resorts to social destruction and Driver makes it harsh without batting an eye.

Other cast includes Alex Fitzalan as Louis Philippe II, Henry Lloyd-Hughes as Christoph Gluck, Sam Barlien as Louis XVI and Joseph Prowen as Wolfgang Mozart.

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.

Bonus Featurette CHEVALIER: Note By Note - Discover the untold story of Joseph Bologne, an incredibly talented violinist and composer. In this piece we hear from filmmakers, cast and crew on their journey from discovering this hidden historical figure to bringing his story to life.

CHEVALIER is a film about the life of the young black musical artist of his time. Harrison Jr. does a good job of portraying the struggles of the character from birth, to school, to society, music and where he begins to see life differently.

The costuming of the time is gorgeous and the music is soothing to the ear which adds another layer of richness and depth to the story. The film will be available from all major digital retailers including Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu and Movies Anywhere and includes a 15-minute behind the scenes featurette called “Chevalier: Note By Note.”

In the end – his music is once again alive!

Pixar Charms with ELEMENTAL

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Peter Sohn, Pixar and Walt Disney Studios is a story of opposites attracting with ELEMENTAL.

Born of immigrant parents Bernie (Ronnie del Carmen) and Cinder (Shila Ommi) Lumen, the couple anxiously awaits the arrival of flame daughter Ember (Leah Lewis). Finding a place to live and start their own business, the Lumen's are living the Elemental dream. Dad Bernie wants nothing more than for Ember to learn the family business so that one day he can retire and she can take over. The problem is Ember has a problem with her temper. So much so that during an anger outburst, she causes the pipes to start leaking!

Having been raised that fire does not mix with the water-folk who live in Elemental City, Ember is surprised when Wade (Mamoudou Athie) appears. He is one of the water people who is a building inspector and immediately starts writing tickets for building violations. Ember tries to stop him and when it looks like it’s too late, Wade decides he wants to help Ember. Meeting with Wade's boss Gayle (Wendi McLendon-Covey), she tells them both that if they discover where the water is coming from, all the tickets will be forgiven.

The chase is on and in the meantime Ember is feeling something for Wade but doesn't know how to handle it. Wade doesn't hold anything back as he wants to spend more time with the fiery Ember. They both begin to discover that all the myths they have been raised with don't seem to apply and Wade has no problem showing his emotions.

Mom Cinder begins to suspect that something is going on with Ember and believes she has found love. The problem is that Dad Bernie is not going to accept Wade because he sees the inspector as someone who is not like the Lumen's or the people of their section of Elemental City. Thinking the water problem has been solved, it not become more important than ever to work together to solve the problem once and for all.

After all, it's only elemental!

Lewis as Ember is an on fire young adult who has been struggling to make her father proud enough to hand over the family business. Her problem is that she cannot control her temper and it has finally gotten her into serious trouble. Lewis offers us her voice to give Ember personality of fire that is so fun, lovely and full of trouble both good and not so good. I really enjoyed her.

Athie as Wade is a young man who has fallen in forbidden love and it comes from a place of pure and honest emotions. Of course, he comes from a family that seems to embrace being too emotional ad it is something that Ember is fascinated by. Athie lends his voice to a character full of love, charm, humor and everything a flame could ask for.

Del Carmen as dad Bernie tries to be so patient with his daughter and constantly brags about how close she is to taking over the family business. Coaching her on how to handle customers and make it work is important. Especially since he came from a faraway land and a family that didn't support Bernie's decision to come to Elemental City. Del Carmen gives us a father who loves his daughter and a pride in the life he creates for his family.

Ommi as Mom Cinder keeps an eye on the family but also has a side job helping people find love. She realizes that something is going on with Ember and is determined to discover what she is up to. There comes a moment when she reads her daughters smoke (you'll understand when you see the film) and I just love that whole scene. It shows the courage and determination of love.

Shout out to McLendon-Covey as the big puff ball Gayle. She is tough as nails, stronger than anyone takes her for and compassionate in a way that was just amazing. The voice matches the character perfectly and I just loved her. I hope they have a Gayle stuffed puff ball because I would definetly be in line for one.

Other cast include Clara Lin Ding and young Ember, Regan To as teenage Ember, Mason Wertheimer as Clod, Ronobir Lahiri as Harold, Wilma Bonet as Flarrietta, Joe Pera as Fern Grouchwood Matt Yang King as Alan Ripple as well as Lutz and Earth Pruner, P.L. Brown as the Doorman, Jonathan Adams as Flarry, and Catherine O'Hara as Brook Ripple.

Walt Disney Studios continues to bring quality programming to kids and kids at heart. Home of the most beloved animated features including SNOW WHITE, PINOCCHIO and SLEEPING BEAUTY to name a few is what keeps families coming back for more. For more on Disney please visit www.movies.disney.com.

Pixar Animation Studios is an American computer animation studio known for its critically and commercially successful computer animated feature films. These iconic films include the TOY STORY, MONSTERS INC., THE INCREDIBLES, NEMO/DORY, and CARS franchises as well as UP, RATATOUILLE and BRAVE. For more visit www.pixar.com.

The language in the film was fascinating and I discovered it was created by the same man who gave us the Dothraki language from the HBO hit series GAME OF THRONES, David J. Peterson. He is also known for his creating language for THE WITCHER, THOR: The Dark World and RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON all of which are impressive films. Director Peter Sohn said, "We had a language made as well from David Peterson and they have this amazing, brilliant team trin to take fire, like the fireplace sound effects and make a language out of it."

ELEMENTAL is a charming, delightful, emotion tugging, funny and extremely colorful film that will steal your heart from beginning to end. The story of immigrant parents starting a new life is so wonderful to see because it showed their struggles from the very beginning. Yet, it also gives us the story of Ember's arrival and the life of the Lumen from then on. The film shows us how a family works together and support one another even though it may look different to someone else.

Having Ember and Wade be from two different worlds, one would never expect that someone would come along and write a script that disproves that theory. Yes, there may be some bubbling and calming of a strong fire, but love can even both of those things out. Taking my 8-year-old granddaughter to see the film, she was ohh'ing and awwwww'ing through the whole film. When Ember and Wade were on the screen together, she was hugging me tightly on my arm and looked at me with such a big smile. That's how I knew that this film had something special.

That is an amazing thing to happen for a film but I couldn’t help but believe that she wasn't the only one who felt this way. You could have heard a pin drop in the theatre during the film because it captured everyone from the moment it started till the end when people with their children actually stayed during the credits laughing at the drawings. That is just plain impressive.

In the end - opposites react!

TRANSFORMERS: Rise of the Beasts

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Steven Caple, Jr. and Paramount Pictures is the return of icons with TRANSFORMERS: Rise of the Beast.

It is the New York of 1994 and Noah (Anthony Ramos) is struggling to find a job to make life easier for mother Breanna (Luna Velez) and brother Kris (Dean Scott Vazquez) who has a medical condition. When things aren’t going well, he decides to do whatever it takes to get money.

Across town is Elena (Dominique Fishback), a researcher at the museum who wants to be part of a unique discover. When an unusual artifact shows up, she is drawn to it wanting to discover where it came from. These two are about to meet and collide literally in the most universal way.

Noah comes face to face with a fast car that has a mind of its own and introduces itself as Mirage (Pete Davison), the wisecracking Porsche who just wants to be friends. Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen) is not at all happy that a human knows about them. Arcee (Liza Koshy) and Bumblebee have joined in.

Why are they out of hiding? Because Unicron (Colman Domingo) is going from planet to planet swallowing them whole wanting to find the Transwarp Key that would open the portal. That portal would be to swallow Earth and destroy the Autobots and the Maximals. Leading that is Scourge (Peter Dinklage) who reports only to Unicron.

The problem is that artifact that Elena found is a key to the very portal that would bring Unicron in but also allow the Autobots to go home. That means finding the key which takes the group to Peru meeting the Maximals with leader Optimus Primal (Ron Perlman), Airazor (Michelle Yeoh), Rhinox (David Sobolov) and Cheetor (Tongayi Chirisa).

There is nothing left to do but fight it out to keep Unicron. Noah and Elena are ready to do what it takes to stop the world from ending and at first it is to save loved ones – but now it also includes the Autobots and Maximals.

Ramos as Noah is an ex-military man just trying to find his place in 1994 while helping with the responsibility of a younger brother. Meeting Mirage, he has no idea that his world is about to get bigger and his chance to help his new friends is dangerous. Ramos gives us a tough and intense young man who realizes that the only way to help his sick brother is to help save the world.

Fishback as Elena is a young woman who is dealing with a boss who takes credit for her work. Once the interesting artifact comes in, she is going to make sure to examine it for herself which is what sets everything off. Fishback gives us an intelligent and adventurous young woman who is taken aback by everything but when the chance arises, she is all in.

Taken control of being the bots are Cullen with his iconic Optimus Prime voice, Dinklage gets to be the deadly back guy in Scourge, Domingo is the insane Unicron, Yeoh is lovely and stunning in character of Airazor and Perlman makes his mark as Maximal Optimus Primal.

Shout out to Vasquez as the young Kris, he supports Mirage and Noah for taking on the danger and finds a way to be there for support.

Other cast include Tobe Nwigwe as Reek, Cristo Fernandez as Wheeljack, John DiMaggio as Stratosphere and Transit, David Soblov as Battletrap, Michaela Jae Rodriguez as Nightbird,

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.

TRANSFORMERS: Rise of the Beast gives the 90’s vibe with the addition of the music to bring us all back in the day. That seems to be the thing with films in the last few years, using fantastic music from the 70’s-90’s that adds the right amount of draw.

The storyline is basically what we have come to expect regarding the Transformers franchise, good guys are all around laying low until the bad guys show up. Once that happens, the Autobots have to decide if helping humans and saving their adopted planet is worth it. Of course, while trying to do good, they sure manage to tear the planet they are trying to save apart.

This time they are tearing up New York landmarks and then off to Peru tearing up roads, messing up historical sites and trusting the humans to become Indian Jones like (per the reference from Noah) and find something that should have been really easy for them to find.

Putting that aside, families should enjoy all the action and adventure of the film and might even find themselves cheering, shouting a bit and maybe having a ‘no way!’ moment or two. Optimus Prime does what he does best, question whether humans can be trusted and be the iconic leader we have all come to know since 1984. 

From a television cartoon series, to toys and then to the big screen in 2007, Transformers has become generational. I remember vividly my now late 30-year-old sons sitting in front of the 25” television glued to every episode. I remember sitting with them at the dinner table as they explained who Optimus Prime was and where they came from etc. Then sitting in the theatre watching TRANSFORMERS and now seeing it with my grandchildren. If that isn’t generational, I don’t know what is.

So, gather up your generational clan and jump into the action and adventure of our favorite Autobots and ROLL OUT!

In the end – unite or fall!

 

 

 

He lives in DALILAND

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Mary Harron and Magnolia Pictures is the tale of one of the 20^th century’s most acclaimed artists who lives in DALILAND.

Salvador Dali (Ben Kingsley) lives in a world all his own in the 1970’s. Along with wife Gala (Barbara Sukowa), he makes his art while Gala tries to keep their financial head above water. Coming to be a part of Dali’s world is the young James (Christopher Briney), who becomes his assistant while James also tries to break into the art world.

Attempting to help Dali create art and prepare for a new gallery show, James discovers that the world he wants to become part of is filled with pitfalls. Assisting Dali, he become aware that the artist is one way in public and another in private but both are disjointed and have history.

Yet, James wants to protect Dali from anyone or anything that gets in the way of his being able to create more astounding art. When the relationship between Dali and Gala call into question loyalty, James begins to understand what he has become involved in.

Art is not always a beautiful thing.

Kingsley as Dali puts in every bit of his ability as a wonderful actor into this character. He shows us the intricate, complicated and traumatic relationship with wife Gala. She is his reason for basically living and Kingsley shows that from each up and down the film shows. It is clear that Dali was a complex man but also seething with insecurities, issues and the inability to see the inappropriateness in the treatment of those around him.

Sukowa as Gala is a woman who, on the outside, seems quite removed from Dali’s antics. As the story digs deeper, there is so much more to her. Keeping Dali where he needs to be requires emotional acrobatics that Sukowa makes look effortless. Even when Gala has had just about enough, she is never loud, just sure of what needs to be done and how to make that happen.

Briney as Christopher is about to get a life lesson and crash course in dealing with people in general but mainly a maladjusted artist. In awe that Dali would make him an assistant, he quickly realizes that it is not all he thought it would be. Loving the art is one thing, loving the artist is another and loving when those two things clash is what Briney must reconcile.

Other cast include Avital Lvova as young Gala, Rupert Graves as Captain Moore, Alexander Beyer as Christoffe, Andreja Pejic as Amanda Lear, Mark McKenna as Alex Cooper, Zachary Nachbar-Seckel as Jeff Fenhold, Joella Hinson-King as Donyale Luna, Merce Ribot as Rosa, Jack Shalloo as Demond Carter, Gavin Spokes as Gilbert Hamond and Suki Waterhouse as Ginesta.

Magnolia Pictures is responsible for such releases as SLAY THE DRAGON, JOHN LEWIS: Good Trouble, the crime thriller THE WHISTLERS, documentaries such as THE PIECES I AM and films such as the directorial debut of Italian filmmaker Filippo Meneghetti. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.magpictures.com.

The film had its world premiere in September of 2022 at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival. It has been nominated by The Golden Linden Aware for director Mary Harron at the Golden Linden International Film Festival.

DALILAND is an interesting and thoughtful look at the life of a man who clearly could not be left to his own devices, even his art was under watchful eyes. Dealing with a magazine rack full of issues, Kingsley navigates through them with the skill of a master painter – oh wait, he is! The emotional roller coaster had me dizzy which probably best describes Dali’s life.

The filming is actually quite wonderful as director Harron captures the constant free-falls of Dali’s life. As a film about art and an artist, the colors of the film are vibrant and sullen at the same time which is also characteristic of the lives in the film. What the story does is consistently leave the viewer guessing as to what is going to happen next.

The ending is absolutely jaw droppingly sad yet, there is a space in the brain that says there was no place else the story of Salvador Dali could go.

In the end – he is Dali!

He is THE POPE’S EXORCIST

 

Jeri Jacuin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from director Julius Avery and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is a story inspired by a priest’s files as he becomes THE POPE’S EXORCIST.

Father Amorth (Russell Crowe) is an exorcist who works closely with the Vatican. Not a usual priest, the father has a humor and disregard for ridiculousness that puts him in the line of fire to his superiors. The only person who seems to accept him for his shenanigans is would be his big boss – the Pope (Franco Nero).

The Pope calls Father Amorth to take on the case of a boy in Spain who is showing signs of possession. Mom Julia (Alex Essoe) has brought teen daughter Amy (Laurel Marsden) and young son Henry (Peter DeSouza-Feighoney) from the United States to a home they inherited in Spain. Having it renovated, one of the workers discovers something mysterious that causes a fire injuring several of them.

This doesn’t help Henry who is still recovering from being in a car accident that took his father as he begins to show outward bizarre behavior. When the doctors can’t help, Henry demands to see a priest. Father Tomas Equibel (Daniel Zovatto) arrives which only angers whatever has taken over the boy.   

When Father Amorth arrives, the possessed Henry makes it clear that he knows what scares every person in the house. Speaking with Julia, the priest tells her it is time to embrace the faith she once had as a child to help Henry. Father Amorth wants to discover what it is in the house that is causing the possession to become stronger and more powerful.

While he investigates with Father Tomas, the Pope discovers information on his own and it is so powerful that it puts him in the hospital. It seems there is a frightening and long-time history to the house and what lies beneath is coming to the surface wanting to take everything. The only way to stop it is for both priests to accept their sins of the past and focus on the present.

The destructive evil that wants the world needs to be stopped!

Crowe as Father Amorth gives his character a quirkiness that one would not expect from a priest. His tactics are unorthodox and puts him at odds with the younger priests who don’t believe in evil and his sense of humor is not appreciated by all. I love when Crowe takes a role that is so unexpected and makes it pretty darn cool. Even when the character of Father Amorth is rattled, he doesn’t look rattled – but instead, takes a minute and then stands his ground.

Zovatto as Father Tomas lives wrapped up in his own guilt. He wants to be a good priest but can not seem to get past it all. Meeting Father Amorth, he is quickly shocked and discovers there is quite a difference between reading about what the priest has done and seeing it with his own eyes. Playing opposite Crowe, Zovatto takes up his characters arms and it looks good on him.

DeSouza-Feighoney as Henry because this couldn’t have been an easy role for the young boy to play. It is deep, a bit raunchy at times and filled with everything one would expect from a possession. He takes it on and gives it the perfect creepy, scary and frightening performance. Esso as Julia only wanted a new start for her family, well, she got it! Marsden as Amy is the typical teenager who thinks she knows everything and does all possible to irritate her mother.

Shout out to Nero as the Pope. Look, I’ve had a secret period-piece crush on him since 1967 seeing him play Lancelot in the musical film CAMELOT. Here he is 56 years later with his stunning eyes making me smile in a horror film.

Other cast include Cornell John as Bishop Lumumba, Ryan O’Grady as Cardinal Sullivan and Ralph Ineson as the voice of Asmodeus.

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.

Special Features include Introducing Father Amorth and What Possessed You? The story is based on the 1990 book An Exorcist Tells His Story AND THE 1992 BOOK An Exorcist: More Stories.

THE POPE’S EXORCIST is everything one would expect from a horror film about possession. Crowe takes the lead as a man who first makes sure it is a true possession and once he realizes it is, brings in his kit and stands his ground. What I really like about this film is that yes, he handles demons but he investigates where it comes from and what is the history of it all.  

The story that unravels is just as fascinating as the possession of young Henry. The history of the church comes to light in this story and it historically it is almost a lesson wrapped up in entertainment. I don’t mind that at all, in fact, having it be based on Father Amorth’s own files brought me deeper into the story.

I actually think this has a potential to have a franchise and I would be all in. Especially if Crowe takes on a few more films in this role bringing Zavotto along as his trusty side-kick. His portrayal of this unique priest is very cool so I hope studios think about it. I mean hey, it has worked for the INSIDIOUS franchise, right?

Hang onto your rosary’s, its going to get crazy at the Vatican.

In the end – know his name!

 

 

Return to the Beginning with INSIDIOUS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from director James Wan and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is a chance to return to the beginning of the horror with INSIDIOUS.

Josh (Patrick Wilson) and wife Renai (Rose Byrne) have just moved into their new home. Josh teaches at the local school and Renai is at home with kids Dalton (Ty Simpkins), Foster and baby girl Cali. Exploring the house, young Dalton goes up into the attic and come face to face with a dark entity that scares him.

The next morning, Josh tries to wake Dalton up for school and finds the boy in a mysterious coma that leaves even the doctors scratching their heads. Now Renai becomes Dalton’s nurse at home but more intense is the strange things that begin to happen in the home. When an apparition corners Renai, it becomes clear that they must leave the house.

Problem is, what has attached itself to them also came to their new home. Josh’s mother Lorraine (Barbara Hershey) calls a woman name Elise (Lin Shaye), a psychic, to come into the home and discover what evil surrounds them. She tells the family that Dalton is in a place called The Further and tells Josh something about himself that shakes him.

It is time for the Lambert family to reclaim their home, their child and a sense of safety but the cost might be very, very high!

Wilson as Josh is a man who does not want to face what is happening in his own home. Instead, he finds reason to stay away from home leaving his wife to face all the frights surrounding their home. Wilson gives his character the detachment necessary to pull of this role and when its time to get in the mix, he embraces the horror, literally.

Byrne as Renai is a woman caught between saving her children and not understanding why she must do it alone. Finally putting her foot down, little did she know that what was tormenting her family has formed a deep attachment. Byrne has the unique ability to show so many emotions and makes it look easy. One of my favorite roles that she has done is from the 2009 films KNOWING (one of my guilty pleasures) that proved she was perfect for this role.

Shaye as Elise comes into the Lambert home and discovers quickly what resides with them and the danger in getting rid of it. Accepting the family’s help means that she is also in danger and Shaye portrays her character with strength and gumption. Hershey as Lorraine has a small role but the 1982 film THE ENTITY proves she had the right stuff for this film.

Simpkins as Dalton spends a great deal of time in the coma but when it is time for his character to ‘wake up’, he shows the fear that any child would feel dealing with this frightening unknown, well done.

Other cast includes Josh Feldman as young Josh, John Binder as Father Martin, Leigh Whannell as Specs, Angus Sampson as Tucker, and Andrew Astor as Foster. The frights come from Marfren Cubar as Tree, J. La Rose as the Fiend, Philip Friedman as the Old Woman, Ben Woolf as the Dancing Boy, Caslin Rose as the Ghoul and Joseph Bishara as the Demon.

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.

Bonus Materials include on 4K Ultra HD – Feature Presentation in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision, Approved by Director James Wan, Theatrical Trailer. Bluray Disc – Feature Presentation in High Definition, Horror 101: The Exclusive Seminar, On Set with INSIDIOUS and Insidious Entities.

INSIDIUOS opens the franchise that follows with INSIDIOUS: Chapter 2 (2013 directed by Wan), INSIDIOUS: Chapter 3 (2015 directed by Leigh Whannell), INSIDIOUS: The Last Key (2018 directed by Adam Robitel) leading to the new film INSIDIOUS: The Red Door (directed by Patrick Wilson) coming to theatres summer 2023. The original cast of Wilson, Byrne, Simpkins, Astor and Shaye return to the screen to conclude the INSIDIOUS franchise.

The franchise began a whole new genre in that there didn’t need to be gore but instead a return to frights, chills, thrills, scares and jaw drops. Most of that came from our own imaginations and the relief when walking out of the theatre at the end of the film. Wan created something awesome and I personally am excited to see how it all ends.

Until then, get your hands (pun intended) on the 4K Ultra HD special Steelbook of INSIDIOUS and remember how it all began.

In the end – it’s not the house that’s haunted!

 

 

The Name is RENFIELD on Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from director Chris McKay and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment 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 (Nicolas 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 21st 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 – it’s time to take back the power!

Hoult as Renfield is charming, disarming, thoughtful, caring and pretty much an 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. It’s wonderful to see her take on a comedic role while being the most well-dressed bad gal in the film.

Now, let’s 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.

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

Exclusive Bonus Features include Hilarious Deleted and Extended Scenes, Alternate Takes, Dracula UnCaged – Go inside the mind of a vampire as Dracula himself, Nicolas Cage, reveals the secrets behind turning a classic character into a memorable monster, Monsters & Men: Behind the Scenes of RENFIELD - An in-depth look at RENFIELD’s cast, costumes and more as the actors and filmmakers reveal how they modernized a famous terror tale with trailblazing comedy and over-the-top action.

Also, Stages of Rejuvenation – See how special makeup effects brings the undead to life throughout the four stages of Dracula’s incredible transformation, Flesh & Blood – Exploding heads. Peeling faces. Severed limbs. They’re all part of the macabre movie magic that fuels RENFIELD with invention action and hilarious horror, Fighting Dirty – Stunt coordinator Christopher Brewster leads a look at the training, choreography, and careful execution that goes into the film’s spectacular stunt and fight scenes.

Finally, The Making of a Deleted Scene: Renfield’s Dance! – Nicholas Hoult and choreographer Kathryn Burns pull back the curtain on constructing an elaborate musical number for a fantasy dance sequence and Feature commentary with Producer Samantha Niesenboim, Screenwriter Ryan Ridley, and Crew.

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 –  behind every great monster is an overworked sidekick!

He is THE BOOGEYMAN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Rob Savage and 20^th Century Studios based on a short story by the master of horror Stephen King is THE BOOGEYMAN.

The Harper family is dealing with sadness as teen Sadie (Sophie Thatcher) returns to school for the first time. Along with younger sister Sawyer (Vivien Lyra Blair), the family is trying to find the new normal. Dad Will (Chris Messina) is a therapist who sees patients in his office located in the family home but has trouble talking to his own children.

Unexpectedly, Will comes face to face with Lester Billings (David Dastmalchian) who begs the doctor for help needing someone to talk to. He also has experienced devastation in his family and thought Will could relate. Will begins to suspect that Lester has deeper issues than he can handle. When chaos breaks out in the Harper home once again, it starts a chain reaction of fright.

It is Sawyer who first begins to understand that something is in their house and that something has the ability to speak. Trying to convince Sadie and dad Will, they just don’t see what the little girl does. After a gathering of friends at the Harper home, Sadie does not need any more convincing that what Sawyer has experienced is absolutely true.

Now Sadie must do whatever she can do protect her little sister while trying to make Will understand that what is in their home is powerful and deadly.

Thatcher as Sadie is a young teen dealing with sadness and grief and can’t find it within her home or with her friends. Feeling uber protective over sister Sawyer, she listens to the young girl’s tale but it takes her own moment of fright to believe. Thatcher gives a strong performance of a young girl determined to fight for family, home and whatever it takes to survive.

Messina as dad Will is doing what father’s do when dealing with fear and grief, act a bit as if it all can be explained as a therapist would. It doesn’t work! His daughters are both trying to tell him that something is in their home and he doesn’t listen – until he does. Messina gives us the broken family man who is busy being afraid of that to see the real fear.

Blair as Sawyer is so darn relatable for every child around the age of her character. Night lights on, monster check of the closet, check under the bed and anyplace else a monster could hide. Sawyer is charming, and watching what she goes through is a bit horrifying and this little actress gives it everything and make it believable.

Shout out to Dastmalchian as Lester because that man has the ability to bring you into a strange and frightening world of all kinds. This isn’t the first time he’s freaked me out and if he looks a tad familiar, he portrayed Albert DeSalvo in the 2023 BOSTON STRANGLER, Bob Taylor in the 2013 film PRISONER and 2008 THE DARK KNIGHT.

Also, shout out Marin Ireland as Rita Billings. She has an integral part to play in the backstory and the struggle is real, well done.

Other cast include Madison Hu as Bethany, Maddie Nichols as Natalie, Leeann Ross as Cassidy, Rio Machadio as Anne, Shauna Rappold as Cara Harper, Cristala Carter as Detective Garland, LisaGay Hamilton as Dr. Weller.

20^th Century Studios brings award-winning films for fans to enjoy and to see more of what the studio has coming to theatres please visit www.20thcenturystudios.com. There you can also discover favorite films and how to view them.

THE BOOGEYMAN is pure Stephen King and I don’t think fans will be disappointed. What I love about King stories is that it isn’t so much about the blood and gore as it is the suspense and anticipation of being scared out of our minds that is awesome. Be honest, we love being thrilled to the point of holding popcorn in our hands and just as we go to eat it – dead stop! I saw that at the screening.

There were jumps, several deep inhales followed by the infamous ‘wft’ moments. The film delves into things that have always frightened children but this time, adults are being brought back to their childhood only to discover that those fears never truly went away. Its honest time, who still walks a little faster when shutting off a bedroom light to jump under the covers, yea, thought so.

Did I jump? Absolutely, and I feel no shame in admitting it. My heart thump a few times, absofrakkenlootely! Once again, director Savage has taken moments all over the film to make sure we remember exactly who it is in the dark and the helplessness we can feel when the light is hard to keep on. I’m leaving out details of course because I want everyone to experience it without spoilers.

THE BOOGEYMAN comes in at an hour and thirty-eight minutes which is more than needed to bring this story full circle. It is dark, intense, thrilling, and brings a twisted face to the one thing we all were afraid of at one time in our lives. This movie doesn’t reinvent the wheel but it makes damn sure we hear the creaking when it rides down into our nightmares.

In the end – it’s not real, it’s not real, it’s not real!