The Family is Back with MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 3

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and DVD from writer/director Nia Vardalos and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the return of the family with MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 3.

It has been a difficult year for the Miller and Portokalos family with deaths, Maria’s (Lainie Kazan) illness, Paris’ college problems and Nick back home going through a mid-life crisis. Toula (Nia Vardalos) decides it is time to take Gus’s journal back home to Greece and to his childhood friends.

Of course, this means the whole family is going including Ian (John Corbett), Nick (Louis Mandylor), Paris (Elena Kampouris), Aunt Voula (Andrea Martin), Aunt Frieda (Maria Vacratsis), and Aristotle (Elias Kacavas). In Greece they are met by Victory (Melina Kotselou), the town’s mayor who wants to have a gathering and celebrate now that the Portokalos family is home.

They meet Qamar (Stephanie Nur), Christos (Giannis Vasilottos) and a man named Peter (Alexis Georgoulis) who turns out to be a surprise for the whole family. Ian discovers a list of the people that Toula has been looking for and she calls on Angelo (Joey Fatone) and Nikki (Gia Carides) to do their own bit of digging.

All of the problems each of them has slowly begin to dissolve when each realizes that there is nothing more important than love, life and family – even if they aren’t all Greek!

Vardalos as Toula makes every attempt to bring the story of the Portokalos family full circle still based in love and togetherness, even if every member of the family has their own quirks. The relationship between Toula and Nick a great example and actually feels stronger in the midst of their Greek trip. I love that Vardalos doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel and stays in the parameter that brought her films such success.

Mandylor as Nick gets a chance to show what he’s got and even more so the extent of his feelings for family and the importance Greece has for him. The humor that Nick has been known for is still there, a bit of the spacey as well but his heart is just so wonderful and I appreciate seeing it. Corbett as Ian just goes along to get along which is who he is, always supportive of Toula and the Portokalos family. Even though he is going through his own sadness, he is all about the Greek.

Martin as Aunt Voula is everything I ever wanted in an aunt. She is nutty, smart, nutty and hilarious. Vacratsis as Aunt Frieda is an amazing sidekick to Voula and carries her own set of wise saying that I love. Kampouris as Paris is coming to terms with grown up problems with less hassle from her mom and more worry from her dad. Kacavas as Aristotle isn’t about to give up on love and hopes to find it once again with Paris.

Carides as Nikki is back with her big hair, loud voice and eyes for any sexy guy she can get her retina’s on and I’m here for it. Fatone as Angelo is always up for an adventure if it means celebrating being Greek when he gets there. Kotselou as Victory is a mayor who doesn’t believe in failure. Gathering the family together for a huge celebration, no one is going to tell her that it isn’t going to work.

Georgoulis as Peter has something to share with the Portokalos and it the reaction is one of thrill and acceptance, lucky Greek! Nur as Qamar is in the same pickle as Toula once was as her heart is given to non-Greek Christos. Vasilottos isn’t about to let a little thing like not being Greek stop him from the love of his life.

Other cast include Spyros Kasfiks as Thanasis, Menelaos Ntaflos as Dimos, Ektoras Kaloudis as George and Anthi Andreopoulou as Alexandra.

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 Gag Reel, Deleted & Extended Scenes, On Set with Nia Vardalos, Opa! The Making MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 3, Wedding Drum Song – Extended Take, and Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Nia Vardalos.

MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 3 picks up the Portokalos and Miller family like we all have never been separated. Time passes as time does and things begin to change for everyone and the families are no exception. The good, the sad and the chaos in between are still prevalent in this third installment. Although its probably not as loud as most families, it feels like friends have come to visit once again with this cast.

Taking it to Greece is a little reminiscent of Vardalos’ 2009 MY LIFE IN RUINS, I don’t mind it at all. I mean I think we should all create what we are good at and clearly, Vardalos is good at being Greek, writing about being Greek and acting in all the ways she sees her Greek heritage. That’s a pretty cool thing to my way of thinking.

Although the cast isn’t totally complete with the absence of Gus and the limited role of Kazan’s Maria, it leaves the door open to new characters. Calling them new characters seems a little odd considering it feels as if they’ve been there all along. This is just a good time with a family we have been with since 2002 and its one heck of a 20+ year relationship which, if you think about it, makes us all Greek in this family!

In the end – it is all about the Opa!

BOUDICA: Queen of War

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres, On Demand and Digital from writer/director Jesse V. Johnson and Saban Films comes the story of strength and leading warriors with BOUDICA: Queen of War.

Boudica (Olga Kurylenko) lives a quiet life with husband King Prasutagus (Clive Standen) and her two beautiful daughters in Britannia. Emperor Nero (Harry Kirton) is not happy with the people in that country, especially when learning that they believe a woman warrior is coming. To stop that, Nero orders that no woman will hold a high office or crown while he’s alive.

When the Roman’s make a visit to Britannia, it is clear they are wanting to make trouble. When King Prasutagus visits the other Iceni villages, he is attacked leaving Boudica to be crowned Queen. That doesn’t last when the Roman’s discover this is happening, they make it clear that now she is Queen of nothing and punish her in the most heinous of ways.

Rescued by Cartimanda (Lucy Martin), the village makes it clear that she is their rightful Queen and the Druid (James Faulkner) officiates the crowning once again. At first, Wolfar (Peter Franzen) is not happy believing he has what it takes to lead. Quickly he sees things that are unexplainable and realizes that Boudica has something very special.

What starts out as revenge for her husband turns into Boudica knowing that she must fight for her people and their freedom from the suppression inflicted on them by the Romans. Fight after fight, Boudica shows strength, courage and the power of belief.

Kurylenko as Boudica gives us a character who clearly loves her husband and girls, enjoying their life together. When the Romans invade, and they do invade in every way possible, she has people who depend on the crown she is given. Once realizing she is caught between the dream world and reality, Kurylenko helps to marry the two making the story even more amazing. Given the true history of Boudica, Kurylenko doesn’t hesitate to put her own strength and power into the role.

Franzen as Wolfar is a man who believes he is a strong leader for the people. Not sure he wants to follow the new Queen; it doesn’t take long before he is a witness’ the very reason why Boudica is the not only the right person but the chosen person to lead. Frazen’s character follows orders and even has moments to flirt with the Queen but all in all believes that she believes in their cause and so does he. His portrayal is charming, disarming and ferocious all at the same time.

Other cast includes Nick Moran as Catus Decianus, Leo Gregory as Ciaran, Yarden Toussia-Cohen as Cosmetae, Rachel Wilde (Rosmerta, James G. Nunn as Tamesas and Kris Johnson as Gaius Suetonius Paulinus.

Saban Films was launched in 2014 and has built an impressive slate of high-quality feature films distributed with partner Lionsgate. Focusing on talent-driven films, the company looks at projects in all stages of production to be released across multiple platforms. Films such as SISTER OF THE GROOM, FATMAN and BREACH are part of the wonderful Saban slate, and more information can be found at www.sabanfilms.com.

Jesse Johnson says, “There’s something heart-breaking about Thomas Thornycroft’s statue of Boudica and her daughters in Westminster; the mother and daughters appear to move, breathing as you watch them clinging to the speeding chariot. The placement of the statue beside the Houses of Parliament, just beneath Big Ben gives you a clue to the importance of these three women to this island nation. Looking back, I realize I have been fueled by a deep desire to ensure the audience hears her story and that they understand that what she fought for meant something.”

BOUDICA is the story of a woman who goes against a Roman Emperor and his need to control everything, including the coming of Boudica. Suppressing the people of Britannia, Boudica called upon her people to remember what life was like before the Roman’s invaded and occupied their lands. Freedom and liberty are what all the people wanted and Boudica was going to do whatever it took to give it to them.

Making that happen began when Boudica took her people to Camuldounum and made it clear that nothing or no one would be spared to show Rome that the Iceni tribes were serious. That was only the beginning of her campaigns. Today, sculptor Thomas Thornycroft, encouraged by Prince Albert, created a stunning statue of Boudica and her daughters that still stands today next to the Westminster Bridge.  

This film gives a brief look at the life of a woman who experienced a wonderful life, a painful life and a life that made her a warrior!

In the end – it’s a battle she is willing to take on for freedom!

 

 

 

 

 

The Gang is Back with THE BOYS Season 3

 

Jeri Jacquin

On Bluray and DVD from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the return of the Best-Selling Comic Book Series by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson with THE BOYS Season 3.

It has been a year since the Stormfront scandal as they tried to catch Supes. Hughie Campbell (Jack Quaid) has moved up the ladder dating Annie January (Erin Moiarty) and she is co-captain of the Seven by CEO Stan Edgar (Giancarlo Esposito). If that isn’t enough, Queen Maeve (Dominique McElligott) wants Billy (Karl Urban) to help him discover hold superhero team leader Soldier Boy (Jensen Ackles) died. In the meantime, Hughie meets with Tony who has claims about Neuman (Claudia Doumit) that she doesn’t believe about Red River.

So, off the Boys go to check out the death of Soldier Boy as Hughie discovers that Red River is actually an orphanage for kids with superpowers and learns the truth about Neuman. The stories that come out cause chaos and Gunpower (Sean Patrick Flanery) is confronted and tells the truth about Soldier Boy. Mother’s Milk (Laz Alonso) rejoins the group but he does so for very personal reasons and Homeland (Antony Starr) is on a televised tear of his own.

That has a double-edged sword as people rally around Homeland after his rant and thinks much more of himself than he should. Mallory (Laila Robins) tells the Boys what Payback has done with the CIA and that Black Noir (Nathan Mitchell) is messed up and Soldier Boy was hurt by a Russian superweapon. Butcher makes a plan with Little Nina (Katia Winter) to go to Russia.

Butcher ends up in Russia with the Boys and after Hughie does something quiet stupid, they discover a power blast that wreaks havoc. Butcher decides the Russians are responsible for what happened to Soldier Boy. Homelander is still dealing with his fallout but Neuman gets involved and causes problems of her own with Compound V.

Frenchie (Tomer Capone) takes Kimiko (Karen Fukuhara) to get checked out and in the process, he is taken by Nina while Maeve uses Butcher. That doesn’t last long as Noir and Homelander get their hands on her as well. Edgar is out and Ashley Barrett (Colby Minifie) is in as CEO of Vought. Homelander finds footage of what Soldier Boy has been up to, Nina isn’t finished kidnapping and Butcher, along with The Deep (Chance Crawford) makes a decision about Homelander. That doesn’t stop the TNT Twins, Tommy (Jack Dooland) and Jessa (Kristin Booth) from throwing a party that goes all sorts of wrong.

Noir finds himself reliving what happened to himself and Soldier Boy. A-Train (Jessie T. Usher) gets his transplant from Blue Hawk (Nick Wechsler). Annie makes a discovery about the V24 drug that could affect everyone trying to use it. Homelander makes a big mistake going on another rank and the fall out is even worse than before. He also learns about his parentage which is a pretty good shock.

The showdown is about to happen when Homelander, Ryan, Hughie, Butcher, MM, Noir, Maeve and Annie. They all think they are in control but they will soon discover that isn’t the case and chaos ensue which is what they are good at. Neuman decides to join Robert Singer as his Vice-President which causes a new set of anger for Butcher and delight for Homelander!

Other cast include: Simon Pegg as Hugh Campbell Sr., Jordana Lajoie as Cherie, Abigail Whitney as Moonshadow, Joel Labelle as Swatto, Jasmin Geljo as Oligarch, Miles Villanueva as Supersonic, Paul Reiser as The Legend, Laurie Holden as Crimson Countess, Jack Fulton as Lenny Butcher, Aya Cash as Klara Risinger and Ryan Blakely as Mindstorm.

Season Three episodes include Payback, The Only Man in the Sky, Barbary Coast, Glorious Five-Year Plan, The Last Time to Look on This World of Lies, Herogasm, Here Comes a Candle to Light You to Bed and The Instant White-Hot Wild.

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.

Bluray and DVD Special Features include Gag Reels, Deleted & Extended Scenes and The Making of Fearturette.

THE BOYS is a huge production with a large cast of well-known actors that just sweep us all away with their antics. The Anti-Supe weapon starts it all and keeps the action and guessing going for all eight episodes (which never seems to be enough for us binge watchers). My family and I just love the series and talk about each episode and that should be made into a show on its own.

Urban leads this amazing show, he is actually one of my favorite actors for years and f@*king diabolical. It must be said that everyone looks like they are having a twistedly fun time making the show. Of course, it takes a lot of hard work but still, I actually enjoy watching a show that is such a wonderful mix of action, story and humor (even the dark humor that creeps in).

THE BOYS is just a fantastic show that has gained an audience that knows a good thing when they see it. Gather up your own group of supes and binge on Season 3!

In the end – never meet your heroes!

 

 

 

 

GODZILLA Returns on 4K Ultra HD and Steelbook

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Steelbook from writer/director Roland Emmerich and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is GODZILLA.

On an island in Polynesia, a military test has caused an iguana nest to be disturbed and, in the ocean, a Japanese vessel is attacked by something never seen before. Scientist Dr. Niko Tatopoulos (Matthew Broderick) who studies wildlife and radiation has an unexpected visitor and goes to other countries to see for himself what this “Gojira” has done. Discovering a species never before been encountered, Nick thinks it’s just a new species.

But Gojira has other plans making its way to New York leaving destruction in every direction. Nick tries to help the military capture whatever it is that causing all the problems. Also trying to discover what is happening is Nick’s girlfriend Audrey Timmonds (Maria Pitillo), a reporter who uncovers secrets the military has been hiding along with cameraman Victor (Hank Azaria). Preparing to put the information of air, boss Charles Caiman (Harry Shearer) steals the story and renames Gojira, Godzilla.

If things couldn’t get worse, Nick is taken by Philippe Roache (Jean Reno) who know what’s been happening but is trying to hide the French connection. Believing there was a nest somewhere in New York, Roache and Nick try to find it but a collision with a submarine sinks Godzilla but there is still the nest, oh yes, the nest.

In Madison Square Garden, the nursery becomes a shooting gallery for the military and Godzilla is not about to let that go without trying to settle the score. Man versus beast and someone has to win.

Broderick as Tatopoulos was happy studying worms until he finds himself standing in a footprint. The more he sees the more he realizes that the new species that is carving out a path of destruction is more important than the worms in Russia. Broderick gives his character a brain but also adds a bit of hero element in trying to stop Gojira from doing what he is doing.

Pitillo as Audrey is a young woman trying to start a reporting carrier in New York but finds herself a researcher to a douchebag. Doing what she needs to do, Gojira offers her the opportunity to get in the action, literally, walking into a nest! Azaria as Victor is a bit of comic relief who realizes what they are doing and doesn’t seem to mind jumping in to the fray as long as his camera is capturing it all.

Reno as Roache has a reason to be worried about what Gojira is doing because of how he was created. Now, to keep his country safe from blame, he jumps in along with Tatopoulos to not only find what Gojira is hiding but make it all stop. Reno is always a stern looking serious character and, in this film, he has a chance to smirk from time to time and crack a joke (which are actually funny).

Other cast include Kevin Dunn as Colonel Hicks, Michael Lerner as Mayor Ebert, Arabella Field as Lucy Palotti, Malcolm Danare as Dr. Mendel Craven, Glenn Morshower as Kyle Terrington, Chris Ellis as Gen. Hunter Anderson, Richard Gant as Admiral Phelps and Kurt Carley as Godzilla.

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 4K ULTRA HD DISC Feature presented in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos + 5.1 audio, Theatrical Trailers. Also, on Bluray Disc, Feature presented in High Definition, 5.1 audio, Visual Effects Commentary, Behind the Scenes of Godzilla® with Charles Caiman, All Time Best of Godzilla® Fight Scenes and “Heroes” Music Video by The Wallflowers.

GODZILLA is a fun action film with the worlds most iconic monster. Coming to life in 1954 from director and writer Ishiro Honda. From then on, the world has been fascinated with this character to the tune of 33 film, video games, comic books and even television. He is literally the king of the monsters.

Of course, being a king, he has arch-nemises’ of his very own including Rodan, Mothra and Anguirus. Remembering my brother and I up on Saturday mid-morning waiting to watch the black and white films and cheering on Godzilla (or Mothra sometimes). Then, for a few years, Godzilla faded a bit into the background of film only to be revived again bringing his atomic breath with him and angry roar.

Director Emmerich takes the story of Gojira/Godzilla and attempts to modernize it. From the cause of the monster’s birth to making his way to New York, Godzilla is once again back on the big screen wreaking havoc that fans all love. That means the family gets to gather up, shut off the lights and turn on the sound bar for an epic time with the king of the monsters!

In the end – he is taking over!

There is PANDEMONIUM at Screamfest 2023

 

Jeri Jacquin

Setting the stage for a journey like no other from writer/director Quarxx, Trangressive Productions and Film Seekers comes a melding of stories that creates PANDEMONIUM.

Nathan (Hugo Dillon) has woken up in the middle of the road on a very cold day. Seeing his car smashed, he realizes he has been in a car accident. Also in the accident is Daniel (Arben Barjraktaraj) who has realized long before Nathan that they are both dead. Nathan is furious at the thought but a very calm Daniel seems to understand their situation.

That’s when two doors appear, one seems lovely and plays music that Daniel can hear and the other door is a little less lovely. Both men begin to argue with one another as two who has committed the bigger sin but Nathan walks through the door. On the other side are stories such as Nina (Manon Maindivide), a young girl who is about to become the most heinous child.

Then there is Chloe’s (Sidwell Weber) story that is horribly relatable as her mother Julia (Ophelia Kolb) tries to come to terms with the question all parents ask, ‘what did I miss?’. When Nathan can hand no more, he is confronted by a creature that makes it clear that he will become the epitome of suffering but for how long?

Dillon as Nathan is carrying a heavy secret about his life and it follows him into death and beyond. Experiencing the pain, agony and heinous acts that human beings commit on one another sends Nathan deeper into the underworld where he feels he doesn’t belong. He could never have imagined that one decision would bring such pain. Dillon does an excellent job of convincing us to feel for Nathan as he dragged down hard.

Bajraktaraj as Daniel is the calm of the two. Realizing what has happened, he tries to convince Nathan but the two end up comparing life mistakes. I kept waiting for Daniel to bring in something more and that tension alone is amazingly done by Bajraktaraj’s portrayal of this character. One thing this character taught me, never say anything about being ‘pushed’.

Maindivide as Nina is a young girl who lives in a world all her own. In that world, people who do not follow along with her life vision don’t do well. Allowing her monster Tony in on what is happening at home brings in the worst horror I could have imagined. I don’t need a lot of blood and gore to convince me when evil is afoot. Maindivide’s performance rivals that of Patty McCormack’s portrayal of Rhoda in the 1956 film THE BAD SEED.

Kolb as Julia is the saddest story of them all because it is based on life and the issues facing young girls. Julia is a mother trying to raise her daughter to face things head on but has no idea what the young Chloe has been dealing with since moving into their new place. Mom is working and Chloe is going to school and sometimes life gets hectic and things are missed. Kolb goes into a dark place with her character and takes Chloe with her.

Other cast include Jerome Paquatte as Livreur and Carl Laforet as Tony.

Film Seekers is a London-based agency working with new and established filmmakers. Films such as LOVE SARAH and THE WITCH IN THE WINDOW are festival favorites and last year’s hit JUNE AGAIN, was nominated for four Academy Awards in Australia. For more on Film Seekers please visit www.film-seekers.com.

PANDEMONIUM, first of all, definetly has a Dante like quality to the story that Quarxx is trying to tell. The cast brilliantly takes us on this ride and never gives us a moment to think. It is all in our face and we, the viewer, are forced to challenge our own beliefs about this life and the next, what is a sin and what is unforgiveable in the eyes of the universe.

The cinematography is also quite amazing and horrifying in equal measure. This film is horror for the mind in a way that I prefer for the genre. It had my brain on fire while continuing to watch what was in front of me, almost as if I tried to jump ahead of the story and man, was I very, very wrong in a few key places. That being said, I loved being wrong because Quarxx took those twisty turns and probably smirked at everyone. At least I hope he did!

In the end – hell knows no forgiveness!

Screamfest Brings New Vamp Vision with EMPIRE V

 

Jeri Jacquin

Screamfest 2023 brings writer/director Victor Ginzburg, writer Viktor Pelevin and Kvadrat Film Company to the forefront of new ideas of old vampires with EMPIRE V.

In Moscow, the young Roman (Pavel Tabakov) is constantly being harassed by his mother and wants to get away from a life of unloading trucks for a living. Falling into the hands of vampire Brahma (Vladimir Epifantsev), Roman finds himself at its mercy. After being told that he is about to become someone powerful, the boy begins to change taking on Brahma’s powers, name and wealth.

This is where the mythology of the vampire changes. Roman, now Rama, learns that the vampires do not need to ‘bite’ their victims but instead are able to use the parasite inside them (The Tongue) to take a single drop of blood. That one drop gives them sight into a person’s memories. Because of this, the vampires are able to eat and drink as humans do. Rama learns quickly however that superhuman strength isn’t given when becoming a vampire, no, instead a bag of candy provides fighting ability.

Rama learns about Glamor and Discourse which is how the vampires live, a list of knowing as it were about what drives them and, more importantly, the elixir known as Bablos. Rama meets Hera (Taya Radchenko) who was also recently made a vampire and falls hard for her – which is against the rules. Mithra (rapper Miron Fedorov) believes Hera to be his property and warns Rama to keep his distance.

As information and explanations are constantly being thrown as him, Rama beings to suspect that he is not being told everything. That is confirmed when he meets the Great Bat who lets him know who not to trust and about Bablos. But Mithra has other plans and when the war between the two vampires breaks rules, they come together to settle the matter but what happens because of the duel is equally shocking!

Tabakov as Rama is a young man who finds himself in a world he could never have imagined. Starting out using his new found everything in ways that were amusing to many vampires, he has no choice but to fall into line quickly with the help of Hera and much to the anger of Mithra. Tabakov, once settled and in proper attire, allows his character to become a smooth talking and smart listening vampire realizing others are trying to use him but he has plans of his own. I enjoyed watching his character expand.

Radchenko as Hera is smart, subtle and quickly understands what is at stake. She tries to guide Rama without Mithra knowing and sometimes it works but it eventually leads to the showdown. Hera has a plan of her own that doesn’t include anybody, which I loved, as she has decided what her place is to be in the mythical world of vampires. Radchenko gives it all and more and uses her character to show the depths and chameleon looks of this particular vampire.

Fedorov as Mithra is a vampire with an ego as big as the Big Bat! It is clear what he wants and he is trying every trick in the book to get it. Having someone like Roman/Rama take over is more than he can take. So, instead of being part of the fanged-tribe, he instead seems to pick battles and say what ever comes into his head believing he can not be stopped. Nothing wrong with being the smart-ass bad guy in a world filled with bad guys.

Other cast includes: Igor Zhizhikin as Baldur, Fedor Bondarchuk as Professor Kaldavashkin, Maxim Droz as Jehova, Marina Zudina as Mother, Vera Alentova as Ishtar, Anna Chapman as Anna, Sofya Sinitsyna as Olya, Viktor Verzhbitzkiy as Baal, Andrey Smirnov as Oziris, Igor Gordin as Grigory, Bronislav Vinogrodskiy as Loki and Vladimir Dolinskiy as Enlil.

EMPIRE V takes the mythology most Americans have grown up with and thrown it out the window. From the new ways of being a vampire to the origin story of these vampires to the way they feed and the elusive Bablos – this is a trip and a half. Buckle up because these bats are taking us all on a different vampiric ride.

The sets drip with excess of reds, golds, crystal glasses filled with whatever, stylish suits and expensive cars. The scenes are equally somber on the outside and bombed out looking but open the door and the lifestyles show through.

It is interesting the political life of these vampires and how they see the role of human beings to their survival. I grew up with vampires, celluloid speaking, but EMPIRE V throws that mythology on its head and twists it around to a world that is complex and blood-less. Coming in a tad under two hours, head scratching and thought processes are going to go on much longer than that! And no, I’m not telling you what bablos is.

In the end – blood, beauty and bablos!

 

 

Screamfest Warns WHAT YOU WISH FOR

 

Jeri Jacquin

Screamfest is bringing many offerings and from writer/director Nicholas Tomnay comes a dish served differently with WHAT YOU WISH FOR.

Chef Ryan (Nick Stahl) is in financial trouble and decides to head to Latin America to fellow chef and friend Jack (Brian Groh). Having not seen each other for 12 years, Ryan is impressed with where Jack has landed being a chef to the uber rich. Ryan is also hiding from someone he owes a great deal of money too and is intending to hurt his family.

Enjoy a few comforts in the multi-million-dollar house Jack is staying at, Ryan is a little envious of the life his friend is living. Interestingly enough, Jack does not seem as excited about his job as Ryan is. When Jack disappears one night, Ryan makes the split decision to take over his life in its entirety, money, identity and all. There is a catch.

Enter Imogene (Tamsin Topolski), the head of the company Jack works for and she is expecting Jack/Ryan to be preparing a dinner for very special guests. Quickly, Jack/Ryan learns what is expected of him in the most horrible and heinous of ways. Realizing there is no way out, he begins to do what is asked of him.

The dinner starts out well until an unexpected visitor, a Detective Ruiz (Randy Basquez) is looking for his nephew. Imogene manages to keep her cool and even Ryan is managing to get the job done until he meets Det. Ruiz and discovers that the life his friend Jack was living has an underlying dark side making escape impossible.

Stahl as Ryan gives us the character of a man between a rock and a cash hard place. He is nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof while being a tad jealous of the life his friend has, especially when he sees Jack’s finances. It all seems like its too good to be real and, as the title suggests,

Shout out to David Tominaga as Akira because he seemed to be having fun during all the happenings and chaos. Not phased one bit by what is going on around him, he actually invites trouble and offers it dinner without a care in the world. He made my jaw drop and then I laughed so well-done sir!

Topolski as Imogene is calm, cool, collected and a bit nerve wracking to watch as she goes from one potential disaster to another. Her character almost glides instead of walks through these scenes knowing just what to say and how to handle anyone that gets in the way. Okay, I just love this character and Topolski add her frightening grace and style as nothing seems to shake her.

Basquez as Detective Ruiz is about to discover more than he had ever planned but, in the meantime, just sit right on up to the table and enjoy the most fabulous chef made dinner on the planet dude!

Other cast include Juan Carlos Messier as Maurice, Ariel Sierra as Officer Gallo, Norma Nivia as Frankie, Megumi Hasebe as Li Na, Evan Sudarsky as Alvin, Greg Winter as Barry, Maria Gomez as Maria, Brian Acuna as Roberto, Maria Cuellar as the Grandmother, Raphael Philippon as Bjorn, and Penelope Mitchell as Alice.

WHAT YOU WISH FOR is a frightening lesson in living beyond one’s means, running away, and the biggest of all evils – jealousy. The character of Ryan, step by step, gets into so much trouble with money that he thinks running away will save him. When he realizes it won’t, what normal people wouldn’t do, Ryan does! He wants to be shocked by the life his friend has been leading but it doesn’t stop him from taking what isn’t his.

Keeping the story in a very tight quarters makes for fantastic tension with each event pushing the human envelope further and further. The viewer then is left to question, how far are all these people willing to go? When that question is answered, you might want to put the popcorn down!

Writer/director Tomnay takes us on a delicious journey of human nature and then slams us with the harsh reality of what his created characters are capable of. The casting is excellent as each has their definitive role and watching them interact will either leave your horrified or delighted – perhaps a nice mixture of both is acceptable as well.

In the end – escape, forever!

 

 

SOMEWHERE QUIET Proves Shocking at Screamfest 2023

 

Jeri Jacquin

At this years Screamfest, writer and director Olivia West Lloyd along with Last Rodeo Studios comes the story of unraveling SOMEWHERE QUIET.

Meg (Jennifer Kim) is recovering from a horrendous kidnapping that left her with anxiety and fears. Husband Scott (Kentucker Audley) is doing his best to try and bring some solitude and support taking her to a family home that is quiet and soothing.

Enjoying the quiet and time with Scott, that is all interrupted when his cousin Madeline (Marin Ireland) bursts onto the scene. Loud, boisterous and cutting with her words, Meg begins to feel that Scott is spending more time with Madeline and ignoring how it is affecting her. Lashing out in her own way, Meg’s behavior becomes slightly erratic which causes Scott to become unlike himself.

All Meg wants is quiet time with Scott to regather the life she once had, find answers to why it happened to her and remember who is responsible. In the way of it all is not knowing if what she sees and hears is real or a mix up in her mind. However, what is driving it all is more sinister than Meg could ever know!

Kim as Meg is brilliant as a woman who is trying to understand why she was kidnapped and how she is to find a normal life in the aftermath. Watching Kim take this character through every tragic emotion, this is a journey worth taking as the story goes from beginning to end. We are unwittingly invited on Meg’s journey of what is real and what are mixed up thoughts in her mind. Well done!

Audley as Scott is a husband who just doesn’t know how to handle the emotional situation his wife is going through. Trying to be there for her, he consistently tries to help her think through the mix ups Meg is experiencing. Lighting up when his cousin Madeline enters the picture, it is his chance to get away from the troubles in his marriage. Audley also gives us a range of character that has us following along with his part of the story.

Ireland as Madeline comes into the picture and brings laughs, childhood stories and wants to help the couple. Scott is thrilled his cousin is coming around to bring a little fun but Meg sees her as I did – completely irritating and creepy. That being said, I was fascinated with the way she behaves and the sharpness of speech. So well done!

Other cast include Paula Lord as the woman in the woods, and Michael Neeson as Joe.

Last Rodeo Studios is a team of accomplished film producers, writers and entrepreneurs with collective film credits that have been featured in film festivals around the world. These include Sundance, Tribeca, SXSW, LAFF, SIFF, Telluride, DOCNYC and DIFF. These films have also been nominated for Golden Globes, BAFTA and Academy Awards. For more please visit www.lastrodeostudios.com.

SOMEWHERE QUIET is a well-written and even more well-filmed thriller. This is my favorite genre of ‘horror’ films because is has more to do with our own fears than blood and gore. Writer/director Lloyd takes the very simple premise and consistently pokes from all sides never letting us once off the hook.

The combination of what is real and what might be imagined had me thinking I needed paper and pen to keep notes! I loved that so much because it challenged what I saw and what I thought I saw within the story and what is presented on film. Keeping the cast small and the sets simple is also another favorite of mine and it lends itself so much to allow the focus to be on Meg.

SOMEWHERE QUIET is a treat and the cast is the one handing out the candy!

In the end – what is real?

 

 

Gather the Family for THE CANTERVILLE GHOST

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Kim Bordon, co-director Robert Chandler, Blue Fox Entertainment and Shout! Studios comes a treat for the family with THE CANTERVILLE GHOST.

Coming from America, the Otis family has purchased Canterville Chase, a mansion that has a history of being haunted and causing residents to go a little crazy. Husband Hiram (David Harewood), wife Lucretia (Meera Syal), young boys Kent (Bennett Miller) and Louis (Jakey Schiff) are thrilled when they enter the mansion as Mrs. Umney (Imelda Staunton) opens the door. The only one not happy is daughter Virginia (Emily Carey) who wants nothing more than to go back across the pond.

Immediately, the family wants to see Sir Simon de Canterville (Stephen Fry) and the twins run around the house calling him out. Virginia makes it clear she has no intention of being happy about any of it all and goes up to her room. It takes mere moments before Sir Simon tries to frighten Virginia out of his home. The problem is, she isn’t at all! Instead, she plays on him challenging that Sir Simon that he can’t chase out her family in two weeks!

On the grounds, Virginia meets the Duke of Cheshire (Freddie Highmore) and that makes Sir Simone furious as he has anger toward the family. It seems his beloved wife Eleanor came from the Cheshire family who blamed Sir Simon for her death. Now Virginia knows a big part of the story as to the reason Canterville Chase has a ghost!

As the days pass, Virginia and the Duke become closer and her parents decide to throw a party re-introducing society to Canterville Chase. The problem is that Sir Simon is still angry and decides that the dinner not go without his own unique brand of entertainment. When things don’t go as planned, the family is upset with their ghost but Virginia feels there is something more that Sir Simon isn’t saying.

She decides to take matters into her own hands and that’s when the truth finally comes out!

Carey as Virginia is an American girl who wants to go home. She decides to use Sir Simon’s ghostly abilities to try and scare her family back to the United States. Instead, she finds herself on an adventure that has unexpected consequences. Carey truly gives voice to Virginia and it is fun, delightful and charming.

Fry as the voice of Sir Simon is hilarious most of the time (when he isn’t angry) and can not understand how the new occupants are not frightened to have a ghost in their house. Instead, they seem to be trying to have fun with the apparition, especially the twin boys. I have always loved Fry’s work and watching him take on the vocal role of Sir Simon is everything fun about the film.

Highmore as the Duke of Cheshire is so sweet and a bit bumbly. He is immediately taken by the feisty and free Virginia. He knows that the ghost is in the house and even comes face to face with Sir Simon but nothing is going to keep him away from Virginia and happily joins in the adventure. When her life is in danger, the bumbly Duke of Cheshire finds it within himself to safe her from a fate – well, you get the point.

Laurie as the Grim Reaper gets to have a bit of fun with this character. Hiding behind who he truly is and what he is up to, Laurie takes us on a story ride with what he wants and how he plans to get it!

Shout out to Schiff and Miller as the Otis boys because, to be honest, that is exactly how I would be at their age. Challenges of a haunted house – absolutely accepted. They have no fear of any ghosts and show just how unafraid they are and it made me laugh so much.

Other cast includes Toby Jones as Reverend Chasuble, Miranda Hart as the Ghost Catcher, Giles New as the Colonel, Georgia Small as Majorie Fairfax, Keiron Self as Professor Borsakov, Bill Lobley as Lord Monroe, Elizabeth Sankey as Eleanor de Canterville, and Hugh Laurie as the Grim Reaper.

SHOUT! Studios has grown into a tremendous multi-platform media company. Releasing new animated features such as the exquisite Long Way North, and the epic fantasy Beauty and The Beast. Also, their own original horror film, Fender Bender gives fans a good scare. For more of what SHOUT Factor has to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

Blue Fox Entertainment is a global film distribution and sales company specializing in connecting filmmakers to audiences and buyers in the United States and around the world internationally. For more of what Blue Fox Entertainment has to offer please visit www.bluefoxentertainment.com.

THE CANTERVILLE GHOST is absolute family fun for kids and the kids at heart. It has a fantastic story based on the writings of Oscar Wilde (and Stephen Fry actually played the role of the poet/playwright in the 1997 film WILDE). It is colorful, vibrant, action packed and has some very funny characters and moments.

This is the film that families can enjoy together because it is about a family and how they eventually come together. As nutty as some of the characters are, they are so much fun to watch as the story unfolds. Everyone can find something to love about the film and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.

The spooky season is here and if you are looking for a good time at the movies for the whole family then visit THE CANTERVILLE GHOST for a spooktacularly good time!

In the end – it is his house not yours!

 

WARHORSE ONE Saves on Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and DVD from directors Johnny Strong, William Kaufman and Well Go USA comes the story of survival from WARHORSE ONE.

During an ordered rescue in Afghanistan, Navy SEAL Master Chief Richard Mirko’s (Johnny Strong) helicopter is shot down and he is thrown clear. The only survivor, he is sent to the location where the civilians they were to pick up are located. Once there, he finds one survivor, the young Zoe Waters (Athena Durner).

Not far away is the enemy and their goal is to capture the American and young girl and finish what they had started. Determined to not let them escape is leader Radam (Raj Kala) directing his men where to go to find them. Tarad (Siya Rostami) leads the chase and it is on completely.

Attempting to get to the spot where the military could rescue them, Mirko and young Zoe begin to form a bond. Zoe quickly understands that those who are responsible are the same people that Mirko must save them both from. Mirko is straight forward with the young girl as to what they are up against and what they must do to make it to the top of the mountain.

Their fight for survival is on!

Strong as Mirko immediately gives the character a strong military sense of what the mission is even after the crash. Even when survival becomes the mission, he is focused, straight forward and knows what must be done. Adding a young child to the mix could have gone wrong in the storytelling but Strong guides the story to its heart-pounding conclusion with more than a job well done.

Durner as Zoe is a little girl who gives her character such range of emotion. She could easily have been just a kid carried around but no, Durner gives us a very young girl who has seen what she shouldn’t ever have had to. In that, she comes quickly to understand that Mirko is her protector and that means, once again, doing things that he tries to protect her from.

Kala as Radam is a man on his own mission and it is heinous and terrifying. It is hard to play the role of the villain and Kala doesn’t hide behind anything to give it his all. Rostami as Tarad follows Radam as the leader and is equally dedicated to the destruction of the Navy Seal.

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.

Other cast include Todd Jenkins as Youssef, Danny Augustus as Jarrah, Michael Sauers as Chief Petty Officer Mike Miller, Xander Gomez as Lewa, David Ibrahim as Abu Bakar, Steve Mokate as Commander Johns, E.K. Spila as Assistant Director Dave Mattis, Adam Dietrich as Mike, Jay Moses as Rev. Matthew Walters, Damian Turner as Petty Officer Darnell Reece, Nash Bland as Rahmi and Chris Calvert as Petty Officer Chris Martin.

Bonus Features include Director’s Commentary Featurette and Trailer.

WARHORSE ONE is the first-time film for actor Johnny Strong as co-director and he has done an awesome job. The story is straight-forward and action packed but doesn’t forget the emotional side with a young girl who deserves as much protecting and anyone else. What I truly enjoyed is that Strong’s character Mirko stays focused and even though his emotions are being tested, it doesn’t change the mission. If anything, he remains focused and lets Zoe know what the rules of survival are.

Keeping the location mainly out in the open, the chase is on and that is what keeps the story flowing. Of course, Mirko knows his job but that is made difficult when those trying to kill him are everywhere. I have always enjoyed films of this type that keep moving because only the directors know what is behind every rock, building and corner.

The film is well done with cinematography that covers the action and a cast that brings the story being told by Strong and Kaufman a strength without glorification and a finish to cheer for.

In the end – worth living for and worth dying for!

 

 

It is Time to RIDE ON Jeri Jacquin Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from writer/director Larry Yang and Well Go USA is the story of family and a horse that will RIDE ON. Lao Luo (Jackie Chan) is a former stuntman who has been living a quiet life with his companion horse Red Hare. Missing his daughter after a divorce, Xiao Bao (Liu Haocun), she is about to come back into his life once again. Owing a lot of money, Lao Luo learns he may lose Red Hare to an auction. Not knowing where to turn, he seeks out daughter Bao for legal help since she is studying law. Keeping an emotional distance, she asks her boyfriend Naihua (Guo Qilin) if he would be able to help. After a street fight with Red Haire goes viral, movie makers want him and the horse for their action films. Bao becomes a bit of an ad litem agent for her father but finds herself becoming closer to him. Watching her father work, she becomes very worried about them both as the stunts seems to be more and more dangerous. After one fateful stunt, Bao learns more about her father and what he has been through during their time apart. She realizes what she thought about Lao was all wrong. At the hospital, Lao tells her that it is time for he and Red Hare to retire. The court case still looms about Red Hare’s fate and Bao is still trying to understand her feelings and her father. Families and stunts can be complicated. Chan as Lao is definetly playing to his strength with his history as being a stuntman himself. That gives him an edge to playing this role with the added family storyline. He gets the chance to do stunts and show he’s still got it at his tender age of 69 and shows it to be flawless. Chan’s comedic timing is still wonderful and, in this film, even his emotional moments are tender and thoughtful. Haocun as daughter Bao has her own feelings toward father Lao feeling abandoned by him. There are big trust issues for Bao not understanding the circumstances that led to her father leaving or what happened to him during their time apart. Haocun is stubborn and at the same time protective of Red Hare and eventually her father. Haocun is charming and lovely to watch as her character navigates relationships. Qilin as Naihua is watching the father-daughter-horse relationship unfold while also wanting to move forward marrying Bao. He truly does enjoy seeing this once detached family come together and wants to do anything to help. Qilin is so sweet as their character navigates it all. Shout out to Wu Jing as Yuanjie who wants to help Lao offering him a chance to not only sort of relive his stuntman days but helps him out of his financial troubles. Jing is a bit crazy at times with his emotional outburst but he truly does show a good heart. Well done, Jing. Also, a nod to the beautiful horse Red Hare! Playing opposite Jackie Chan, this horse makes it clear that being a legend doesn’t mean he can upstage this horse. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Red Hare and Chan work together. Other cast include Joey Yung as Yingzi, Yu Ailei as Xiamao, Yu Rongguang as He Xin, Andy On as Dami Ge, Xiaoshenyang as Li Yan and Shi Yanneng as Dawei. 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. RIDE ON is a complex story about a man and his relationship to a wonderful horse, renewing a relationship with a long-lost daughter and a profession he once excelled at. Chan takes every chance to be hilarious, comedic, emotional and strong and that’s everything for this former stuntman. The added bonus of the horse Red Hare allows Chan to play opposite a ‘character’ that doesn’t have much to say but sure makes his feelings clear. The martial arts look seamless (thanks to great choreography) and although there are not a lot of fight scenes, when they are on screen it is well done and not over played. RIDE ON comes in at one hundred and twenty-six minutes and the language can be adjusted if subtitles during a movie isn’t your thing. The film is colorful, the story is impactful and plays a serious ode to stuntman including Jackie Chan. They are basically unsung heroes in many Asian films with Chan and crew making it clear at the end that they are dearly appreciated. Asian films are known for their grandeur and large casts, especially where martial arts are involved, and writer/director Yang makes sure the story never forgets who makes that possible. In the end – it is time to get back on the horse!

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from writer/director Larry Yang and Well Go USA is the story of family and a horse that will RIDE ON.

Lao Luo (Jackie Chan) is a former stuntman who has been living a quiet life with his companion horse Red Hare. Missing his daughter after a divorce, Xiao Bao (Liu Haocun), she is about to come back into his life once again. Owing a lot of money, Lao Luo learns he may lose Red Hare to an auction. Not knowing where to turn, he seeks out daughter Bao for legal help since she is studying law.

Keeping an emotional distance, she asks her boyfriend Naihua (Guo Qilin) if he would be able to help. After a street fight with Red Haire goes viral, movie makers want him and the horse for their action films. Bao becomes a bit of an ad litem agent for her father but finds herself becoming closer to him. Watching her father work, she becomes very worried about them both as the stunts seems to be more and more dangerous.

After one fateful stunt, Bao learns more about her father and what he has been through during their time apart. She realizes what she thought about Lao was all wrong. At the hospital, Lao tells her that it is time for he and Red Hare to retire. The court case still looms about Red Hare’s fate and Bao is still trying to understand her feelings and her father.

Families and stunts can be complicated.

Chan as Lao is definetly playing to his strength with his history as being a stuntman himself. That gives him an edge to playing this role with the added family storyline. He gets the chance to do stunts and show he’s still got it at his tender age of 69 and shows it to be flawless. Chan’s comedic timing is still wonderful and, in this film, even his emotional moments are tender and thoughtful.

Haocun as daughter Bao has her own feelings toward father Lao feeling abandoned by him. There are big trust issues for Bao not understanding the circumstances that led to her father leaving or what happened to him during their time apart. Haocun is stubborn and at the same time protective of Red Hare and eventually her father. Haocun is charming and lovely to watch as her character navigates relationships.

Qilin as Naihua is watching the father-daughter-horse relationship unfold while also wanting to move forward marrying Bao. He truly does enjoy seeing this once detached family come together and wants to do anything to help. Qilin is so sweet as their character navigates it all.

Shout out to Wu Jing as Yuanjie who wants to help Lao offering him a chance to not only sort of relive his stuntman days but helps him out of his financial troubles. Jing is a bit crazy at times with his emotional outburst but he truly does show a good heart. Well done, Jing.

Also, a nod to the beautiful horse Red Hare! Playing opposite Jackie Chan, this horse makes it clear that being a legend doesn’t mean he can upstage this horse. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Red Hare and Chan work together.

Other cast include Joey Yung as Yingzi, Yu Ailei as Xiamao, Yu Rongguang as He Xin, Andy On as Dami Ge, Xiaoshenyang as Li Yan and Shi Yanneng as Dawei.

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.

RIDE ON is a complex story about a man and his relationship to a wonderful horse, renewing a relationship with a long-lost daughter and a profession he once excelled at. Chan takes every chance to be hilarious, comedic, emotional and strong and that’s everything for this former stuntman. The added bonus of the horse Red Hare allows Chan to play opposite a ‘character’ that doesn’t have much to say but sure makes his feelings clear.

The martial arts look seamless (thanks to great choreography) and although there are not a lot of fight scenes, when they are on screen it is well done and not over played. RIDE ON comes in at one hundred and twenty-six minutes and the language can be adjusted if subtitles during a movie isn’t your thing.

The film is colorful, the story is impactful and plays a serious ode to stuntman including Jackie Chan. They are basically unsung heroes in many Asian films with Chan and crew making it clear at the end that they are dearly appreciated. Asian films are known for their grandeur and large casts, especially where martial arts are involved, and writer/director Yang makes sure the story never forgets who makes that possible.

In the end – it is time to get back on the horse!

 

 

 

 

 

She Escapes to THE WINTER HOUSE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to streaming services such as Apple TV, Amazon, and Sling TV and also on VOD from writer/director Keith Boynton, Choice Films and Freestyle comes the story of the unexpected when looking for solace in THE WINTER HOUSE.

Eileen (Lili Taylor) has found the most remote place on a lake in New Hampshire to spend time alone. Happy for the solace, she spends time walking, reading and thinking - which can be dangerous for a writer. The days pass with some semblance of routine until one night there is a stranger in the kitchen. Stumbling around is Jesse (Francois Arnaud), intoxicated and also unsure of what is happening.

After introductions, Eileen makes it clear that she is renting the house and that Jesse needs to find his way to his own home. Trying to sober him up, she decides to let him stay the night. After a few days of his company, a bit of irritation sets in feeling that her whole reason for being at the house feels intrusive.

Even sending him away doesn't last long but their conversations become more personal and deeper. Each has the chance to share what has happened to put them in the spot they are both in. Especially when a man named Paul (Hunter Emery) shows up at Eileen's door demanding to see Jesse and now the whole truth in both their lives comes to a head and neither can run away any longer.

Taylor as Eileen gives the performance clearly of a distraught woman who, after so many years, is no longer sure what she wants from this life. Taking time away has several purposes and none of them will move her forward. Not even the unexpected visitor seems to shock her in any way but instead Taylor’s Eileen accepts it all as it is and not what Jesse might want it to be. Taylor’s performance is deliberate, sadly sweet and filled with details as they come to light.

Arnaud as Jesse reacts the opposite of Eileen. Where she is quiet and deliberate, he is loud and emotional. He also has a trunk load of secrets that cannot stay hidden from anyone, no matter how much Jesse drinks. Trying to find a connection to something that is tangible, Arnaud’s portrayal of Jesse is that of a man who knows what the right thing is, but, as with all human beings with a past, fear can be ever controlling.

Emery as the mysterious Paul is the brute tension to the story and he does it in a short scene. That keeps the guessing high wondering when this character is going to show up again.

Other cast include Stephen C. Bradbury as the Shop Owner and Beth Fowler as Deborah.

Freestyle Releasing specializes in releasing films theatrically and representing independent films. Releasing content through Freestyle Digital Media, their most successful film theatrically to date is the 2014 film GOD’S NOT DEAD. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.freestyledigitalmedia.tv

THE WINTER HOUSE is a slow-paced story that is laid out in increments allowing the viewer to be a part of the deeper story that is to come. Keeping the cast small is a favorite of mine because it allows us to quietly enter into the room and experience for ourselves the story’s we don't tell each other. Eileen is a complex character in her own right trying to hide the bag of bricks she carries in solace. Jesse is less complex but still a man who has created his own path and now it’s time to clean it up.

Taylor and Arnaud together are a powerhouse but in a subtle way. In fact, the entire film is subtle with nothing earth shattering or loud but instead, a deep quiet dive into the lives of two human beings who are looking for a connection that allows their existence to make sense. That is what makes the film relatable as well, two people with the same feelings in a shared space with only one thing separating them – secrets.

In the end – how far away is far enough?

THE WAY WE WERE Celebrates its 50th Anniversary

 

Jeri Jacquin

Celebrating its Golden Anniversary from director Sydney Pollack and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is a timeless classic of storytelling and filmmaking with THE WAY WE WERE.

Katie Morosky (Barbra Streisand) is a young college woman with a strong opinion on just about everything. Catching her eye is Hubbell Gardiner (Robert Redford), a good-looking carefree college student who watches Katie with interest because of her way of defending social causes. There mutual admiration is nipped early as they graduate college and go their separate ways.

World War II has everything shaken as Katie finds work at a local radio station. While out one evening, she meets Hubbell again but this time he has had a bit too much celebrating. Katie decides to help him and, with time, they discover they are in love. The problem again is that Katie makes it clear her feelings on the political front much to the amusement of Hubbell’s friends but not so much for Hubbell himself.

She does encourage Hubbell to write a novel and when Hollywood comes calling, they move to California. Settling into that glam life, it is short-lived when McCarthyism comes into their lives. As Katie stands strong, it begins to have an effect on Hubbell’s Hollywood reputation. The strain on their marriage grows greater and greater but can love be the answer?

Streisand as Katie, let’s be clear here, what can I possibly say that hasn’t already been said or felt? Growing up with her music and seeing her on screen has solidified her place in film and music history. That being said, in her role as Katie, she gives us a powerful woman in a time when the idea of a powerful woman on screen was unheard or thought of. In the midst of that strength comes the human frailty that love can bring. Streisand portrayed everything I wanted to be when I grew up. Just a beautiful character!

Redford as Hubbell plays the stereotypical college guy who is popular, athletic and lives a very ‘easy’ care-free life. Katie catching his eye is out of curiosity but also an attraction that he can not quite place. She is the total opposite of him in that she has direction and cause, Hubbel does not. He falls into writing, falls into Hollywood and continues to fall into whatever comes his way. Hubbel also can not balance the strength of Katie and love her at the same time. Redford is just as beautiful and pairs with Streisand in such stunning fashion.

Other cast include Bradford Sillman as J.J., Lois Chiles as Carol Ann, Patrick O’Neal as George Bissinger, Viveca Lindfors as Paula Reisner, Allyn Ann McLerie as Rhea Edwards, Murray Hamilton as Brooks Carpenter, Herb Edelman as Bill Verso, Diana Ewing as Vicki Bissinger, George Gaynes as El Morocco Captain, James Woods as Frankie McVeigh, Sally Kirkland as Pony Dunbar and Susan Blakely as Judianne.

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.

4K Ultra HD Disc and Bluray features include Featuring Both the Original 118-minute Theatrical Version and an All-New 123-minute Extended Version, Both Versions Remastered in 4K Resolution from the Original Camera Negative, 5.1 Audio and Original Mono for the Theatrical Version, Director’s Commentary (Theatrical Version Only), Making-Of Documentary “Looking Back” and Theatrical Trailer.

In close collaboration with Barbara Streisand and in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Sydney Pollack’s classic film, Columbia Pictures presents a new extended version of THE WAY WE WERE – restoring two important scenes where the love story and the political story come together alongside the original theatrical version.

THE WAY WE WERE captured the hearts of audiences fifty years ago and even made hearts thump at the unusual ending to the story. It has continually stood the test of time and can never be duplicated. Streisand and Redford are absolutely impeccable in their roles and bring heart and soul to the film. I remember the first time I saw this film and re-watching it, the feeling is still exactly the same.

It is the story of two worlds and two people who collided – one is head-strong and has a clear point of view about the world and its injustices and the other does not truly understand what is point of view is. In the mix of that is an undeniable love between these same two people that couldn’t keep them apart for long. Even at the end, their emotions are still so strong and palpable and that is the heartbreaking part of all.

In the end – everything seemed so important then…even love!