Remembering Our Own IF

 

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres right now from writer/director John Krasinski and Paramount Pictures is a film that will become a family favorite when seeing IF.

Bea (Cailey Fleming) is a young girl who is dealing with her mother’s passing and now dad (John Krasinski) needs a heart surgery. That is a lot to deal with and the added bonus of staying with Grandma Margaret (Fiona Shaw) who hasn’t quite realizes that Bea is growing up. Visiting her dad at the hospital, Bea meets Benjamin (Alan Kim), a young boy who seems resigned to being in the hospital but tries to befriend her.

One evening coming back from a trip to the store, Bea sees a strange figure and is surprised to see it go into her grandmother’s apartment building. The next day she sees it again but this time in the company of a man named Cal (Ryan Reynolds). Following them she watches him come out of a window with a very big purple furry who calls himself Blue (voiced by Steve Carell) and she faints. Waking up, there Blue is again but this time the figure she saw introduces herself as Blossom (Phoebe Waller-Bridge).

Bea learns that these creatures are called IFs (Imaginary Friends) who have been forgotten by their children and, you have to believe to actually see them! Grumpy Cal fills in the story and discovers that he has been trying to place the IFs with new children. Bea decides that she wants to help, but first, Cal has to take her to see the Memory Lane Retirement Home where other IFs live. There, she meets Lewis (Louis Gossett Jr.), a bear who wants to help Bea bring spice back into those who live there.

That’s when Bea gets the idea to start matching IFs with new children. After seeing her grandmother one day dancing to the ballet music of her youth, Bea realizes that she has been going about it all wrong. It is not the new kids the IFs need, but those who truly need to remember a time when the world was a wonderful place to be.

Fleming as Bea is a wonderful actress playing a role that is believable for both kids and adults. Trying to hide behind the “I’m a grown up now” façade to handle her grief and fear, her journey opens up the kid in her again and its very cool to watch. Krasinski as her father is a character all his own trying to keep his daughter’s spirits up with his unusual brand of humor. He is charming, goofy and, admittedly, made me laugh at his antics.

Reynolds as Cal portrays a grumpy guy who seems irritated with everything about the IFs shenanigans and his role in it all. Having Bea around gives him an opportunity to get out of the grumps and into doing good works with a bit of a smile on his face. Yes, Reynolds unique brand of sarcasm mixed with humor is here but playing second (third, fourth, fifth, sixth….) fiddle to IFs isn’t easy but he masters it well.

Shaw as Grandmother Margaret is just endearing and her dancing scene is just magnificent because, as a grandmother, I can relate. So beautifully done. Kim as Benjamin is an easy-going kid even though he has the bones that might not agree. I love his attempt at connecting with Bea but all I wanted for him is one thing – and you’ll find out what it is at the end of the film. We cheered for him so loud!

Carell as Blue is so dang cute, cuddly, sweet and full of heart but then again, I’d expect nothing less than adding his voice to him. Waller-Bridge as Blossom is equally sharp, doesn’t let Cal bother her in the slightest and polite in a very English-have-some-tea way. It is difficult to speak on the voice of the IFs because they are ALL brilliant, lovely, hilarious, heart-warming, cheeky, and I’d have them all home with me if I could. That’s how fantastic each character seemed to have been matched to a voice.

Other cast includes Liza Colon-Zayas as Janet, Catharine Daddario as Bea’s Mom, and Bobby Moynihan as Jeremy.

The voice characters are fantastically done by Awkwafina as Bunch of Bubbles, Emily Blunt as Uni the Unicorn, George Clooney as Spaceman, Bradley Cooper as Ice, Matt Damon as Sunflower, Bill Hader as Banana, Richard Jenkins as Art Teacher, Keegan-Michael Key as Blob, John Krasinski as Marshmallow, Blake Lively as Octopuss, Sebastian Maniscalco as Magician Mouse, Matthew Rhys as Crown Ghost, Sam Rockwell as Guardian Dog, Maya Rudolph as Plushie Alligator, Amy Schumer as Gummy Bear, Allyson Seegar as Viola, Jon Stewart as Robot, Brad Pitt as Keith, and Christopher Meloni as Detective Cosmo.

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

So, my granddaughter had been wanting to see IF but, family plans, school etc., kept us away for over a week. Finally, over Memorial Day weekend and with her parents working, we decided to have a Naynay-granddaughter day and IF was on our list. We went to an early showing and popcorned up making way to our seats. We chatted, laughed and when the movie started, both my granddaughter and I were whisked away.

Now, that being said, we were laughing, jaw dropping and, at certain times, I looked over to see my granddaughters’ eyes watering. She, like her grandmother, needs a lot from a film to make tears happen but here she was with the water works turned on. She teared up from happy and teared up from very sad. Finally, I came to understand that she teared up because in this theatre she remembered her own imaginary friend that time had helped her forget.

When the film was over and we were walking to the car, she told me that she remembered her own IF and that she would never forget again. I shared with her about my own IF in the form of a pink elephant named Ollie (who I still have) and told her I owed him an apology and a good washing as well. That is what this film did for us.

Now, in the theatre, there were more sniffles than those of my granddaughter. That is what IF has accomplished. It brought families into the theatres with Dads, Moms, grandparents and the kiddies yes to see a film, but, more importantly, to remember something in our childhoods that has been forgotten. IF brought so many laughs (as Keith is now a member of our family) with memorable characters that, when the Bluray comes out, we are going to RUN out and grab.

Until then, little Uni is going to sit on my desk as a reminder that Ollie (after a good washing) now sits in a rightful place, in a comfy chair where I will see him every time I walk into the room. He deserves that much at the very least. Well done John Krasinski, and my granddaughter thanks you for Cosmo!

So this tells you everything you need to know about IF, gather up the family, gets lots of snacks, grab tissue and enjoy a film that is meant for all ages – and feel free to bring your own IFs.

In the end – this is a story you have to believe to see!

The Origins of THE FIRST OMEN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital with Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu and Hulu followed by the Bluray and DVD release in July from writer/director Arkasha Stevenson and 20^th Century Studios is THE FIRST OMEN.

In Rome, young novitiate Margaret (Nell Tiger Free) arrives in the city during a time of unrest in 1971. She goes to the Vizzardeli Orphanage to meet Cardinal Lawrence (Bill Nighy), Father Gabriel (Tawfeek Barhom) and the Abbess Sister Silva (Sonia Braga). Being shown around, she takes it upon herself to go into a room where another young girl, Carlita (Nicole Sorace), is be touted as a strange girl.

Not sure what to make of it, she dismisses it being taken to her apartment she is sharing with another novitiate Luz (Maria Cabellero). That night Luz convinces Margaret to go to a club where she quickly meets Paolo and they dance together. The next morning, she wakes up and hardly remembers anything that happened after that.

Back at the orphanage, Margaret spends time with Carlita but is warned off by Father Brennan (Ralph Ineson) as he says bad things happen around the young girl. Brennan wants to meet with Margaret so he can tell her about a power within the church that wants to bring the Antichrist to power and that Carlita is the aim at that. He also wants her to look into the Abbess’ files if she doesn’t believe him.

That is when things begin to turn for the worst. Playing on her anxieties, Margaret finds herself in the midst of madness. When Father Gabriel gets her to Brennan, they begin to realize that what they thought was happening is focused on the one person who has been oblivious to the religious game being played.

Free as Margaret does a darn good job of portraying a naïve young novitiate who has been raised in the church to trust those around her. Coming to the orphanage, she is excited to work among the children in their care. From the moment she arrived, there is something in the air that she doesn’t quite understand and Free portrays that well.

Ineson as Father Brennan is the one who clearly understands what is happening but, to say it out loud almost sounds a bit crazy. Reaching out to Margaret is the only way to get her to understand the dangers. Ineson gives us this twitchy priest who wants to stop what has started. Sorace as Carlita doesn’t have much to say verbally but her face shows everything and that is a talent. Trust the looks you see in this character!

Nighy as Cardinal Lawrence has been keeping an eye on young Margaret since she was a child and feel protective over her. I just love Nighy’s ability to play almost every kind of role possible, I don’t think there is one performance I have not thought amazing, this one is no exception. Braga as Sister Silva just freaked me out from start to finish, if I was in Catholic school as a kid she would probably have scared me straight with a single glance!

Shout out to Barhom as Father Gabriel, his role is a small one but important to Margaret’s story.

Other cast include Charles Dance as Father Harris, Ishtar Currie-Wilson as Sister Angelica, Andrea Arcangeli as Paolo, Eva Stevic Ras as the angry nun and Rachel Hurd-Wood as Katherine Thorn.

Twentieth Century Home Entertainment brings award-winning global product and new entertainment to DVD, Bluray, and Digital HD. There amazing collection offers fans an opportunity to expand their own home libraries with the best films. To discover what other titles they have please visit www.20thcenturystudios.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 The Mystery of Margaret – Join director Arkasha Stevenson and stars Nell Tiger Free, Bill Nighy and Maria Caballero as they dive into the character of Margaret, her relationships with other characters, and how she’s manipulated while trying to solve the film’s horrifying mystery, The Director’s Vision – Director Arkasha Stevenson talks about her love of horror films, the opportunity to expand on The Omen legacy, and crafting The First Omen entirely through a female lens. She also describes shooting in Rome, and the cast recounts working with Arkasha.

Also, Signs of The First Omen – Join the director and talented artists as they reveal some of the symbolism within the set designs and the costumes. Learn how the use of practical effects blurs the line between what is real and what is not in The First Omen’s terrifying world.

THE FIRST OMEN is a bit predictable but, it does lay the groundwork to the following Omen films which is nice. They didn’t try to reinvent the wheel here but instead stayed grounded to the story as it was laid out in the 1976 Richard Donner film and even a well-placed nod comes in at the end. I don’t mind an origin story in the slightest as long as it is well done and doesn’t forget where it came from so to speak. There is a bit of a twist here as well that leaves the door slightly cracked open for the imagination.

The images, as you would imagine, are pretty darn graphic as the story begins to unfold. I won’t lie, I did a bit of a jaw drop at a certain birthing scene and ended up with my hands across my eyes peeking through the fingers like a kid. Watching this at night in a dark room added the cherry on the top of spooky so I highly recommend trying the film that way. For horror genre fans, this might be a nice sway away from the norm so jump right in.

In the end – create something to fear!

 

It is the Story of EZRA

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Tony Goldwyn and Bleecker Street is the story of a father and his young autistic son EZRA.

Max Brandel (Bobby Cannavale) is a stand-up comedian who is the father of autistic son Ezra (William Fitzgerald). Sharing parenting with ex-wife Jenna (Rose Byrne), Ezra also has a connection with grandfather Stan (Robert De Niro). The young boy has been showing signs of disruptive behavior in school and when Max is told that medication and a special school are in Ezra’s future, Max is not happy.

Trying to get Jenna to listen, Max feels as if he is the voice of reason for Ezra which includes not taking any medication but instead trying to understand him. Jenna’s boyfriend Bruce (Tony Goldwyn) offers to help and later that night Ezra overhears Bruce saying something that frightens him. Flying out of the house, he gets hurt leading to a confrontation at the local hospital.

Letting his anger get the best of him, Max becomes confrontational and it costs him time with Ezra. Determined to help him all while getting a stand-up gig on the Kimmel Show, Max takes Ezra without permission. He seeks the help of his friend Nick (Rainn Wilson) which doesn’t last long, then friend Grace (Vera Farmiga). Jenna is losing her mind trying to find Ezra and she turns to Stan for help and they are on the road as well.

Cannavale as Max is a father who is trying to do one better than his own father. He wants Ezra to be part of his world minus the behaviors that seem to cause his son so many problems. Cannavale’s character is sweet, charming but has some anger issues that clearly get in the way of doing the right thing by Ezra. There are challenges that Max meets on the road with Ezra and with that, Max learns more about himself.

Fitzgerald as Ezra is truly amazing in this role dealing with a mother who is over protective and a father who seems to always be on the loud side of things. His connection with grandfather Stan is one of simplicity. De Niro as grandpa Stan is a man who is not comfortable sharing his feelings about what happened with Max’s mother or as Max was growing up. When Stan’s back is up against it, he must come clean about his own feelings before its too late.

Byrne as ex-wife Jenna is a woman who seems to always be at odds with both Max and Ezra. Feeling overwhelmed by Ezra’s behaviors, she really loses it when Max decides to take their son and it all turns sideways when the police get involved. Byrne is a loving Mom who is trying to balance a son, an ex and a former father-in-law.

Shout out to Goldwyn as Bruce in this minor role (he is busy being the director of course) but his moment causes the chaos that is to come.

Other cast include Tess Goldwyn as Mrs. Cathro, Matilda Lawler as Ruby, Daphne Rubin-Vega as Principal Lee, Lois Robbins as Susan, Ella Ayberk as Dr. Tamarov, Jackson Frazer as Ridgeway, Geoffrey Owens as Robert Segal, and Whoopi Goldberg as Jayne.

Bleecker Street is a New York City film company that has brought outstanding films to the public. Their library includes TRUMBO, DENIAL, THE LOST CITY OF Z, BEIRUT, HOTEL MUMBAI, ORDINARY LOVE and THE ROADS NOT TAKEN. For more information on the titles from Bleeker Street please visit www.bleeckerstreetmedia.com.

EZRA is the moving story of a father who truly wants what is best for his son. Feeling that his son needs an advocate, Cannavale as Max can’t help but become aggressive when he feels that he is not being heard. That is ironic considering that his own son has those very same feeling but not exactly about the same things as his father.

Their road trip brings a bit of understanding to them both about their feelings. The added mix of De Niro as Stan and Byrne as Jenna leads them on their own journey to correct things that had kept them at odds as well. The film is charming, sad, touching and has its moments of pure joy. It isn’t just about autism, it isn’t just about father’s and son’s, it isn’t just about marriages and secrets – it is above love and how it sometimes gets lost in the messes we all make.

In the end - it is a lifesaving road trip for them all!

THE DEAD DON’T HURT

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from writer/director Viggo Mortensen, Talipot Studios and Shout! Studios is the story of the rugged life in the west with THE DEAD DON’T HURT.

In the 1860’s life was difficult on the wild frontier of the United States and Danish Holger Olsen (Viggo Mortensen) lives in the quiet town of Elf Flats. On a trip to San Francico, Olsen meets Vivienne (Vicky Krieps) and sees in her an independent woman with a mind of her own. Finding themselves attracted to one another, she follows Olsen back to Elk Flats.

Once there, they begin to make a life for themselves and Vivienne decides to get a job at the local saloon. After a bit of time, Olsen tells her he must go and do his part fighting for the Union in the Civil War. Vivienne is left behind to take care of their homestead and working at the saloon. Around her is Mayor Rudolph Schiller (Danny Huston) and powerful rancher Alfred Jeffries (Garret Dillahunt) who control everything in town. Jefferies son Weston (Solly McLeod) has a reputation for violence but is never held accountable.

Weston is taken with Vivienne and makes advances that she makes clear is unacceptable to her but he is not accustomed to being told no by anyone. When Olsen finally returns from the fight, he is happy to see Vivienne but discovers that something has happened to disturb their peace. That does not stop them from sharing their life until Olsen decides it is time to go what’s best for them all.

Mortensen as Olsen once again plays a character that is quiet in nature but observes everything around him. When he comes across Vivienne, he quickly becomes entranced by her but at the same time realizes she is a force all her own. Mortensen gives his character an openness not found openly in that time period, happy to have Krieps’ characters company without the ties of a ceremony. He also knows his own mind and follows it, even if it is to war.

Krieps as Vivienne is a fiery woman who doesn’t suffer fools for very long. She makes herself plain always, stands up for what she wants and refuses to follow any society norms just to please men. Krieps’ performance in this role gives a strong, fearless (even when there are moments of fear) and memories of her childhood beliefs that give her a quiet strength.

Huston as the Mayor has the uncanny ability to play a bad guy but make it seem as if he is a friend to all, just love it. Dillahunt as Jeffries is going to make sure that he remains powerful and no one is going to get in the way, that includes his son. McLeod as Weston is a boy/man who doesn’t believe the law applies to him in the matter of murder or anything else. McLeod gives his character the right amount of despicability from beginning to end.

Other cast includes Nadia Litz as Martha Gilkyson, Marc Dennis as Fishmonger Stevens, John Getz as Reverend Simpson, Billy Crossley as Shane Graham, Rafel Plana as Claudio Garcia, Alex Breaux as Ed Wilkins, , Jason Clarke as Fergus, Atlas Green as Vincent, Eliana Michaud as little Vivienne, W. Earl Brown as Alan Kendall, and Ray McKinnon as Judge Blagden.

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.

Talipot Studio is a content creation, production and development incubator of scripts and concepts for feature-films, television series and documentaries that in turn serves as producer or co-producer of projects. Their vision is centered on developing all types of stories, from their first visionary concept to its realization. For more of what Talipot Studios has to offer please visit www.talipot.studios.com

THE DEAD DON’T HURT is an old-fashioned western with modern undertones of a woman who clearly isn’t guided by the rules of the day. Mortenson gives the film the right feel of horses, dust, firearms and the underhandedness of powerful men in the west. Together, Olsen and Vivenne understand one another and these two actors bring about a powerful western tale. Their love was unique showing the power of overcoming both of their circumstances.

It may take a moment to adjust to the stories intermixing but, as the tale becomes clearer, it is another notch in Mortensen’s ability to weave and create an original film. Added to this is that Mortensen is also a producer and brings in the music for the film. It is a herculean task just being a director but deciding that there is an important is how the story should come across, what is a few more ways to make that happen.

THE GARFIELD MOVIE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Memorial Day weekend for the entire family from director Mark Dindal and Sony Pictures is an iconic cat with THE GARFIELD MOVIE.

Garfield (Chris Pratt) is sharing a little more about his life and how it all began for him. From the life of an abandoned kitten on the streets to discovering Jon (Nicholas Hoult) and his first pizza experience. While being comfy at home with his bestie Odie (Harvey Guillen) and having a midnight snack, they are kidnapped by Shar-pei Roland (Brett Goldstein) and whippet Nolan (Bowen Yang).

Taken to an abandoned building, Garfield hears a voice he recognizes, that of his father Vic (Samuel L. Jackson). But that isn’t who is responsible! An angry Persian cat Jinx (Hannah Waddingham) who is upset with Vic and used Garfield and Odie to get to him. Jinx agrees to forgive and forget if they get her the one thing she craves.

Off to Lactose Farms, they meet Otto who is the only one that can help Garfield, Odie and Vic get inside to get the white liquid gold. There biggest obstacle is Marge (Cecily Strong) and she has her own plan because security is everything. It isn’t going to be easy as father and son need to come to terms with the past because the goal is to get home!

Pratt as the voice of Garfield brings in a different vocal vibe with much more talking than most would be use to and at a faster pace. Going up against Jackson’s own brand of witty repartee, it is an interesting matchup. Jackson as dad Vic has his own backstory to tell but first cat-Dad has to get past a very stubborn son. Hoult as Jon is a loving pet-dad who endures more than most pet owners would but he wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Waddingham as Jinx is a total package, think the Siamese cats from ARTISOCATS but in the same fluffy English accented body and you have Jinx. She has a score to settle and Waddingham gets the chance to vocalize it. Rhames as Otto is the strong silent type, for a hot second, and when he finds a reason to shout orders – then the big bull comes out totally.

Goldstein as Roland and Yang as Nolan are Jinx’s henchmen who seem to enjoy their work. What they have going for them is that size doesn’t always play a factor in their scheme of things. Strong as Marge is dedicated to her job and has the set up to prove it. She is tough, smart, quick and isn’t about to let a bunch of animals get the better of her.

Total shout out to Guillen as Odie because, let’s face it, he stole the entire film. Of course, he satisfies every whim his buddy Garfield wants and he seems to know what Garfield needs before he needs it – a true friend. He had me laughing and recognizing that he is the smartest “person” in the film for sure.

Other cast include Dev Joshi as Liz, Luke White as Vito, Alicia Turrell as Ethel, Janelle James as Olivia and Snoop Dogg as the blue Maine Coon.

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

So let me get this out of the way, THE GARFIELD MOVIE is different from its previous makings. My favorite is the 2004 version GARFIELD: The Movie because Garfield is voiced by Bill Murray who had the right voice for it, attitude and twisted humor. It is also the version that sent my granddaughter into fits of giggles – two of my favorite things.

The film is full of action, fun, laughs and charm which is important for parents who are looking for entertainment that kids can enjoy. Garfield is the most recognizable cat and is the creation of Jim Davis. He began publishing the comic strip in 1976 and went nationwide in 1978.

As families look for something to do Memorial Day weekend, this is a charming film for the entire family. Grab a big tub of popcorn, sit back, relax and giggle along with the kids for a good time. That’s what an awesome family experience at the movies should be and our furry friends are happy to provide it.

In the end – he gets bigger!

Take a Jump with THE FALL GUY Landing on Digital

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital this week from director David Leitch and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the story of a stuntman who is becoming THE FALL GUY.

Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling) is the stunt double for action star Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). Girlfriend Jody (Emily Blunt) is a camera woman on the picture that they are both working on. Ryder wants an action sequence to be bigger and asks Colt to make it happen. What ends up happening is an accident that ruins a lot of things in Colt’s life.

That is until almost two years later, Colt gets a call from film producer Gail Meyer (Hannah Waddingham). She tells him that Jody is the director on another Ryder action film, MetalStorm, and he is wanted on the set to do stunts. He is thrilled because he wants to help Jody with anything she needs, it isn’t until he is on the set that he finds out the truth.

He isn’t there a day before having to deal with ex-girlfriend rage and a disappearing action star. Gail asks Colt to go find him and it isn’t everything he signed up for. Arriving at Ryder’s place, he is sent on a wild goose chase leading him to a hallucinating chase and a body on ice in a hotel room. Trying to understand what is happening, he is chased down by thugs who want Ryder’s phone.

All of that is interfering with his reconnection to Jody and that is setting Colt on edge, especially knowing that the cops are on his case. Colt and Jody come up with a plan that will hold those responsible accountable but not without a few stunts thrown in.

Gosling as Colt comes on with a stuntman swag that had me giggling from the very beginning. What is stellar about Gosling is that he can take on a heavy role and become so entangled in the character that its mesmerizing and with comedy, he has facial expressions that just brings out such fun and it’s fantastic. He did justice to the role of Colt.

Blunt as Jody has her own set of issues feeling like the jilted ex-girlfriend who is taking her frustration out on her film. Blunt gives her character indignation that all jilted girls feel but don’t have a chance to make a sci-fi about it. I just love everything Blunt does no matter if it’s a serious character or comedy, like Gosling, she makes magic happen.

Taylor-Johnson as Ryder is an actor that is full of himself and doesn’t think the rules of anything apply to him. He has everyone on the set on the verge of craziness but has Colt on the verge of being the best stuntman. Waddingham as Gail is a woman who basically spends her time trying to plump up everyone’s ego all while babysitting a straw in a drink of who-knows-what. At the top of her game, she isn’t about to let a stuntman and a girlfriend ruin her kingdom.

Other cast include Teresa Palmer as Iggy Starr, Stephanie Hsu as Alma Milan, Winston Duke as Dan Tucker, Matuse as Doone, Adam Dunn as Nigel and Ben Knight as Dressler. There are cameos by Lee Majors, Heather Thomas and Jason Momoa.

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.

THE FALL GUY comes with an Extended Cut with an additional twenty-minutes of never-before-seen footage featuring more action, more laughs and more stunts when purchased from Apple TV, Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu), Comcast Xfinity, Cox and Microsoft Movies & TV. The original film is available wherever you rent or buy movies.

If you are into nostalgia mixed with comedy then this is the film for you. The soundtrack is amazing, especially the scene of Colt lamenting with a Taylor Swift song (All Too Well). From the very beginning, the action is exactly what one would expect from a stunt man. As the story goes along, the comedy is just completely hilarious.

Gosling once again brings in a fun performance that made the film, especially for someone who remembers the 1908’s television series fondly, a walk down nostalgia lane delightful. Blunt brings in the calm in the midst of chaos and at the same time is so darn charming in the process. All of that together makes THE FALL GUY a really good family fun film that calls for pizza or popcorn at the very least on a Friday night! Cheer from start to finish!

In the end – what could possibly go right?

AMERICAN HUSTLE Celebrates 10th Anniversary

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from director David O. Russell and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment comes a look back to the AMERICAN HUSTLE.

Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) is a complete con man who takes life one hustle at a time. He falls for Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) who helps bring the hustle a few steps up the ladder and classier.That is until they get caught by Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) who is a hustler of another kind. 

As an FBI agent Richie wants to get all the bad guys from politicians to the mafia and he’s going to use Irving and Sydney to do it.

Beginning with Mayor Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner), Irving begins to lead Richie further and further into it all. The plan is to have a Shiek Abdullah (Michael Pena) invest in New Jersey to bring industry and jobs. But there is a problem, Irving’s wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence), a woman whose mouth and attitude have no filter.

Now Irving, Sydney and Richie are spinning like crazy to keep the hustle under control before they all fall down!

Bale as Rosenfeld is interesting to watch – not for acting reasons but because of his character’s mannerisms and dress. That in itself is enough to jaw drop because the transformation is pretty wild. That being said his performance didn’t blow me away and I’ll sum up why after I’ve finished here.

Adams as Sydney gets a chance to be gritty in her low cut nicely done British accent. Between babysitting Irving and charming Richie she had more than her fair share of man problems. There was no doubt who was the brains of the operation – it’s just too bad she was dealing with those two guys!

Cooper as Richie is pretty much a twitchy-perm-wearing-living-with-his-Mom-wanna-be-FBI-big-shot. Yea, he’s still cute but not so cute as to kind of bore me a time or two. I know, I know maybe I had seat-lag or something.

Renner gets to play a nice guy family man politician who isn’t above trying to make his hometown a better place or is he a nice guy family man politician who isn’t above taking a bribe masked as a make is hometown a better place – I don’t know.

Lawrence as Rosalyn is annoying, but that’s the point. She’s married to a criminal and as long as that criminal keeps her happy it’s all-good. My problem here is that the commercials make her role out to be so big when it’s only her presence that’s so big!

Other cast include: Jack Huston as Pete Musane, Shea Whigham as Carl Elway, Alessandro Nivola as Anthony Amado, Elisabeth Rohm as Dolly Polito and Louis C.K. as Stoddard Thorsen with a nice cameo that I’m keeping to myself.

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

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

Bonus Materials include presented on 4K Ultra HD Disc Presented in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision, Featuring English Dolby Atmos + 5.1 Audio, HDP and Atmos approved by Director David O. Russell and Theatrical Trailer.

On Bluray Disc the Special Features include Feature Presented in High Definition, English DTS-HD MA 5.1 Audio, Eleven Deleted and Extended Scenes and The Making of AMERICAN HUSTLE.

The music was awesome, the costuming brilliant and parts of the story interesting to be sure. I felt like I was watching a twisted GOOD FELLAS and an equally twisted version of THE STING. The costumes are absolutely stunning and that could be because I remember a few of the outfits Adams wore. It was a cool time with cool clothes and music that kept us all going in that era.

The cinematography just brings back that time in America from cars to the streets and everything in between. This 4K Ultra HD features include nearly 15 minutes of new deleted and extended scenes. It is also available in a limited edition Steelbook. Celebrate the 10^th Anniversary of AMERICAN HUSTLE!

In the end – everyone hustles to survive!

ONE FROM THE HEART: Reprise

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD and Bluray from director Francis Ford Coppola and Lionsgate is a story of two people who take ONE FROM THE HEART: Reprise.

It is Independence Day in the sin city town of Las Vegas. Frannie (Teri Garr) is a travel agent who is in a five-year relationship with mechanic Hank (Frederick Forrest). She wants adventure in her life when Hanks seems happy enough at home playing his trumpet. Frannie has had enough of feeling as if Hank just doesn’t care about her or their relationship.

Deciding it is time for her to strike out, Frannie meets singer/waiter Ray (Raul Julia) and together they have a whirl wind night and make plans for an adventure. Meanwhile, Hank decides that he is going to go out with circus performer Leila (Nastassja Kinski) but regrets it in the morning.

Deciding that its Frannie he wants, it is now a race for Hank to prove that he is capable of being the man she needs but is it too late?

Garr is absolutely brilliant as Frannie, a young woman who clearly wants love, affection and respect from her five-year relationship. When Hank can’t give that to her in any more, she decides to get out and experience a bit of the wild side of life. She is delighted by the lights and freedom being away from it all brings. I just love the dance sequence with Julia as it adds such a fantastic layer to her role.

Forrest as Hank is straight forward and a bit under emotional when it comes to his relationship with Frannie. Even when she makes it clear that he is lacking in their relationship, he makes no effort to keep her. Trying to be as adventurous as Frannie, he does take a chance but it only brings him regret and a deep desire to fix things even if he’s stuck in how to do that. Forrest is actually perfect for this role bringing in that emotionally unattached persona.

Julia as Ray is just as handsome as he wants to be. Being a Julia fan from as far back as I can remember, I was thrilled to see him on the screen and the dance numbers are just brilliant. He came in not as Mr. Right but Mr. Right-now to Frannie but I can’t imagine anyone else playing this role now. Kinski as Lelia is the circus performer who was falling for Hank but truly didn’t know what she was getting into but that doesn’t mean a heart can’t be broken quickly. She is so lovely.

Other cast includes Lainie Kazan as Maggie, Harry Dean Stanton as Moe, Allen Garfield as the restaurant owner and Rebecca De Mornay as an understudy.

Lionsgate is a global leader in motion picture production and distribution for theatres, television, home entertainment and more. Theatre franchises include THE HUNGER GAMES, and DIVERGENT along with JOHN WICK. Now, adding this film to its 16,000-motion picture and television titles you can see everything coming soon as well as available now at http://www.lionsgate.com.

Special Features of the PKG Only are 4K Disc – ONE FROM THE HEART: Reprise, Francis Ford Coppola Feature Commentary, New The Look of ONE FROM THE HEART, New The Cast of ONE FROM THEHEART, New The Choreography of ONE FROM THE HEART, New Reinventing the Musical: Baz Luhrmann ONE FROM THE HEART, New ONE FROM THE HEART: Reprise, Restoration Comparison and New 2024 Trailer.

Bluray Disc – ONE FROM THE HEART 1982 Cut, The Making of ONE FROM THE HEART, The Dream Studio, The Electronic Cinema, Tom Waits and the Music from ONE FROM THE HEART, Deleted Scenes, Videotaped Rehersals, Francis Ford Coppola Speaks to the Exhibitors, Press Conference at the Studio, This One’s From the Heart Music Video, Stop-Motion Demo, The Tom Waits Score: Alternate Tracks, 2003 Theatrical Trailer and 1982 Theatrical Trailer.

A bit of trivia in that Gene Kelly was a consultant on the extremely wonderful dance sequence between Raul Julia and Teri Garr which as restored in the 2003 restoration of the film. Also, in the elevator scene, Coppola had his own parents, Italia and Carmine Coppola play the couple in the elevator.

If, after watching the film, you feel a tad bit of LA LA LAND, you wouldn’t be the only one. The music, dancing and songs are absolutely stunning and the story is a heart wrencher. I am a firm believer that if you put in the right music, it will bring the film to another level and in ONE FROM THE HEART it absolutely does. The bright colors of sin city and the back drops are just beautiful and also add another layer to the telling.

Coppola had a great idea here for the time this film was made. It didn’t get the treatment or reception is certainly deserved then but now, returning to 4K Ultra HD, everyone gets the opportunity to see the stunning vision of the story of Frannie and Hank.

In the end – a unique vision of love!

It is the Question of Do WE GO ON Remastered

 

Jeri Jacquin

On Bluray from directors Andy Mitton, Jesse Holland and Lightyear is the remastered film WE GO ON Remastered.

Miles (Clark Freeman) is a man living is life in paralyzing fear of death. He decides the only way to stop the trauma is by offering anyone $30,000 for proof of ghosts, angels, demons or anything else that proves there is an afterlife. Mom (Annette O’Toole) tries to understand why he needs to do it but supports and follows him on the journey for answers.

He finds the names of three people he thinks can possibly help, the first being a scientist who attempts to prove a theory, one which Mom squashes immediately. The next person on the list is medium Josephina (Giovanna Zacarias) who attempts to make Miles understand what is happening around him but is having problems coping with her own visions.

Becoming strained by what has been happening, Miles and his mother try to talk about the past and the memories. He decides it is time to go on his own and sends Mom on her way but she isn’t about to go without talking to Josephina one more time. Miles agrees to meet with Nelson (Jay Dunn) who promises him the answers he is looking for but within the walls of a house, he might have finally found his answers.

Freeman as Miles is clearly a man at the end of his mind with the fears that plague him daily. Trying to deal with it all, offering money for proof of life seems to be all that is left. Jumping from one clue to another it causes him even more terrors. Freeman gives a believable performance of those fears from one search to the next.

O’Toole as Mom doesn’t believe in the afterlife but does have the memories of a husband who helped raise their son. She goes along with Miles believing that perhaps it will help him with his fears but isn’t going to let just anyone mess with her boy. O’Toole gives a strong character performance and when it comes to frights, she has to see to believe.

Zacarias as Josephina is a complex character as well living both in the real and spiritual world. Personally, I think anyone would go a bit crazy trying to tell the living from the not so much. Glover as Dr. Ellison comes on strong and believes in his quest equally. Glover has always been good at portraying these types of characters and does so in this film as well.

Dunn as Nelson gives the most frightening performance of all. He doesn’t seem to want the money but instead has a far greater motive for wanting to help Miles. Then again, with all help there is sometimes a price to be paid.

Other cast include Laura Heisler as Alice, Jay Dunn as Nelson, David Bickford as a TV personality, Justin Carpenter as Miles Dad, Tony Devon as Alberto, Cassidy Freeman as young Charlotte, Logan Kishi as Paulo, Peter Lucas as The Priest, and John Glover as Dr. Ellison.

Lightyear Entertainment is a Los Angeles-based distribution company that previously theatrically released TANNA, Academy Award nominated for Best Foreign Film. Additionally, CEO Arnie Holland and his team theatrically released THE ETRUSCAN SMILE, which starred Brian Cox (HBO’s Succession), MAZE, GOLDSTONE, VOODOO MACBET, and A-HA: The Movie. For more information, visit www.lightyearentertainment.com.

Bonus Features include Commentary from Stars Annette O’Toole and Clark Freeman, Commentary from director/writer (story) Jesse Holland and Commentary from director/writer Andy Mitton.

WE GO ON: Remastered was the winner of Audience Awards at Dances with Films and the Dead by Dawn Horror Film Festival and the Silver Raven at the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival.

The film is a slow ride into horror, madness and what lies beyond in the open mind. The answer of life after death happens in mind of the viewer as the story makes it clear that we are all going to see death differently. In Miles’ case, his search is based on fear and with each step he takes, the fear grows more and more.

Step by step, the character of Miles feels he is either being dragged or led to the answers he is willing to pay for. That won’t stop him either way and we are all on his journey whether we believe or not – and that’s the horror of it.

In the end – is there life after death?

 

He is the CEMETERY MAN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Available now from Italian director Michele Soavi and Severin Films comes the story of a plague of another kind and the one who deals with it is CEMETERY MAN.

Francesco Dellamonte (Rupert Everett) is the local cemetery watchman in Buffalora, Italy and his job is to handle the recently deceased and what happens after the seem to rise from the grave. He lives in the cemetery with Gnaghi (Francois Hadji-Lazaro) for whom words don’t come, well, at all. When Francesco isn’t dealing with the living/dead or speaking to Death (Derek Jacobi), he spends his free time with outdated telephone books.

As the dead keep coming out of the ground, Francesco deals with them knowing for every burial, he will be busy on the 7^th day. He has told the mayor about the “returners” but a reelection campaign seems more important. He does tell Franco (Anton Alexander) but figures it’s just easier to dispose of them his six-shooter way.

On day, Francesco notices the young widow (Anna Falchi) and he is smitten immediately. Just as fast as Francesco has love, he loses it and does not handle it well. He is not the only one in love as Gnaghi has found it in the mayor’s daughter Valentina (Fabiana Formica) but shows it in his own unique gastro-intestinal way.

But, Francesco keeps meeting women who look like the young widow and he becomes more and more filled with anxiety when love doesn’t work out. When he has had just about enough, Francesco goes about waving his gun wreaking havoc but no one seems to notice. That’s when he decides to pack up and head out into the great big world and see what’s possible. Of course, he takes Gnaghi along.

Sometimes the road doesn’t always lead you where you want to be.

Everett as Francesco, besides being very, very young in the film, seems accepting of what his job entails and, in a twisted way, seems to enjoy it. That is until he falls head over gravestone with the very attractive young widow. Is it love or pure unadulterated lust – doesn’t matter because Francesco is all in. Everett gives us a man who is trapped without realizing he is trapped whether it by zombie responsibilities or lustful love and when he does realize it, no one seems to notice. Well-played Everett!

Hadji-Lazaro as Gnaghi may be quiet but he has a lot to say through his actions. He knows how to handle the cemetery but let’s Francesco make all the calls. When he becomes love-struck himself, there is nothing that is going to stop him from having that moment of happiness. I enjoyed watching Hadji-Lazaro play second fiddle but he understands more than he gets credit for.

Flachi as the young widow as several opportunities both from the grave and walking on two legs to sweep Francesco away. Each incarnation doesn’t set well with him but Flachi gives us a lovely (if somewhat vine-covered) rendition of beauty both above and below ground.

Other cast include Barbara Cupisti as Magda, Alessandro Zamattio as Claudio, Stefano Masciarelli as Mayor Scanarotti, Clive Riche as Dr. Vercesi, and Mickey Knox as Marshall Straniero.

Severin Films is dedicated to the world’s most provocative cinema for physical media, theatrical, streaming and beyond. Founded in 2006 by David Gregory, Carol Daft and John Cregan, Severin’s curatorial and archival work has produced acclaimed collectors’ editions and box sets that has placed the company at the forefront of the industry, while their original productions have won numerous awards on the international festival circuit. For more please visit www.severinfilms.com.

The Special Features include Audio Commentary by Director Michele Soavi and Screenwriter Gianni Romoli, At the Graves – Interview with Michele Soavi, Of Love and Death – Interview with Actor Rupert Everett, She – Interview with Actress Anna Falchi, Archival Making-Of, Italian Trailer and English Trailer.

CEMETERY MAN gives us so much in this film with a mixture of fun and horror at the same time. I’m sure the fun part comes from my giggling at the zombies but they were equally as creepy. There was so much to take in and my favorite was the total difference between the cemetery from day to night. Of course, my preference is the night with its somber lights, dancing flames, and zombie costuming/effects.

Francesco and Gnaghi are absolutely suited together for both their temperament and their mutual longing for love in the most unloving of places. Director Soavi puts on an extravaganza of twists, turns and a bizarreness that is intriguing and memorable. CEMETERY MAN made its debut in 1994 as is based on the novel DELLAMORTE DELLAMORE by Tiziano Sclavi.

In the end – it is love, death, and a six-shooter!

The Lives Entwined with DARK MATTER

Jeri Jacquin

Coming soon to Apple TV+ from creator/writer Blake Crouch is the fate of one man who could never imagined that an idea would send him on a journey through DARK MATTER.

Jason Dessen (Joel Edgerton) is a college professor who has moments where he questions his life choices. Married to Daniela (Jennifer Connelly) who runs her own art gallery, they are raising their 16-year-old son Charlie (Oakes Fegley) in a modest home in Chicago.

Out for a night with friend Ryan (Jimmi Simpson) to celebrate an award, he offers Jason a chance to be part of a new project but it is in San Francisco. Jason sees his life where he is and loves being with his family.  Leaving the bar, he is abducted by a stranger who is about to rob Jason of everything he knows. Jason wakes up to discover that his surroundings are unfamiliar and frightening except for Leighton (Dayo Okeniyi).

Running to a place he knows; Jason finds a woman named Amanda (Alice Braga) living in his house. Still nothing is familiar so he reaches out to Daniela but she is also different. In fact, the world he knows seems to have simply disappeared, but has it? Leighton shows Jason something that was once only something he thought about – and now it is in front of him – the box. What is does is almost as frightening but Jason only knows one thing and that is to get back home to his family.

The box has other ideas!

Edgerton as Jason is a man who has his ups and downs but mainly happy to be with his family. There is a disappointment with being a college professor along with a bit of frustration as he sees students apathetic to classes. At home he is happy with his wife and the goings on of his son but he never could have imagined how much he would miss it all until it is taken from him. Edgerton takes on his character with such depth which is necessary to tell this particular story. Each episode Edgerton goes deeper and deeper into the journey of his character and does so stunningly. The dual emotions are there and the viewer will understand it all as well.

Connelly (Academy Award winner) as Gabriela is also happy with her home life and running the gallery. Her story begins to unfold as well showing Connelly’s amazing ability to not only transform her character physically but mentally as well. I enjoyed watching her performance so much go from joy to total gut-wrenching sadness. As the story continues, so does the importance of Connelly’s character and I am all in.

Braga as Amanda sees what Jason is going through and the danger he is in with Leighton. Taking it upon herself to save him, she joins Jason on the journey through the corridors to find his spot in time. There is so much danger in what she is doing but Braga’s character is in it deep. Braga’s character also realizes that she must find something for herself in all of this madness. Her character is equally as important to the story as she joins Edgerton and Connelly through the maze of madness.

Okeniyi as Leighton has a part to play in how Jason handles life with his family. The connection to the worlds is not something he understands yet nothing stops him from being a part of it. Simpson as Ryan is responsible for part of what is happening to Jason but how much of a part is something to be discovered.

Apple+ is a video on demand web television that debuted in 2019. Viewable through Apple’s TV app, CEO Tim Cook wanted original content calling it “a great opportunity for us from a creation point of view”. From THE MORNING SHOW to TRYING and THE BANKER and Jason Momoa in SEE, there is plenty of choices for everyone. Plenty of genres? That is exactly what they are bringing to viewers and to see more of what they have to offer please visit www.apple.com/tv/.

The eight episodes include Are You Happy in Your Life, Split, The Box, The Corridor, Dark Velocity, Fucking Married People, In the Fires of Dead Stars and Jupiter.

Crouch serves as creator, executive producer, showrunner and writer along with executive producers Matt Tolmach and David Manpearl. Edgerton also serves as executive producer.

DARK MATTER is a serious trip of a series that will have everyone guessing from one episode to the next. Travelling through the corridor for Jason is absolutely stunned at what he finds. Yes, vagueness comes in here because it is important for everyone to see each episode for themselves and enjoy it firsthand. Just know there are twisted possibilities for this maze of realities and that should get viewers on board for this piece of sci-fi brilliance.

Edgerton and Connelly are perfect together for Crouch’s written characters and they play it marvelously. They bring suspense, suspicion, the world of quantum mechanics like no Marvel movie ever could (sorry Ant Man). Apple TV+ is part of creating these worlds from stunningly beautiful to stark possibilities all in one series.

The relationships between all of the characters are sharp forcing us all to remain attentive because the details are so very important. Nothing is small in DARK MATTER, no detail, no event, and no door and that makes this series original but also bits and pieces of déjà vu.

In the end – each door brings him closer to home!

She is Feeling THE IDEA OF YOU

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Prime Video from writer/director Michael Showafter and Amazon MGM Studios is a film about love, age and love found with THE IDEA OF YOU.

Solene (Anne Hathaway) is celebrating her 40^th birthday and trying to understand what that means in her ever-changing life. Recently divorced from Daniel (Reid Scott) who left her for a young woman, Solene has been focusing on raising daughter Izzy (Ella Rubin). Deciding to take a camping trip alone to figure things out, her plans abruptly change.

When Daniel can’t take Izzy to Cochella, Solene has to step in and make it happen. This includes a lot of VIP events and one of those is a meet and greet with the popular boy-band August Moon. Gathering up Izzy and friends, off they all go to the big event. While the kids take off to explore, Solene finds a bathroom and surprised to see a 24-year-old Hayes (Nicholas Galitzine) from August Moon.

Not realizing who he is, she is caught off guard but Hayes quickly makes it a laughable meet. They see each other again later in the concert as he learns that Solene has an art gallery. Surprising her again, he comes to the gallery and what starts out as a sale turns into time spent together with a bit of texting. When Izzy goes off to camp, Hayes invites Solene to go on a bit of a European holiday as things begin to heat up between the two.

Solene is enjoying herself so much but, there comes a moment where she realizes that problems are headed their way. They say age is nothing but a number but unfortunately, that is not always true.

Hathaway as Solene plays a woman who is dealing with a divorce based on age and all that comes with it. Raising a teenage daughter, she is focusing on that and her work so love, let alone love with a younger man doesn’t seem possible. Of course, once it becomes possible, so does the world we now live in with judgements and social media as well as home life. Hathaway gets a chance to be a sexy older woman to a young man and that’s about it. I’m not sure if this is Hathaway’s attempt at navigating into “older” characters and good on her but it seems a bit of a reach.

Galitzine as Hayes is a young man in a boy band who finds Solene attractive. Having deeper feelings, he also doesn’t realize what he is about to put her through. The life he lives is not exactly her style. Galitzine is charming and plays well opposite Hathaway but, to be honest, this isn’t a stretch of a character to play. I know that doesn’t seem fair but it’s the truth, he sings a little, talks a little and kisses a lot. That’s the extent of it.

Rubin as Izzy and Scott as Daniel both have their reasons for being difficult about their characters but I’m not buying it from either. Scott gives us a dysfunctional ex-husband who clearly doesn’t know what he wants expect he doesn’t want Solene to be happy. Rubin gives us a teenage girl who is sort of thrilled to be meeting the boy-band but doesn’t want her mother to be happy because she can’t handle the pressure at school? Not sure any of this is actually bringing me into the story.

Other cast include Jordan Aaron Hall as Zeke, Jaiden Anthony as Adrian, Raymond Cham Jr. as Oliver, Viktor White as Simon, Dakota Adan as Rory, Annie Mumolo as Tracy and Perry Mattfeld as Eva.

Amazon Prime offers television shows and original content included in its Amazon Prime subscription. Original programs such as CARNIVAL ROW, THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, and THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL are hit shows. Coming soon is the next series with GOLIATH starring Billy Bob Thornton and it promises to another successful and intense series. For more information, please visit www.amazon.com/Amazon-Video.

The film is based on the novel by Robinne Lee The Idea of You with the screen adaptation by Jennifer Westfeldt.

Look, I see where THE IDEA OF YOU is coming from in the sense that the character Solene is a woman who doesn’t know what she’s looking for and now gets a chance to go out and have some fun. It’s all great, it’s all good – the problem is the waffling between the “I’m too old for you” and “I want to be with you” to “I’m too old for you” gave me whiplash. The story is pretty predictable but I wasn’t expecting Oscar performances either.

This is a nice rainy-day Saturday let’s-get-cuddly-on-the-sofa kind of film. There is nothing horrible about the film, it’s just that there isn’t any glue that holds it together. The film is basically a quick run through about staying away from younger men if you’re an older woman but the same doesn’t apply to older men and younger women. Same story different day. The ending is quite charming albeit, again, looking to reign in the hearts.

Just enjoy it for what it is and don’t listen to this older woman who would never consider dating a 24-year-old in a boy band – but hey, that’s just me.

In the end – when the last thing you expect becomes the only thing you want!