They Are THE HOLDOVERS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from director Alexander Payne and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the togetherness of THE HOLDOVERS

It is 1970 and Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti) is considered a teacher at Barton Academy that no one wants to be around, students or staff. Known for his rules and strictness, it comes as no surprise when he is asked to stay behind at Barton Academy for the Christmas holidays and the ‘holdover’ students who have no place to go.

Agnus Tully (Dominic Sessa) is a forward student who doesn’t mind speaking his piece. Getting ready to go to Saint Kitts, he challenges Hunham’s decision about a test taking but karma has other plans. Tully’s mother burst the young man’s holiday bubble and now he is one of the holdovers. Also staying behind is Mary Lamb (Da’Vine Joy Randolph), the cafeteria administrator is grieving the loss of her son killed in Vietnam.

After a few days, some of the kids are taken off by one of the boys’ parents with the approval of staff. The only one left is Tully, now it is just a student, professor and cafeteria lady left behind. Hunham and Tully continually butt heads and argue with each other but something begins to happen between them as well.

Taking a trip to Boston, professor and student start talking, asking questions and realizing they have more in common than they could have ever imagined. Truths are told and pain is felt together when it becomes clear the reasons for Tully’s behavior and Hunham’s attitude about life in general.

They travel the road of redemption together.

Giamatti as Hunham is a man that is by the book and living with the ridicule of others. Being a professor, he is almost met with the distain of his students who do not see any reason to learn all that is learnable. When he tussles with student Agnus, there is verbal shots fired but when the smoke clears, there begins an understanding that is deep and palpable. This is a man who has been living a secluded life at the Barton Academy for reasons of his own and shut himself off from anyone that comes close to him. Giamatti always gives such a strong performance no matter what character he is playing but, in this film, Giamatti blossoms wonderfully.

Sessa as Tully is a young man who is trying to find his place in the world but in all the wrong ways. Constantly challenging Hunham at every turn, it becomes slowly clear what is driving his hostility and anger. Sessa gives his young character heart that is broken by the adults that are in his life that should be there for him instead of their own selfishness. When the layers begin to peel back, he sees that the man he has despised will be the adult who doesn’t let him down.   

Randolph as Mary is a woman grieving for the loss of her son trying to find a way to move forward. She isn’t happy about the holdover situation but does her job and surprisingly gets to know Hunham through the quiet of the school and the chance to just talk. Trying to deal with her grief over the holidays becomes a challenge and Hunham is there for her. Randolph gives her character moments of weakness where the grief becomes too much but also finds those who will be there for her. Randolph gives a gentle and heartbreaking performance.            

Other cast include Naheem Garcia as Danny, Carrie Preston as Lydia Crane, Tate Donovan as Stanley, Darby Lily as Elise, Andrew Garman as Dr. Hardy Woodrip, Brady Hepner as Teddy, Stephen Thorne as Thomas Tully, Gillian Vigman as Judy, Jan Dolley as Alex, Jim Kaplan as Ye-Joon, and Michael Provost as Jason Smith.

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.

Collector’s Edition Bonus Feature include Alternate Ending – “Mary Continues On”, Deleted Scenes, Introduction by Alexander Payne, New Room, Making a Scene, The Road Back to Barton, Ancient History, The Cast of THE HOLDOVERS – Sit down with the cast of THE HOLDOVERS, including Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and newcomer Dominic Sessa while they discuss getting into the minds of their characters, Meet the boys of Barton and learn more about director Alexander Payne’s casting process, and Working with Alexander – Hear the cast and crew about their on-set experience working with acclaimed director Alexander Payne.

THE HOLDOVERS is a film in the same vein as TO SIR WITH LOVE (1967), DEAD POETS SOCIETY (1989), STAND AND DELIVER (1988), LEAN ON ME (1989), GOOD WILL HUNTING (1997), and MONA LISA SMILE (2003) and what makes these so memorable is the story, character and emotion that is relatable.

Having the right person lead the ensemble, meaning the teacher, is so very important and Paul Giamatti is absolutely the right person. Keeping the ensemble to three people allows us to get to know these characters and become truly invested in their lives. We all have had the school experience, the disappointment in grown-ups and the life challenges as adults. THE HOLDOVERS lets us in and allows us to be angry, grieve and celebrate what it means to be a growing human being in every aspect. Well done!

In the end – it is the season of discomfort and joy!

 

BUTCHER’S CROSSING

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from writer/director Gabe Polsky, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Saban Films from the novel of the same name by John Edward Williams is the tale of BUTCHER’S CROSSING.

The west is still wild in 1874 when Will Andrews (Fred Hechinger) has decided to head west and experience it all. Joining Miller (Nicolas Cage) on a buffalo hunt, he learns what it takes from a true buffalo hunter taking him to Colorado. Wanting to see it all for himself, Andrews puts up the money for the adventure of a lifetime in Colorado.

Along is Charlie Hoge (Xander Berkeley) to be their camp cook and skinner Fred Schneider (Jeremy Bobb) and neither believe that Miller knows of the place where the buffalo still roam in big herds. When Miller finds the herd, weeks of slaughter begin and Will begins to feel the emotional strain of it all. When Schneider points out that they have more than they can carry, Miller refuses to stop even though winter is on its way.

When a blizzard comes in, the four men must find a way to survive which is the easy part since they are all turning against one another. If that isn’t horror enough, the spring and return to Butcher’s Crossing bring another setback. Will realizes that the romantic notion of the west he once had has turned to dust and Miller’s dreams of his own are equally worthless.

Welcome to the west.

Cage as Miller once again plays a role that he does oh so well, that of a man out of control to the point that no one knows what will come next. The moment his character discovers the large herd of buffalo, nothing else matters, not even the men he is with. The character of Miller doesn’t have much to say but when he says it you had better pay attention. I enjoyed watching Cage get his western chops on film, especially getting to play a character that is so unnerving.

Hechinger as Andrews is a young man who leaves a prestigious college to go out and see the west and all the wild he hopes it will have. Taking his own money to bring that dream to fruition, it is nothing that he anticipated. What he discovers is that there are men, like the ones he is with, that are as unpredictable and dangerous as the land surrounding them. Hechinger brings his character face to face with reality and the emotional toll that all of it takes on the human body and soul.

Berkeley as Hoge is a man who can not deal with what is happening around him and it doesn’t help that the skinner continually harasses him. Yet, he is a man of the wilderness who knows how to deal with it all in his own way. Bobb as Schneider hates that Miller is controlling everything and not listening to reason. He also is a character who seems to enjoy tormenting those around him for his amusement and that will cost him.

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.

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.

First of all, the cinematography of the film, shot on the land belonging to the Blackfeet Nation in Montana, is stunning with its beauty and openness. That lends to the story that Polsky is trying to tell as the scenery is a silent character in the film and in that silence screams. Just absolutely amazing and worthy of praise.

BUTCHER’S CROSSING is the story of four men caught in a situation that won’t resolve itself with ease. Dominating with fear and brutality, Cage’s character Miller leads the cast with an insanity that permeates every frame of the film. Offsetting that brutality is Hechinger’s character Andrews, who just wanted to see the west, discovers quickly that what is in his head, his body can not handle. Dealing with what he is seeing sends him in a tailspin.

This film is well done, well directed and equally stunning visually. It is not filled with emotional music and special effects but instead, a brutal look at a world that none of us could ever comprehend. It also addresses the effects of bison hunting and who has stepped up to save what is left of these powerful animals.

In the end – who is the true savage animal?

 

Illumination is Flying High with MIGRATION

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatre to help us all fly high through the holidays from writer/directors Benjamin Renner, Gyulo Homsy, Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures comes MIGRATION.

The Mallard family lives a pretty nice life on the banks of their pond. Dad Mack (Kumail Nanjiani), Mom Pam (Elizabeth Banks) and their two children Dax (Caspar Jennings) and Gwen (Resi Gazal). Mack is a bit of an anxious father constantly worried about keeping his children safe from scary things with Pam being the positive of the two.

Son Dax is a daredevil who is both a caring and irritating brother to little Gwen and she has picked up some of Mack’s nervousness. To round out the Mallard clan is Uncle Dan (Danny DeVito) who loves his family in his own way. When a group of colorful duck’s land in their pond for a bit of a rest, Pam learns they are migrating to Jamaica and she is intrigued.

Mack, however, is not so much into all the friendliness and goes about his business. Pam makes it clear that, in fact, she wants to migrate to Jamaica to see outside their little world. Knowing that he must overcome his fears, Mack decides to gather up the clan and head south. Once up in the huge sky, the family feels such freedom – which is quickly interrupted.

The Mallards discover Erin (Carol Kane) the kind of scary heron and the big city. Feeling a bit lost, they meet Chump (Awkwafina) who knows someone that can help them on their way. Delroy (Keegan-Michael Key) is a stunning exotic bird locked in a cage by The Chef! Wanting to go home, Mack decides to take on a task that brings him to a place ducks shouldn’t go, into a chef’s kitchen.

Escaping quickly, the new member of the flock is happy to be in the air again, when breaktime comes the family meets Googoo (David Mitchell) who is seriously into yoga. Since helping Delroy escape, The Chef has decided his mission is to find the birds and bring them back to his restauraunt.

Not so fast, the flock of feathers might have something to say about that!

Nanjiani voices Mack, the head of the family (so he thinks) and thinks that telling his kids scary things about the world will keep them safe. It is only when his wife decides that she wants to do something different does he realize the hold he has been putting on his family. Banks as Pam is a loving wife and Mom who knows that it is time for them to do something different as a family. Once out in the world she is the glue that holds them all together.

Jennings as Dax is a thrill seeker who sometimes pushes the limits a bit to far. Gazal as Gwen is an agreeable and, at times, a duplicate of her father with fears no little bird should have but she is so dang cute! DeVito as Uncle Dan is an elderly duck who goes along to get along and does so in his own unique way.

Kane drops by as the voice of Erin the heron and keeps the Mallards on their webbed feet. Awkwafina flies in as Chump the leader of the pigeons who may be little but don’t let her size fool you. Mitchell as Googoo is as deeply meditating as a bird can get, perhaps a little too much into it to see the truth around him.

Key as Delroy is a bird of beautiful feathers who has been caged. That is until his new friends decide that it is time to be free once again, oh, and give them directions to Jamaica!

Universal Pictures has amazing films in their library and making it available for us to all experience in theatres and re-experience in our own home theaters. There are films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.

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

The film begins with a bit of Minion fun in a short film that will have fans thrilled to see their antics once again. That beings said, Illumination has done it again with their own unique brand of animation, togetherness, fun and humor. Sitting in our seats was three generations of ladies who couldn’t stop laughing from beginning to end. We are all minion lovers from the very first so anything Illumination brings to the screen we are there for.

MIGRATION is absolutely adorable in all respects, from vibrant colors, to action, to humor, this film has everything a family wants to see for the holidays. The story of family is so strong in this telling that it seems only natural that the birds of all feathers would be flocking together. Even the pigeons finally get to have a say in how they feel about their bad reputation and it is adorable.

Walking out of the theatre it was clear that Moms and Dads had a fun time with the kids talking about what they liked the most. Let’s be clear however that all adults should be have a wonderful time just seeing it on their own. Directors Renner and Homsy should be congratulated for bringing a wonderful film to the big screen in time for the holidays!

In the end – soar into a new adventure!

 

AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM Hits Theatres

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming this Friday to theatres from director James Wan, DC Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures is the return of AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM.

Arthur aka Aquaman (Jason Momoa) is splitting his time between the land and the sea and enjoying being a dad to young Arthur, Jr. Being the King of Atlantis is no easy matter for a man who is completely bored by all the royal duties. He is also not happy that he cannot make things happen without the Atlantean council’s approval, like making contact with the land people.

What he doesn’t know is that David Kane (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) has become Black Manta and is out for revenge against Aquaman. Kane enlists the help of scientist Stephen Shin (Randall Park) who just wants to find Atlantean artifacts. One such artifact is the black trident and Kane becomes a powerful enemy.

Coincidentally, a few months later something is happening with the weather causing disease in the sea and devastating weather around the globe. Black Manta attacks Atlantis as he looks for their storage of orichalcum and it becomes clear who is responsible for the world’s changes. Someone who can help them is Orm (Patrick Wilson) and the only way to get him is for Aquaman to break a few rules.

When the brothers look for Kane, Orm handles the black trident and discovers that there once was another kingdom called Necrus and a battle of brothers led to the confinement of Kordax. Aquaman learns that all that is needed to release everyone, including Kordax, in Necrus is a drop of royal blood.

The battle begins as brothers come together and all Atlantean’s fight to the finish!

Momoa as Arthur/Aquaman/King makes darn sure that he is having a good time playing this character. Even when Aquaman is angry, he turns things on its ear from start to finish. Momoa gives his character the right amount of fight and an equal amount of humor as the story of what being a King does for him. He’s not happy but then again, now that’s he’s a Daddy – things are different for him.

Wilson as brother Orm is still uptight yet there is a part of this character that somehow believes he should be punished. When brother Arthur comes calling and the ocean calls, Orm tries in his own unique way to understand his brother the King and the problems facing Atlantis. Realizing what Black Manta is up to, Orm uses his own skills to do the right thing by his fellow Atlanteans. Wilson is the straight man to Momoa’s comedy and it actually works well.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Black Manta is the typical angry, vengeful, super smart bad guy and every move he makes is predictable. He doesn’t say much but lets his character speak volumes. The problem for me is that a Black Manta doesn’t fit in the under-water world. All of this because he has daddy-revenge issues but spends very little time going after Aquaman. I just didn’t get it.

Shout out to Park as Shin playing the scientist who is afraid of Black Manta watching him go from relics to power hungry.

Other cast include Nicole Kidman as Atlanna, Dolph Lundgren as Nereus, Temuera Morrison as Tom Curry, Vincent Regan as Atlan, Jani Zhao as Karshon, and Pilou Asbaek as Kordax.

Warner Brothers is home to one of the most successful collections of brands in the world and stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry from feature film, television and home entertainments with worldwide distribution to DVD and Bluray, animation, comic books, videogames and broadcasting. For more please visit www.warnerbros.com.

AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM is a total cgi-fest from start to finish. The colors are vibrant and the underwater scenes are exactly what you would expect from special effects. That being said, the 3-D is unnecessary and not as crystal clear as I would expect for having to wearing uncomfortable glasses over my glasses.

The story in my opinion is muddled and doesn’t give the viewer time to invest in getting to understand what is happening. Sure, the saying of ‘watch the first one’ is a way to look at it yet it doesn’t change how I feel about the film as a whole. There is a funny Dad king, a brother with sibling issues and a mad bad guy – done.

I’m sure that people who are totally invested in DC will have no problem with the film. It seems geared toward that audience and maybe grab a few who just like Momoa (and who doesn’t) as Aquaman. I do like the relationship between Arthur and Orm as Momoa and Wilson with a combination of comedy and sibling rivalry. When the brothers are on screen it became easy to forget there are other characters.

Scrooge is here to tell you nahhhhhh but I know that isn’t going to stop anyone from following the trident that gives Aquaman its audience pull. That being said – enjoy and happy holidays.

In the end – the tide is turning!

THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK Returns on 4K Ultra HD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD and Bluray from writer/director Randall Wallace, United Artist and Shout! Select in a Collector’s Edition is the classic 1998 film THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK.

France is almost in financial ruin as King Louis XIV (Leonardo DiCaprio) continues to wage war against the Dutch. The once four Musketeers Aramis (Jeremy Irons), Porthos (Gerard Depardieu), Athos (John Malkovich) have gone on to live separate lives away from the fray. Only D’Artangnan (Gabriel Byrne) remained to help the king.

Athos son Raoul (Peter Sarsgaard) wants to be a Musketeer like his father was and also is in love with the beautiful Christine Bellefort (Judith Godreche). The King has other plans for both Raoul and Christine angering Athos beyond measure. The King believes there is a traitor among the Jesuit priests and he tells Aramis that he must hunt down the person and dispose of him.

Aramis decides to bring Porthos, Athos and D’Artagnan together to show him a plan to rid themselves of a king who starves his people and only cares for his own glory. D’Artagnan makes it clear he will have no part in whatever Aramis is planning and Athos makes it clear they will never see each other as friends again.

Aramis, Porthos and Athos take it upon themselves to get a man in an iron mask at the Ile Sainte-Marguerite prison. What is discovered is that the man is none other than Philippe (Leonardo DiCaprio), a son of Queen Anne (Anne Parillaud) that no one knows about. Their plan seems simple enough to exchange Phillipe for Louis but it will take time and time is not on their side!

DiCaprio as the King and Phillipe get the opportunity to play a double role but totally different from each other. As the King he plays an uncaring, spoiled man who doesn’t care who he has to destroy to get what he wants. The role of Phillipe is a man who doesn’t understand what has been happening to him but the changes are slow when it is time to take his place in the world. This is one of my favorite films and DiCaprio adds to that reason.

Irons as Aramis is, out of the three friends, is the cool, level headed smart planner. He knows what must be done and even if his friends are unpredictable, he needs them to finish what they have started together. Byrne as D’Artangnan is torn between being a friend and a Musketeer loyal to the kingdom. I truly enjoy his portrayal of a man who is loyal but with a secret of his own.

Malkovich as Athos has a sincere and heart-breaking reason for wanting to be part of the plan to rid France of a bad king. Although his character rages from the start, he does find a softer part of himself in Phillipe. Depardieu as Porthos is a man who knows how to have a good time and is a bit overdramatic but when he is called upon to act like a Musketeer, it is not a good thing for any enemy.

Parillaud as Queen Anne knows that her son the King does not care for anyone else but his own selfish needs but manages to keep herself together. There is a feeling for one particular Musketeer and a history that they have kept to themselves for years. Parillaud is lovely and charming and, more importantly, makes you believe she is a Queen.

Other cast includes David Lowe as King Louis Advisor, Edward Atterton as Lieutenant Andre, and Hugh Laurie as Pierre.

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 has to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

Bonus Features include New 4K Transfer from the Original Camera Negative, Audio DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, 2.0, In Dolby Vision, Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Randall Wallace.  Interview with Producer Paul Hitchcock, Interview with Production Designer Anthony Pratt, “Myth and the Musketeers” Featurette, “Director’s Take” Featurette, “Alternate Mask Prototypes” Featurette, Original Behind-The-Scene Featurette and Theatrical Trailer.

I remember when THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK came out in theatres because I was so excited to see it. The period piece of me is always going to run to the theatre and with a historical family connection to France I am always curious as to a storyteller’s ideal of mixing history with action and adventure. It was an amazing time and thrilling to watch on the big screen.

Now, with the size of televisions, watching the film again is absolutely like being in the theatre once again. The action of the Musketeers and the adventure of the story is done with color and a vividness that has made the film a classic. The ensemble of actors truly makes the tale worthy of being part of any home entertainment library.

So, learn the secret and know the story of THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK!

In the end – the Musketeers take on a King!

In a Stellar Six-Disc Collection is MASAAKI YUASA: Five Films

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming in a stunning five film pack from director Masaaki Yuasa, GKids and Shout Studios comes a MASAAKI YUASA: Five Films.

Written and directed by Yuasa, MIND GAMES arrived in 2004 comedy that came about from Robin Nishi’s manga. In his directorial debut, Yuasa tells the story of Nishi from Osaka who wants to become a comic book artist. On night on the subway, he runs into Myon who happily takes him to meet her family.

But things turn bad and Nishi must come to Myon’s rescue in a violent turn-about. In a moment of life, death and brave choices, Nishi is on the run with Myon and her sister Yan. The yakuza men that started all of this are hot on their trail. Finding refuge in the most unlikely of places, it only buys them a little time before they once again must make life and death choices.

In 2017, director Yuasa brings the romantic comedy THE NIGHT IS SHORT, WALK ON GIRL based on an earlier novel of the same name written by Tomihiko Morimi. Two university students as Kohai meets Todo at a club but it is at a party where she participates in a drinking game with Rihaku (who is a powerful being) and wins.

At a school festival, Senpai and Kohai go to a book festival and Rihaku is also there but this time is having a food contest to win a rare book. Senpai wins a book but everything is side tracked as people fall ill. Finally, Senapi returns something meaningful to Kohai!

Also in 2017, director Yuasa brings LU OVER THE WALL which is also written by Yuasa and Reiko Yoshida. Kai is a young man who lives in Hinashi Town with his grandfather. He is part of a bank with his friends Kunio and Yuho. When Kai arrives on Merfolk Island, he meets Lu, a girl who has both a fin and legs. Along with her abilities come dangers.

When grandfather reopens a merfolk park, Kai’s band opens in a show but it is Lu who makes a splash. Yuho is upset and causes an uproar in the town that leads to Lu’s dangers becoming even more so. It becomes clear that the two sides must find a way to live together.

RIDE YOUR WAVE comes in 2019 as director Yuasa brings a stunningly beautiful story to the screen. Hinako Mukaimizu is a college student who takes on surfing the clear waves. The young woman is nineteen and quickly deals with life when a fire breaks out and she is rescued by Minato Hinageshi, a local firefighter.

Tragedy is not done with Hinako who leaves her beloved waves but Minato is not out of her life. Visiting his family, she meets sister Yoko and learns more about what inspired him to be a firefighter. Her brother also told her to ‘ride her own wave’. Again, tragedy strikes Hinako and her friends but now they have a choice on how they survive and grow stronger.

Finally, in 2021, Yuasa directs INU-OH based on the novel Tales of the Heike: Inu-Oh by Hideo Furukawa. The story is about Inu-Oh and his friend Tomoari. Living in Japan during the 14^th century, the dancer and musician have shunned by those around them but nothing is going to stop them from being creative.

Their performances bring unwanted attention but the troupe they perform with tell the story behind what has happened to Inu-Oh. How a young boy, a father and a mask all bring about a performance that will come again in the future with Tomoari’s patience.

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 has to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

GKIDS brings award-winning feature animation for both adult and family audiences. The company has received ten Best Animated Feature Oscar nominations including The Secret of Kells, A Cat in Paris, The Tale of Princess Kaguya and The Breadwinner. GKIDS is also a distributor for Studio Ghibli films including Spirited Away and Princess Monokie and many more. To learn more about GKIDS please visit www.gkids.com.

Special Features include English-language dub of THE NIGHT IS SHORT, WALK ON GIRL for the first time on Bluray, Two Short Films by Masaaki Yuasa – Happy Machine (2007) and Kick-Heart (2013), Filmmaker Commentaries for MIND GAME, LU OVER THE WALL and INU-OH, and Scene Breakdowns and Commentaries from Each Feature Film, Masaaki Yuasa Draws Characters from MIND GAME, LU OVER THE WALL, and INU-OH.

Also, Filmmaker Interviews About LU OVER THE WALL, THE NIGHT IS SHORT, WALK ON GIRL, and INU-OH, A Night Out with Yuasa: An Exclusive Interview with Masaaki Yuasa at a Los Angeles Speakeasy, Where He Discusses His Inspirations, Favorite Type of Restaurants, Perfect Vacation, Dancing, and more, a 60-Page Book Featuring an Essay by Emily Yoshida and Excerpts from Masaaki Yuasa’s Sketchbooks and more!

This is a stunning collection and any anime fan would be absolutely thrilled to receive it as a gift. There are intense stories here but also vivid color, fantastic scenes, and brilliant animation from start to finish. The story telling is ethereal and, in fact, mesmerizing to watch come to fruition. If allowed to have a favorite, it would be RIDE YOUR WAVE because I live near the ocean and the colors are stunning in the film with a story that touches my heart.

Yuasa brings visual artistry and is the most visionary animator who is beloved and celebrated all over the world. This collection includes stunning art by Yuasa in the packaging, a 13x21 poster of the new art and an exclusive 60-page book celebrating the work of this one-of-a-kind storyteller. There are excerpts from the creative’s sketchbook and this six-disc set of MASAAKI YUASA: Five Films can be ordered on GKIDS.com/Yuasa and ShoutFactory.com.

Adding MASAAKI YUASA: Five Films to your own home entertainment library is going to be the crown jewel in any collection. Now, you still have time to ask Santa for that last special treat in time for Christmas too! Happy Holidays!

 

WONKA

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Paul King and Warner Bros. Pictures come another look at the story of the chocolatier named WONKA.

Willy Wonka (Timothee Chalamet) shows up in a city somewhere in Europe with the goal of wanting the world to experience his chocolate. Losing what money he had very quickly, he meets a man named Bleacher (Tom Davis) who invites him to stay at Mrs. Scrubbit’s (Olivia Colman) place. Signing in becomes somewhat of a legal moment but sign away he does, even with a small warning from the orphan Noodle (Calah Lane).

In the center of town, Wonka sets up a bit of chocolate tasting which is met by the unhappy Mr. Slugworth (Paterson Joseph), Mr. Prodnose (Matt Lucas) and Mr. Fickelgruber (Matthew Baynton). When they see the thrilled reaction of the people, they chocolatiers call in the Chief of Police (Keegan-Michael Key) to make it stop. When he doesn’t have the money for Mrs. Scrubbit, she sends him down to the laundry until his debt is paid. Wonka meets Mr. Abacus Crunch (Jim Carter), Piper (Natasha Rothwell), Larry (Rich Fulcher) and Lottie (Rakhee Thakrar) all in the same predicament as he.

Noodle decides she can help Wonka as the two devise a plan to make enough money to free themselves from the creepy Mrs. Scrubbit and open up a place for Wonka to sell his chocolates. Frustration sets in when the Orange Man (Hugh Grant) decides to keep stealing from Wonka and Noodles wants to know the story behind it.

They gang finally has enough to open a shop and the people come from everywhere to see the wonders Wonka has created. When things go wrong, the crowd becomes angry and the three chocolatiers make Wonka a deal. Lofty makes it clear that Wonka needs to make things right but for very different reasons! Wonka and Noodles hatch a plan to make sure Slugworth, Prodnose and Frickelgruber are exposed for everything!

Chalamet as Wonka attempts to play out a version of the character a new backstory about where he comes from and more muddled facts. Sure, he can sort of sing, he gets to dance and has an orange friend so there is that going for him. Is this all snarky? Probably, and the arrow is mainly pointed at King so I’ll give Chalamet credit for being colorful and giving Wonka an innocence that he would need to explain the characters creativity.

Lane as Noodle is charming and befriends Wonka as they share a connection about dreaming about wanting more in their life. Joseph as Slugworth gets to be as evil as he wants to be, Lucas and Baynton get to go along to get alone with side comments that cause a chuckle here and there.

Colman as Mrs. Scrubbit is so amazing in this role because, after years of playing serious roles, she gets the chance to be as hilarious as she can be and I’m all for it. Adding Davis as Bleacher makes them a hilarious couple to watch. Key, Rothwell, Fulcher and Thakrar are a strong supporting cast bringing the cops and the gang along for some humor.

Grant as Lofty is a different kind of Oompa Loompa and has the chance to play it with a voice that can only belong to him. The right amount of fire that had me cracking up because ‘once we start dancing….’

I have two shout-outs starting with Carter as Abacus because, and it must be said, the beloved and so missed Mr. Carson from Downton Abbey is provided his opportunity to shine and he does so brightly. The other is for Rowan Atkinson as Father Julius because, once again, he takes on the small role and makes a big splash into the chocolate holy water!

Other cast includes Sally Hawkins as Wonka’s mother, Tracy Ifeachor as Dorothy, Phil Wang as Colin, Tim Fitzhigham as the Sinister Captain, Simon Farnaby as Basil, Ellie White as Gwennie, Sophie Winkleman as The Countess, Charlote Ritchie as Barbara and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith as Officer Affable.

Warner Brothers is home to one of the most successful collections of brands in the world and stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry from feature film, television and home entertainments with worldwide distribution to DVD and Bluray, animation, comic books, videogames and broadcasting. For more please visit www.warnerbros.com.

King decided, as most writer/directors tend to do when destroying childhood memories, that changing the story to fit his own narrative was a good idea. What he didn’t take into consideration is that Wonka was an amazing mystery to people and we (and when I say ‘we’ I mean a few generations of ‘we’s’) loved that about him. Wonka was an enigma who created such beauty that keeping it a secret was a joy, letting us peek in was a thrill and letting our own imaginations create ‘paradise’.

Look, the best way I can say it politely is that Gene Wilder is my Wonka from 1971, Tim Burton’s 2005 version is my daughters Wonka and Chalamet’s 2023 is my granddaughters Wonka. Having said that, there is only one Wonka for me and as Chalamet is singing Pure Imagination, all I hear is Gene Wilder and I’m okay with that. In fact, my heart is sincerely okay with that and I have no regret because the heart wants what the heart wants.

I’m also not a fan of trying to lure me into someone elses vision of a film by putting in ‘easter eggs’. For me, it actually feels more like a slap to the face and a ‘neener, neener’ which turns into a one hour and fifty-six-minute dragging out of a beatdown to my inner child so thanks for that. Yes, the film is colorful and yes if you never saw the other film (even Burton’s version) a kid can get away with being naïve as to what they are truly missing.

It is colorful and it will get a good showing for families and that’s what going to the theatre over the holidays should be so I can happily give it a thumbs up for that. Now excuse me while I take my inner child out for some ice cream and some cuddles.

 

They Fight with DUMB MONEY: The GameStop Story

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from director Craig Gillespie and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the story of the underdog taking on Wall Street with DUMB MONEY: The GameStop Story.

It is 2020 and Keith Gill (Paul Dano) spends his spare time as Roaring Kitty on YouTube talking about the stock market. His day job is a financial analyst and husband to Caroline (Shailene Woodley) while dealing with brother Kevin (Pete Davidson) who still lives with his parents. Covid is running rampant when Keith notices that stock in his favorite place is falling.

GameStop is a place for all those who play games and Keith buys stock telling his viewers on YouTube all about it. He believes that hedge fun firms like Melvin Capital founded by Gabe Plotkin (Seth Rogen) have been short selling the stock. Listening to Roaring Kitty is Jennifer (America Ferrera) and she buys into the stock as well. Joining the ranks are college students Riri (Myha’la Herrold) and Harmony (Talia Ryder) and GameStop employee Marcos (Anthony Ramos).

They aren’t the only ones as people start aggressively buying stock and begin really following Roaring Kitty. Using the trading site Robinhood co-owned by Vald Tenev (Sebastian Stan), there is a huge surge of stocks and people begin to see they can make real money. Plotkin realizes he is in trouble when Ken Griffin (Nick Offerman) of Citadel finds a way to turn things around. That is when the United States House Committee on Financial Services decides to step in and find out what is truly going on and who is responsible.

Those who invested are stunned at what is happening and Keith stands firm in his belief only to discover there are those who stand with him, no matter what it takes.

Dano as Keith is a very quiet man who tries not to rock the boat in his life. Spending time on his YouTube just allows him a chance to talk about what he is interested in and that is the pattern of what happens on Wall Street. GameStop is, as for a lot of gamers, a place that brings them the joy of gaming so owing stock seemed the right thing. Dano gives his character the complexities of a man trying to take care of his family, working a straight job and having a few moments of online fun who never expected it to blow up. I enjoyed his portrayal and it is believable down to its core.

Davidson as Kevin looked like he was having so much fun because this role is not, in any way, a far-reaching stretch. Most of Davidson’s roles are like this but Kevin stands out as the brother who just likes to be a pain – and it works! Woodley as Caroline stands behind her husband, even when things get strange and believes in him. There really isn’t huge chemistry between the two characters but it doesn’t mean much in the grand scheme of the story.

Rogen as Plotkin spends most of the film running, with a phone stuck to his ear and sweating – a lot. I mean I would too if I was losing billions (yes, millions with a b). Rogen has the unique ability to play nervous and he does it so well. Ferrera as Jennifer is a nurse that just wants a financial break, not the world, just a small break and her nerves are just as intense as Plotkin’s but for different reasons.

Herrold as Riri, Ryder as Harmony and Ramos as Marcos are people who believed in the Roaring Kitty and are willing to hold as long as he does. They not only hold but begin to understand the workings of Wall Street and are all in when it comes to stopping them from squashing the little guy! Stan as Tenev is a man who claims he is for the people but when a large chunk of money is thrown his way, he becomes worse than Robinhood.

Shout out to Offerman and D’Onofrio because I was watching these two giggle at each of their characters. They know they are sleazy and enjoy it with a side order of rich.

Other cast include Kate Burton as Elaine Gill, Clancy Brown as Steven Gill, Rushi Kota as Baiju Bhatt, Larry Owens as Chris, Dane DeHaan as Brad, Deniz Akdeniz as Briggsy, Olivia Thirlby as Yaara Plotkin and Vincent D’Onofrio as Steve Cohen.

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 Feature include Fat Cats vs. The Roaring Kitty, Diamond Hand Ensemble, Join the Cast & Discover the Insane True Story!, Deleted Scenes and Filmmaker Commentary.

DUMB MONEY is a great way for people to learn about what happens when you don’t understand what the rich are doing on Wall Street. Just the fact that they use the term ‘dumb money’ would make me want to find a few bucks to invest with. It is a shame that Roaring Kitty isn’t still around because I’d follow him!

The cast is brilliant at keeping the intensity up for the entire film. I found myself yelling at the screen as well before I realizes I was doing it. There are relationships in the midst of the madness but what is clear is that along with the learning comes a new found understanding that life is full of chances but only to those who are willing to risk losing a little.

In the end – bank on humor!

 

 

 

Christmas is Here with LOVE ACTUALLY

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from writer/director Richard Curtis and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment celebrating its 20^th Anniversary comes the beloved new classic for the holidays with LOVE ACTUALLY.

English Rock n’ Roller Billy Mack (Bill Nighy) is making a statement for Christmas bringing his own unique version of the song Love Is All Around. He promotes it but makes it very clear that it is horrible and he doesn’t mind in the slightest. Rather than party the night away, he joins his bff Joe (Gregor Fisher) for a night of drinking.

Mark (Andrew Lincoln) is the camera man on the day of friend Peter (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and his love Juliet (Keira Knightley). Peter wonders why Mark seems to dislike his chosen bride but Mark is keeping a heartfelt and longing secret. Jamie (Colin Firth) discovers that his relationship is over, gets away to a cottage to write and meets Aurelia (Lucia Moniz). She doesn’t speak English which gives Jamie some relief except for one thing, words aren’t always necessary.

Harry (Alan Rickman) runs an agency with Mia (Heike Makatsch) as his secretary. Wife Karen (Emma Thompson) is a stay-at-home Mom who makes sure the ship runs smoothly with their two children Bernard and Daisy (Lulu Popplewell). Harry seems to have become caught in a web that Mia is spinning and Karen is the one that gets caught in it surprised by a Christmas morning present. Also at the agency is Sarah (Laura Linney) who happens to be crushing on Karl (Rodrigo Santoro) but is dealing with the issues of her brother.

David (Hugh Grant) just happens to be Prime Minister and Karen’s brother. At 10 Downing Street there are a lot of people and Natalie (Martine McCutcheon) is one of them. Together they work well until David begins to wonder if there is more and doesn’t want to be accused of any impropriety. Sometimes the heart wins.

Colin (Kris Marshall) decides he is only going to find love in America and ends up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. John (Martin Freeman) works as a film stand-in and meets Judy (Joanna Page) while doing love scenes. Both seem comfortable with one another and John discovers he can say how he feels.

Daniel (Liam Neeson) is taking care of his young stepson Sam (Thomas Sangster) after the passing of his wife. Sam is going through his own heart story with the very cute school girl Joanna (Olivia Olson). Speaking with Daniel about it all, Sam wonders how best to get her attention, especially since she is moving away soon.

Neeson, Rickman, Firth, Nighy, Grant and Lincoln, Freeman, Marshall, Santoro, Ejiofor, and Fischer what can I say boys? Your storylines are wonderful and I couldn’t get enough of the wisdom from a step-father toward a boy who he sees as no step but just a wonderful son, to a PM who can shuffle with the best, to a man who will speak the language of love, to an aged rock star, to a man who should know better than to flirt with trouble and a man who knows when to hide his heart – you are all perfectly flawed human beings and we wouldn’t have you any other way.

Thompson, Page, Olson, McCutcheon, Knightley, Makatsch and Linney – ladies, just brilliant. You carry the light of family and see the frailty of husbands, to not being afraid of a powerful man, to discovering that a quiet love is closer than you think, to understanding that even though you may find love that other obligations can get in the way of the heart, to trying to take what isn’t yours, you are all women who make sacrifices in the name of dedication to love in all its forms and sometimes to the detriment.

Shout out to Rowan Atkinson as Rufus who kept me laughing the first time I saw the film and keeps me laughing still. I have never received a gift so well thought out and packaged and I’m not sure how I would react if I did however, if its Atkinson doing it – I’m all in!

Other cast include Julia Davis as Nancy, Ruby Turner as Jean, Adam Godley as Mr. Trench, Michael Fitzgerald as Michael AbdulSalis as Tony, Claudia Schiffer as Carol, Nina Sosanya as Annie, January Jones as Jeannie, Elisabeth Margoni as Eleonore, Meg Owen as Mary, Colin Coull as Gavin, Elisha Cuthbert as Carol-Anne, Ivana Milicevic as Stacey, Shannon Elizabeth as Harriet, Denise Richards as Carla, Marcus Brigstocke as Mikey, and Billy Bob Thornton as the U.S. President.

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 Making LOVE ACTUALLY – Join writer/director Richard Curtis along with the cast and crew as they reflect on the making of the film and its legacy twenty years later, Deleted Scenes with Introductions by Richard Curtis, The Music of LOVE ACTUALLY with Introductions by Richard Curtis, The Storytellers – A featurette exploring the film’s main storylines, featuring interviews with the cast discussing their characters and the major elements within each on-screen relationship.

Also included is Kelly Clarkson “The Trouble with Love is” Music Video, Bill Mack “Christmas is All Around” Music Video and Feature Commentary with Director Richard Curtis and Actors Hugh Grant, Bill Nighy and Thomas Sangsters.

This film stole my holiday heart when I first saw it in 2003, yes it started out because Liam Neeson and Alan Rickman were in it but man, the entire cast just gave me Christmas tingles. The story is so heartfelt and sticky sweet which I usually barf over but I couldn’t help myself, I fell in ornament hook, lights line and full stocking sinker. The cast is absolutely brilliant and each character having a story of their very own is stunning still.

Look, I love me a good rom-com but LOVE ACTUALLY is so much more than that. Yes, it is on my Christmas stack of must-watch holiday movies after DIE HARD (get over it – think of it as an Alan Rickman double feature if you must). This film is about relationships, love, messiness of being a human being, whacky emotions trying to find the right places to settle, pushing the limits of the heart into places they/we are scared to go, and, of course the joy of Christmas that give us the extra push to say those three little words ‘I love you’ to someone who needs to hear it.

There is nothing, and I mean nothing that writer/director Curtis left out of this film. If anything was ever to be changed, I think I might have to throw a huge fit and Santa wouldn’t like that. It is a film of joy, love, celebration and by the end of the film, no matter how many times you watch it, the heart is just giggling with joy.

So, Happy Anniversary LOVE ACTUALLY, you have not aged a day and the world still loves you and isn’t that what it’s all about?

 

In the end – love is actually all around!

The World is in Trouble with THE WANDERING EARTH II

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from writer/director Frant Gwo and Well Go USA is the intense story of our world when looking for THE WANDERING EARTH II.

The United Earth Government is put together when they discover the Earth is being threatened by our own sun. It is continuing to expand and the only way to save mankind is to literally move the planet. The idea is to build over ten thousand fusion engines and push the Earth to a safer place. At the same time, the Lunar Exile Project wants to push the Moon away from the Earth.

UEG decides that to continue humanity, they would create mind technologies that will allow a person to be digitally uploaded. This doesn’t sit well with people and protests begin to occur. When a terrorist attack happens hitting the place where the engines are being constructed, the fighting begins between trying to save the planet and the people trying to survive. Liu Peiqiang (Wu Jing) is able to help but not in time for the Ark Space station to be destroyed.

When countries decide to stop with the program, China attempts to finish the engines. Tu Hengyu (Andy Lau) is brought out of hibernation and has the new computer that will test the Lunar engine. He also has his daughter Yaya on a hard drive having loaded her consciousness before leaving Earth. On Earth, over the next fourteen years, the engines are built while shelters are built for Earth’s citizens. Liu Peiqiang marries fellow astronaut Han Duoduo (Wang Zhi) and the project is renamed Wandering Earth Project.

The solar radiation is out of control as the sun becomes more and more dangerous. Peiqiang wants to help rebuild the Navigator ISS. The UEG knows it must detonate nuclear weapons on the moon’s Campanus Crater and after doing so realizes that the engines on Earth are not ready to move the planet. Tu Hengyu is called upon to get things back on track or the moon’s debris will destroy the earth before it can move towards Jupiter.

It is a change that will last generation after generation!

Jing as Peiqiang is a man pushed to his technological and emotional limits. He knows what is happening around him and makes it his goal to volunteer to help. Of course, he does this for his own personal reasons as well. Jing gives us a character that is dedicated to his job but also shows his emotions and the reasons for them.

Lau as Tu Hengyu is a man with a history that involves his young daughter and technology. They are intertwined together and it is up to him to find out how to correct the mistakes that have been made. When he does, it is absolutely everything. Lau takes his character from start to finish and doesn’t let off the gas once. Well done!

Cast include Li Xuejian as Zhou Zhezhi, Sha Yi as Zhang Peng, Ning Li as Ma Zhao, Zhu Yanmanzi as Hao Ziaoxi, Khalid Ghanem as Tower Commander, Andy Friend as Mike, Vitalli Makarychev as Andre Graschnov, Clara Lee as Tony Nicholson and Daniela Dassy as the Brazilian astronaut.

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.

THE WANDERING EARTH II is an eye full coming in at 174 minutes but don’t let that shy you away. It is a feast for the senses filled with excitement, tension, suspense, and CGI that is nothing short of stellar on every level. From the space crafts to the planets themselves, the pictures are crisp and full of color (even if that color is moon gray).

The cast gives it their all with a script that pops back and forth between what has happened to what is going to happen and each character goes in full force. There are stories here that are filled with emotion because once people realize the world is on the verge of ending, high emotions come into play as decisions about family must be made.

It is such a large cast and they should all be congratulated for bringing such an epic story to the screen. Surrounded by so much in the way of special effects, it does not stop their performances from coming across strongly. What an amazing project to be part of and they should all be very proud of what they accomplished.

THE WANDERING EARTH II is an epic space journey of man and the solar system so prepare for disaster to happen!

In the end – their goal is to save the earth!

 

CONCRETE UTOPIA is a Look at Humanity

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Um Tae-hwa, Lotte Entertainment and 815 Pictures comes a look at disaster and the unfolding of humanity after with CONCRETE UTOPIA.

Beginning with a quiet night in Seoul, everything is about to change. A powerful earthquake is shaking so badly that houses are collapsing and apartment buildings are falling – all except for the Hwang Gung Apartments. Surrounded by piles of rubble and destruction, the day brings people trying to find loved ones and how to survive until help arrives.

It becomes clear quickly that those who live in the surviving apartment building that protecting it must happen right away. Min-seong (Park Seo-joon) is a quiet civil servant who has a good heart and loves his wife Myeong-hwa (Park Bo-young) who is a nurse. They immediately want to be of help to anyone who needs it and takes in a woman and her child.

Knowing something has to be put together, Geum-ae (Kim Sun-young) tries to bring together a group to decide how it should be done. When a fire breaks out in one of the apartments, Yeong-tak (Lee Byung-hun) springs into action and Geum-ae sees him as a natural leader. That gives the group the idea that he would be more than capable of handling decisions about the complex.

The first thing Yeong-tak decides is that if a person isn’t a resident of the complex, they must vacate immediately. Gathering supplies like food and water is difficult enough to take care of residents. Things get a big ugly when the people outside who want in decide to push back but the complex residents push even harder keeping them out.

The work begins barricading and starting some semblance of a life when they realize that no help is coming. Groups of people go out to look for anything that will help them survive. But nurse Myeong-hwa isn’t happy with the way things are going and makes it clear to Min-seong that she suspects something about their elected leader Yeon-tak.

As with all uncertainty, chaos begins to take hold as secrets are revealed and outsiders do not forget!

Byung-hun as Yeong-tak is a clever man from the very beginning. Entering as shy, it doesn’t take long for the saying ‘absolute power corrupts absolutely’ comes into play. Everyone has their secrets and Byung-hun’s character is just like everybody else – or is he? What an great character to play with all the twists and turns slowly happening and the viewer is never quite sure what the truth is.

Seo-joon as Min-seong is a man who loves his wife and is not much of a boat rocker. He goes along to get along even if it makes him slightly uncomfortable. He doesn’t want to upset the status quo and yet he is upsetting his wife with every move he makes. That being said, he also wants to help as many people as he can putting himself in dangerous situations (for cake, you’ll see) to try and ease the uncertainty of survival.

Bo-young as Myeong-hwa is a woman that certainly isn’t going to be pushed around. Not loud in her opinions, she is less obvious about the moves she makes. Wanting to help those who are left behind, she is not of the same mind as her husband or Yeong-tak. Bo-young gives her character a stance that she holds on to from start to stunning finish and I was all in for her choices.

Ji-Hu as Hye-won takes the reigns from the beginning but doesn’t want the top job. She follows Yeong-tak, as does everyone else, and enjoys the benefits of cheering when things go right and backing the leader when things go wrong.

Other cast include Na Chul, Do-yoon Kim, Kim Hak-sun, Nam Jin-bok and Dong-gon Kim.

Lotte Entertainment is a fully-integrated leading entertainment company with film, distribution and production of over hundreds of films such as CATTLE RUN, STREAMING and SINGLE IN SEOUL. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.lotteent.com.

CONCRETE UTOPIA is a stripped-down look at humanity. There are no fancy sets to hide behind, no colorful costumes and zero bright bird chirping scenery. Instead, there is destruction, grey and dingy surroundings that offer no hope and little expectation of easy survival. Once that realization sets in, so does the predicament of who rules and how they rule.

Always in the midst of it all are kind hearted individuals who see the inequities and either do something that gets them in trouble or away from prying eyes. That’s what makes this cast so perfect at the story they are trying to tell. Director Tae-hwa offers faint glimpses at how humane this new world can be and then takes it all away by revealing the ugliness behind the desperation to survive.

Well told, well performed and well directed makes CONCRETE UTOPIA a worthy film to be considered on several levels in performance, casting and bringing it to the screen. Coming in at two hours and fifteen minutes, it is suspenseful from beginning to shocking end. Award season is on the horizon and this film is South Korea’s Official Oscar Submission.

In the end – obey or leave!

The Holiday Sparkle Begins with a WISH

 

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres to begin the holiday season from directors Chris Buck, Fawn Veerasunthorn and Walt Disney Studios comes a big WISH.

Asha (Ariana DeBose) is a young teen girl who lives on an island in the kingdom of Rosas. Ruled by King Magnifico (Chris Pine) and the lovely Queen Amaya (Angelique Cabral), this is no ordinary kingdom. After studying sorcery, the King is able to grant heart’s desires by collecting wishes and protecting them. He does hold ceremonies where he chooses wishes to grant.

The one thing that Asha truly wants is for her grandfather Sabino’s (Victor Garber) to have his wish granted. He has waited so long that Asha believes if she can become an apprentice of King Magnifico, he can possibly help. When Asha is interviewed, she actually sees who the King truly is and is saddens her. She feels it best to tell her grandfather and mother Sakina (Natasha Rothwell) that the wish isn’t going to happen.

Knowing the king is deceiving the people of Rosas, Asha goes to a special spot on the island and makes her own wish. Quickly, a ball of light lands causing quite a stir and upsets Magnifico! Asha names the light and Star gives the forest animals the ability to talk, along with her goat Valentino (Alan Tudyk). Magnifico sees the light as a threat and turns to a dark magic to find who is responsible for what is happening.

That’s when Asha and Star call up her friends Dahlia (Jennifer Kumiyama), Bazeema (Della Saba), Dario (Jon Rudnitsky), Hal (Niko Vargas) and Safi (Ramy Youssef), along with the people of Rosas to stand against a power that could destroy it all.

DeBose as Asha lends her voice to a strong teen character who learns that what she believes to be true is not exactly the same as what is true. Disappointed in learning that someone she looks up to is human after all, she takes it upon herself to bring the true meaning of Rosas and the people together with the help of a little ball of light.

Pine as King Magnifico starts out as quite a showman but it is what is behind the wall in the top of the castle that shows the truth. Pine gives his character the voice of a leader who isn’t all quite in favor of the good of the people. Cabral as Queen Amaya has supported her husband but becomes suspicious of what is happening when he turns Amaya away. She tries to help the King find his path and has no problem standing up for what is right.

Tudyk as Valentino is the comic relief of the animal kingdom. Once he finds his voice, he doesn’t hesitate to use it and I am all for it.  Kumiyama, Saba, Rudnitsky, Vargas and Youssef are the supporting characters who are just delightful to watch. The group shows exactly what friendship is all about and also stand up for what is right.

Other cast include Harvey Guillen as Gabo and Evan Peters as Simon.

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. To see what is coming from Walt Disney Studios please visit. www.movies.disney.com.   

WISH is a sweet way to start the holiday season because it is definitely the time of year when wishes are being made! The story is one of family, love, loyalty, friendship and the kind heartedness of a young girl. She wants what is best for her family and knows that she can not change things without the help of her loyal friends.

Star is the silent star of the film with the lightness, playfulness and steadfastness Disney has come to be generationally known for. There is silliness mixed into it all and a togetherness when it comes time for the final confrontation.

We saw the film as a family and really had a wonderful time together. That’s what is so much fun about the holidays, going to the theatre together to sit back and be thoroughly entertained from start to finish. I have a feeling there is going to be many a ‘star’ added to kids Christmas lists, or maybe even a few adults lists as well and there is nothing wrong with that.

In the end – be careful what you wish for!