A QUIET PLACE: Day One

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Michael Sarnoski and Paramount Pictures is the beginning with A QUIET PLACE: Day One.

Samira (Lupita Nyong’o) is spending her days in the hospital and slowly closing herself off. Nurse Reuben (Alex Wolff) tries to find something that will bring Sam out of her funk and suggests a day in New York City. Making him promise they would get pizza; Sam decides to pack up her cat Frodo and go on a little adventure.

Not happy to discover their destination, Sam decides to make the best of it and meets Henri’s (Djimon Hounsou) family. When emotions get the best of her, Sam makes her way back onto the bus and the rest of the gang soon follows. It isn’t long before she realizes that something is terribly wrong and quickly everything explodes.

Waking up, she is immediately motioned to remain quiet noticing all the wounded people around her. Happy to see Reuben and Frodo, Sam still doesn’t understand what is happening around them. When it all becomes clear, Sam is horrified to realize the world she knows is crumbling around her. Gathering up her things, Sam takes off on her own. When the visitors continue their attack, Sam meets Eric (Joseph Quinn) who is clearly in shock.

The two begin their trek across New York believing that there is the possibility of rescue. They also begin to understand one another and strong connections form in the new place of madness. Each step they take brings them either closer to attack or closer to the slim chance of rescue.

Nyong’o as Sam is a woman that is dealing with so much in, what she believes, is a short amount of time. The only human connection she seems to have is the strained relationship with Rueben and the not-so-human connection with her cat Frodo. Once the invasion begins, she has one goal and nothing is going to stop her from achieving it. Nyong’o gives us a strong female character that is clear about what she wants. The last moments of the film had everyone in the theatre whispering, “whoaaaa” and that is worth every letter of the word.

Quinn as Eric is traumatized by what has happened and he is having a difficult time gathering his emotions. Meeting Frodo first, he follows a path that leads him to Sam and as much as she wants him to go away, Eric cannot bring himself to do it. Life and death are in front of them both and attempting to survive together is everything. Quinn gives us the fear I would expect from any normal human being under attack by something so vicious as the creatures are. He does it well, just as his characters compassion is so moving.

Hounsou as Henri is a husband and father doing what ever it takes to ensure his families survival. His character is in A QUIET PLACE II and now we know his story as well.

Shout out to Frodo because now I think my own cat needs some training in the ways of alien attacks!!

Other cast include Eliane Umuhire as Zena, Zay Domo Artist as Bryan, and Kait Feeney as Fran.

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

A QUIET PLACE: Day One still doesn’t explain who the aliens are and what brought them to Earth (maybe that’s another film) but instead, it stays with the same original formula of humans trying to survive. Learning quickly that quiet offers them a chance, this story is being carried by Nyong’o, Quinn and Frodo. Discovering ways to talk to one another also gives much more voice than the first two films.

Taking off quickly with the jumps and scares, it obviously worked as the young lady next to me was practically curled up in her chair looking through her fingers. There are jaw dropping moments and whisperings of “noooooooo”s, mainly because the story pulls us in quickly and we want that happy ending which seems impossible in the world that no longer belongs to the human race.

The cinematography and special effect are quite good but I would expect that since the aliens have been set up for the story in two previous outings. We know what they are capable of so the focus then becomes on the survival of Sam, Quinn and Frodo. Playing their characters well, Nyong’o and Quinn are the connection between the story and the audience.

Buckle up buttercups and be quiet about it.

In the end – hear how it all began!

FANCY DANCE on Apple TV+

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Apple TV+ from writer/director Erica Tremblay, writer Miciana Alise and Apple Original Films is the search for family in FANCY DANCE.

Living on the Seneca-Cayuga Nation Reservation Jax (Lily Gladstone) is searching for her sister Tawi who has been missing for weeks. Taking care of her niece Roki (Isabel Deroy-Olson), she watches the young girl prepare for a powwow. Jax hasn’t had much luck with federal help in finding her sister and brother/local sheriff JJ (Ryan Begay) is restrained by the rules even if living on the reservation.

If that wasn’t stressful enough, social workers are knocking on the door about Roki’s welfare. Oddly, Jax’s father Frank (Shea Whigham) and wife Nancy (Audrey Wasilewski) pay an unexpected visit. She isn’t thrilled to see him still feeling angry at the way he left the family years before. Jax makes it clear that she owes it to Tawi to get involved and ask the authorities for help.

Placing posters everywhere, Jax arrives home to find social services removing Roki from their home and placing her with Frank and Nancy. Told to get along with her father before the court date, Jax visits Roki who still wants to go to the powwow believing her mother will be there as well. Nancy makes it clear that she isn’t allowed to take Roki anywhere alone.

Spending her time following leads to find Tawi, Jax is eventually frustrated enough that she makes a bold move. Sneaking Roki out, they go on a journey that will put them both in danger!

Gladstone as Jax is angry believing that because they are Indigenous Peoples, it is the reason no one will help find her sister. They won’t intervene with that but they certainly have no problem interfering with Roki’s living situation blaming Jaxs’ past run-ins with the law. Gladstone gives us a performance of a someone who will do anything for her family and run over whatever laws (and break more than a few) that will stand in her way. Her character is intense, focused and defiant from beginning to end and strongly done.

Deroy-Olsen as Roki is a young girl who lives life the best she can. Learning some bad habits from Jax, she mainly just wants her mother home so that they can once again go to the powwow to perform as mother-daughter. She is tossed and turned through the conflicting, secretive adult world discovering that they don’t always tell the truth about things. Deroy-Olsen role is that of a charming teen who is a little defiant and as strong willed as her aunt.

Whigham as Frank is a father who hasn’t been a father to either of his daughters. Instead, he has chosen to ignore what he did leaving his daughters to fend for themselves. Whigham’s gives us a character that may know the culture but doesn’t show any signs of truly understanding it. Wasilewski as Nancy is a nasty piece of work to my way of thinking. Not able to have children of her own, I see her character as someone who thinks its okay to snag a child away for her own selfish reasons [see ballet-shoes scene] and then attempt to ‘white wash’ her. Me not liking the character goes to Wasilewski’s performance being so well done.

Begay as JJ is a sheriff who is stuck between two worlds. Following the law on the tribal land side and under the watchful eye of law enforcement when Roki goes “missing”. Begay slides between both worlds knowing that his loyalty lies with his people.

Other cast include Blayne Allen as Boo, Patrice Fisher as Ruth, Arianne Martin as Conna, Tyler Tipton as Chad, Michael Rowe as Elder Philip, Crystle Lightning as Sapphire, Lillian Faye Thomas as Lillie, Casey Camp-Horinek as Mary, Trey Munden as Ryan, Blake Blair as Tanner, Dennis Newman as Derrick and Hauli Sioux Gray as Tawi.

Apple TV+ is a video on demand web television that debuted in 2019 viewable through the Apple 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/.

FANCY DANCE has won the Hamptons International Film Festival Excellence in Narrative Filmmaking, L.A. Outfest’s North American Narrative Feature, NewFest: New York’s LGBT Film Festival for Best Narrative Feature, Mill Valley Film Festival Mind the Gap Narrative, Tacoma Film Festival Best Narrative Feature, Sun Valley Film Festival, US Best Narrative Feature Film, Oklahoma Film Critics Circle Awards Achievement in Oklahoma Independent Filmmaking – all for Erica Tremblay, SXSW Film Festival’s ZEISS Cinematography Award for Carolina Costa, Austin Film Critics Association Breakthrough Artist Award for Lily Gladstone, and Film Club’s The Lost Weekend Best Supporting Actress for Isabel Deroy-Olson.

FANCY DANCE is the story of an aunt and her niece living a life of day-to-day struggle on the reservation. Of course, there is the way in which they try to live that is shady by way of theft and drugs but it is an honest portrayal in its dark side. Jax is right in that a missing native woman is not on the radar of anyone on the reservation because it could cause unwanted trouble and it is of no interest to the off-reservation authorities as not being high on their list.

Roki being taken away shows the way in which outsiders try to control those on the reservation and their laws by asserting their own. Giving the girl to Jax’s father and wife, who wants to turn her into something she is not, is the continuation in the attempt to destroy the Seneca-Cayuga Nation’s culture and family structure.

This film addresses so many of the problems the Indigenous face still today. From missing women, addictions, poor living conditions, desecration of lands and the continuation of laws being convenient for those that are not indigenous (and many more issues), FANCY DANCE takes on a few mixed into an intense story of love, family, and culture.

In the end – their bond is life!

GHOSTBUSTERS: Frozen Empire

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from director Gil Kenan and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the next chapter in the adventures of the infamous GHOSTBUSTERS: Frozen Empire.

The Spengler family, along with Gary Grooberson (Paul Rudd), are now living in New York in the original Ghostbusters firehouse. Callie (Carrie Coon), Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) and Phoebe (Mckenna Grace) are together going after the ghosts that are running rampant through New York City. The is only one problem in the form of now Mayor Walter Peck (William Atherton). He has made is clear that he still is aiming to stop the Ghostbusters and close down the containment that holds ghosts!

When Peck discovers that Phoebe is under age, he puts a stop to her being part of the group as well. Upset, she walks to the park where she meets ghost Melody (Emily Alyn Lind) and feels like there is finally someone who understands. At his store, Dr. Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd) meets Nadeem (Kumail Nanjiani) who wants to pawn off grandma’s weird collection. Stantz is interested in a brass shaped ball with writing that only Dr. Hubert Wartzki (Patton Oswalt) can talk about.

In the meantime, Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson) shows Grooberson and Callie that their overcrowded containment area is about to be expanded with Lars (James Acaster) running things. His money has built another lab where they are finding a smarter way to do it all. But, while all this is going on, something weird is shaking the ground and trying to get out. When the group gathers to fight, some old friends show up like Dr. Peter Venkman (Bill Murray) and Janine Melnitz (Annie Potts) to put on the suit and make a stand.

The evil spirit Garraka is about to freeze out New York City but there are a few people that aren’t going to let that happen because, after all, who you gonna call?

I have to start with Murray as it is a moral imperative! Returning as Venkman just filled me with so much joy and laughter. There isn’t much that has changed about his portrayal other than he didn’t get enough screen time as far as I’m concerned. Aykroyd as Stantz gives us full on Ray-mode with his insatiable curiosity for all odd things and putting the suit on because nothing says ‘oh yea’ more than having the pack back on ones back. Hudson as Zeddemore may have gotten rich but that didn’t stop him from suiting up and I was all for it.

Rudd as Grooberson is with the Spengler family ghostbusting and having a family life. Making the transition in his life from teacher to parental figure is complicated by ghosts. Rudd gives his trademark performance as the guy who doesn’t ruffle feathers in between ghost captures. Coon as Callie is being a bit of a ghost parent running through the city catching specters but not really addressing family issues other than collecting laundry.

Grace as Phoebe is going through her Spengler-mode upset that the world doesn’t see her more grown up than she really is. Making friends with Lind’s spirit Melody seems like a nature progression for them both, but is it? Potts returns as Melnitz and she brings with her the attitude and the only thing I would LOVE to have seen is when the phone rang, SHE was the one who picked it up and said, “Ghostbusters what do you want!”.

Wolfhard as Trevor decides to take matters into his own hands to go after a green that seems to plague the upstairs. Hudson as Zeddemore returns with a pocket full of money and a way to make containment easier but there is an entity out there that has other plans. Acaster as Lars runs his lab but isn’t immune from what is out there. Oswalt as Wartzki is well versed in what is inside the cute little brass sphere currently in the lab shaking things up.

Shout out to Nanjiani as the new “Keymaster” Nadeem. He gets the chance to wear the iconic metal strainer and go through the weirdness of discovering his family underestimated his potential.

Other cast include John Rothman as the Library Administrator, Chris Tummings as the Police Chief, Logan Kim as Podcast and Celeste O’Connor as Lucky Domingo.

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

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

Special features include Deleted & Extended Scenes, Easter Eggs Unleashed, Return to the Firehouse: Making GHOSTBUSTERS: Frozen Empire, Busted: Capturing the Ghosts of Frozen Empire, Manifesting Garraka, New York – New Gear, Welcome to the Paranormal Discovery Center, Knowing the Score and Commentary with Director, Co-Writer Gil Kenan.

GHOSTBUSTER: Frozen Empire is a trip down nostalgia lane from beginning to end. It seems writers Gil Kenan, Jason Reitman and Ivan Reitman reached into the iconic grab bag to pull out everything but the kitchen sink. Anyone who remembers clearly the 1984 script can quickly see that there are a lot of similarities into the storyline. It is lovely, however, to see that keeping the spirit of Spengler alive runs through the story as well.

This is a full-on special effects film with everything from freezing, electricity, spooks, colanders, mysterious moving objects, talking ghosts, a bit of sliming, a lot of things in the air and destruction of all kinds but that is what happens when ancient entities get a little grumpy. The cast is a big which can test an 8-year-olds ability to keep up. My granddaughter would point and say, “who’s that” followed by “and that person?” until she caught up. She did say, when the film was over that GHOSTBUSTERS: Frozen Empire is now her favorite film so there’s that!

I could not get enough of Murray, Aykroyd and Hudson with Potts coming in from moment to moment because those are the characters I still hold dear. My laughter came from seeing memorable ghosts and small Stay Puft’s (and I would love it if they made those for sale because there would be several on my desk!) that brought me back to 1984 with ease. Talk about joy in this ole heart, these four, along with their misty friends, gave good.

Now, the rest, (insert heavy sigh), I get it, GHOSTBUSTERS has become a generational thing but, to be honest, I think it is time to graciously close the book. Clearly, I am not a fan of remaking iconic and beloved films of the past and trying to resuscitate them with a Thor-like hammer to the chest of an audience who has no other choice when going to the theatres. Go out on a good note and let this be the ending we all deserve.

That being said, get grandma, grandpa, mom, dad, aunts, uncles, cousins and all kids together to have a family movie night at home. Laugh, love and remember why we loved them all in the first place! Cheer for the hero’s, cheer for the spirits we love and sing the song that always brings a smile because we know who we are going to call.

In the end – there is only one call you can make!

DEXTER’S LABORATORY: The Complete Series on DVD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Now on DVD from Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment and creator Genndy Tartakovsky comes one of the most iconic and fantastic animated series with DEXTER’S LABORATORY: The Complete Series.

Dexter is a young boy-genius who spends a lot of time in his room within a room. A hidden science lab is in that extra room filled with inventions. Of course, Mom and Dad are totally unaware of what is happening under their own roof. The two people he does have to keep quiet are sister Dee Dee who seems to consistently mess with his inventions and Mandark, Dexter’s classmate who is not-so-nice attempts to ruin Dexter every chance he gets.

Beginning in 1995, Dexter decides to invent a device that turns people into animals, Dee Dee finds a cookie in Dexter’s lab and becomes larger than life, when television time and age smack heads Dexter decides to age himself and goes a little farther down the lifeline than he planned, and Dexter is working to hard and becoming a bit giddy.

The next season has Dexter sending Dee Dee through time with one of his inventions, his new friend Monkey has to defend the town from Magmanamus, Dexter decides to help Mom do chores with his own version of a household chore robot, when dodgeball proves to not be one of Dexter’s strong suites and bullies abound there is only one solution and it looks like Dexter, Monkey takes on Rasslor in a wrestling match, and Dexter decides he needs an assistant and is eyeballing Dee Dee with more episodes as well.

Dexter returns for Season Two the boy-genius decides its time to be an action hero, Mandark brings his pet duck Ducky and Dexter brings Monkey to school for show and tell but there is something fowl afoot, when Dexter is upset by seeing Dee Dee messing with ants it becomes a big lesson, Dexter does a little brain swapping and Mom is in the way, Dee Dee messes with a deactivated robot and finds a protector, Dexter helps Dad at arm wrestling with a not-so-human arm, Dexter needs more sleep before school and finds a way to get it and so much more.

Season Three has Dexter overhearing his father’s thoughts when he has telepathy, Quackor and Monkey go at it again with a surprising result, Mandark decides to be Dexter’s Mom and discovers life inside his home, Dee Dee’s foot is about to become a part of Dexter or is Dexter part of Dee Dee’s foot, a trip to the moon had Dexter deciding to save our planet, going to college tests Dexter’s inability to understand college students, going to grandpa’s house has Dexter looking at him in a new light, and Mandark is up to no good again to try and get rid of Dexter and many more episodes.

Dee Dee is back in the lab in Season Four accidentally shutting things down, Dee Dee’s new boyfriend has a connection with Dexter, Mandark is expanding his laboratory and doesn’t realize Dexter has the same idea, when brother and sister decide to work together it isn’t always a good thing, knowing about the future is what Dee Dee has going on now but it’s a special apple that has her turning into something cringy for Dexter, a potato and power meet up for Dexter, when a girl comes between Dexter and Mandark it is time to team up because the world isn’t ready for three geniuses I guess and more episodes.

Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment (WBDHE) distributes the award-winning movies, television, animation, and digital content produced by Warner Bros. Discovery to the home and screens of millions through physical Bluray discs, DVD’s, digital, streaming, VOD, and mobile channels. For more please visit www.warnerbros.com.

If this isn’t enough, just know that all 78 episodes are included in this DVD package. DEXTER’S LABORATORY is also available now to purchase Digitally from Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, Google Play, Vudu and more. The unforgettable series that ran from 1996-2003 on Cartoon Network, won many awards, and spawned children’s book, comic books, music, toys, video games, and the movie DEXTER’S LABORATOR: Ego Trip.

DEXTER’S LABORATORY has won itself a few well deserved awards including three Annie Awards, nominated for four Primetime Emmy Awards, four Golden Reel Awards!

What is amazing about this series is that it has introduced science to a very young audience and that same audience has followed throughout the years. There is something absolutely amazing about a series that is not only entertaining but children become seriously invested in learning about what is possible in science. It is such a wonderful concept and to have all seventy-two episodes means the kids can watch again and again.

My granddaughter loves science and is part of Lab Rats at her school but DEXTER’S LABORATORY has her funny bone. What is equally fun is that Mom and Dad watch with her and I do as well because it makes for such a great bonding time. After the episodes we can all sit together and talk about the fun and then the possibilities of the science that Dexter comes up with.

The series also deals with the siblings that do not have that much in common yet, when push comes to shove, they are there for one another. It also deals with rivalry between Dexter and Mandark and how working together is a better idea. The show also deals with situations that need a smart and safe resolution which is something we all would like the kids to know as they grow.

So, gather up the family and kids’ friends and spend the cooled off afternoons with science and fun with DEXTER’S LABORATORY: The Complete Series.

In the end – follow the boy-genius on his adventures!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who will Survive THE EXORCISM

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Joshua John Miller, writer M.A. Fortin and Vertical is a man in crisis with THE EXORCISM.

Actor Tony Miller (Russell Crowe) has spent the last few years dealing with addiction issues and family problems. Daughter Lee (Ryan Simpkins) has arrived home due to being expelled from school and it is clear that father and daughter have deep seeded issues. Trying to get along, Lee offers to help Tony learn the lines for a new horror film he has been cast in and he brings her on as his production assistant.

On the set, Lee meets Blake (Chloe Bailey) who is a music star also in the film and they strike up a friendship. Ready to being is the director, Peter (Adam Goldberg), who speaks his mind and pushes Tony to perform using his disturbing past with the church and his family life as a motivator. Father Conor (David Hyde Pierce) is the religious advisor on the set to share what he knows about exorcisms.

Lee notices right away that something is happening with her father. Tony is acting strangely and the young girl believes he is reverting to old behaviors. That is until she begins seeing things that cannot possibly be true. Asking for help from Father Conor, they both come to realize that the only way to save Tony is but confronting the evil that is plaguing him.

Crowe as Miller is no stranger to the mysteries of the spiritual world. In 2023, he took on the role of Father Gabriel Amorth in the film THE POPE’S EXORCIST so in this film he takes on the challenge of a non-religious dealing with demons. Haunted not only by his childhood but the bad way Tony handled his homelife and relationship with his young daughter, it was enough to give the demons an in and Crowe goes along for the ride pretty well. It is a solid performance as he portrays this tortured soul.

Simpkins as daughter Lee is a 16-year-old who plays right into the stereotypical on-screen teenager who has a bad attitude, uses her words to bite and things her rebellion is original. Watching Tony go through changes, Simpkins character starts to believe that it is not his past addictions that are plaguing him. That’s when she changes herself which can make all the difference.

Pierce as Father Conor is on set to give his impressions of Tony’s portrayal of a priest but finds himself befriending Lee. As time goes along, Pierces’ character also sees what Tony’s daughter has been saying about her father. That is when he knows what must be done. Pierce gives a quiet performance at the beginning but definetly shows what his character is made of.

Shout out to Goldberg who plays the director of the film. Honestly, this character is hideous, mean spirited and I wanted to smack the garbage out of his mouth but then again, it got the job done beautifully.

Other cast includes Sam Worthington as Joe, Tracey Bonner as Regina, Marcenae Lynette as Monica, Hallie Samuels as Hayley, Joshua Miller and FX Guy, Anna Reyer as Hair Stylist, Samantha Mathis as Jennifer.

Vertical Entertainment is a global independent distributor that offers a unique wealth of experience minus the studio costs. They have won a Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Actress for Molly Shannon’s role in OTHER PEOPLE and the film won a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Film Limited Release, Best International Film for Babak Anvari’s UNDER THE SHADOW, a BAFTA and three Independent British Independent Film Awards as well. For more go to www.vert-ent.com.

Director Miller is actually the son of the actor Jason Miller who originally played Father Karras in the 1973 blockbuster, and frightening film of the time, THE EXORCIST. Hearing the stories told by his father are of how there were injuries on that set, mysterious happenings and the haunted feelings. Along with co-writer Fortin, the idea was to update the genre formula of man vs. possession. “We were gifted with an extraordinary cast and creative team to tell a story about how we’re all vulnerable to darkness, to perpetuating it, if we fail to face our demons,” says Miller.

Crowe says of his role in the film, “For me, as an actor to play a man who has had these life experiences, carries these things, was quite complicated. It was a very challenging idea as a role, so it got my interest. On playing the role of father, he says, “[my character] wants to take that position of father but realizes that he has work to do to rebuild trust with his daughter. However, she’s quite closed off so it’s a difficult situation for them both.”

The film peels back slowly to get to the heart of the matter with the final explosive scenes that is worthy of using the gasps of “WHOA!”. Grabbing onto the idea of the 1973 film, director Miller and the cast bring about the shakes and shivers one would expect of a film that brings a demon into play. Keeping the film dimly lit, loaded with grey colors and shadowy spooks and frights, THE EXORCISM falls in line with the rest of this genre of films.

Turn the lights out and have an arm to hold onto to prepare for THE EXORCISM.

In the end – unmask the devil and the devil will retaliate!

 

She is the One and Only THELMA

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this week from writer/director Josh Margolin and Magnolia Pictures is the story of a woman on a mission with THELMA.

Thelma (June Squibb) is an elderly woman living on her home since the death of her husband. Spending a lot of time with Thelma is grandson Daniel (Fred Hechinger) who helps where he can and teaches grandma something about the computer world. One morning Thelma receives a distressing telephone call that Daniel is in trouble and needs a large sum of money sent immediately to free him.

Being a good grandmother, Thelma immediately sends the funds in the mail. A bit later, she begins to wonder what she has done and calls Daniel to discover that he is fine and she has been scammed. Running over to question her is Daniels parents Gail (Parker Posey) and Alan (Clark Gregg). Beginning to wonder whether Thelma can continue to live alone, she has other ideas.

Taking off to see Ben (Richard Roundtree) to borrow his super-scooter, Thelma decides she is going to go to the address and get her money back. Now, Daniel, Gail and Alan are on the chase to find Thelma with the help of Detective Morgan (Chase Kim). Nothing is going to stop her from getting to those who underestimate the power of senior anger!

Squibb as Thelma absolutely slays in this role! Look, you don’t have to be 93 to want to put a criminal in his place and that’s exactly what Thelma does. Squibb’s voice might sound like that of a helpless senior but when the going gets tough, the tough snags a scooter! I just adored watching this story unfold because, if it be told, I’d probably want to do the exactly same thing. Squibb gives us a peek into the possibilities and, at the same time, understand her feelings of friendship, loss and being alone at her age. Just a wonderful performance!

Hechinger as Daniel is a truly kind grandson who wants to help grandma as much as possible. Even when she bucks, he makes it clear that he wants to be of service. At the same time, he is going through his own issues of breaking the cord between his parents and finding out what he is really made of.

Posey as Gail and Gregg as Alan are indecisive and a tad senior-judgmental people who don’t really understand Thelma and understand Daniel even less. They are all over the place and although their hearts may seem genuine, its hard to understand what makes them survive day to day. That’s not a bad thing, I’m just the outsider looking at them with a huge question mark over my head and then laughing.

Shout out to Roundtree as Ben living in a senior facility (are we not allowed to say nursing home anymore I wonder) and seeming to enjoy it. He also has a secret thang for Thelma and before he has a chance to say ‘bob’s your uncle’, Thelma has him caught up in the adventure and not so sure he’s enjoying it. I enjoyed watching Roundtree and, along with Squibb, show that one senior is good – two is a force to be reckoned with.

Other cast include Shela Korsi as Gloria, Annie O’Donnell as Grace, Zoe Worth as the Theater Director, David Giuliani as Starey Gary, Ruben Rabasa as Winston, Nicole Byer as Rochelle, Quinn Beswick as Colin, Coral Pena as Allie, and Bunny Levine as Mona.

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

THELMA is so much fun to watch and it is because of Squibb and her ability to pull of comedy. I have always enjoyed her performances but this one might by my favorite. She takes the lead and holds it the entire film with her charm, sweetness (until further notice), and focus on the task at hand! To my mind, criminals need to be on notice when someone like Thelma is around.

The underlying story is also quite touching as Thelma lives alone and doesn’t realize how that has had her feeling till she visits friends. Seeing for herself that there is a sadness for people her age. Thelma has made a life for herself but forgot to let others into that life to enjoy the years that pass all too quickly.

In the midst of all of this mix is pure comedy gold. Squibb and Roundtree together had me laughing so much. The adventure could never have been what Thelma imagined but it certainly didn’t stop her from the finish line. Watching everyone else run around like mad to save Thelma from herself, its too bad they didn’t understand that she had things under control, well, in her own special way and that’s all that matters. What a wonderful story that writer/director Margolin has brought to the screen so if you are looking for heartwarming, adventurous fun, then let THELMA take you on a ride.

In the end – revenge has never been sweeter!

Remember Growing Up with INSIDE OUT 2

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently in theatres from writer/director Kelsey Mann, Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures comes the growing up of INSIDE OUT 2.

It has been a few years since Riley (Kensington Tallman), Mom (Diane Lane) and Dad (Kyle MacLachlan) moved to San Francisco. Recently turning 13, Riley is making her way to high school. Tagging along with her still is Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Fear (Tony Hale), Anger (Lewis Black) and Disgust (Liza Lapira) who are eager to be a part of that transition. Joy, has even come up with a new idea in Riley’s mind that she calls the “Sense of Self” that holds the core of the young girl’s personality and shoots the negativity to the back of her mind.

Riley and best friends Bree (Sumayyah Nuriddin-Green) and Grace (Grace Lu) are thrilled to be invited to a hockey camp that could get them on the very well-known team called the Firehawks. That’s not the only fire coming as that night, Joy and the gang are alerted to a Puberty Alarm and their headquarters is barraged by workers and another new console. With that, four new emotions come into play – Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Envy (Ayo Edebiri), Ennui (Adele Exarchopulos), Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser), and a visit from Nostalgia (June Squibb).

Just in time as Riley finds out her besties won’t be going to the same high school and that sets the new emotions into action. Anxiety tells Joy that things are different now and that she isn’t capable of helping Riley succeed. Especially when her favorite hockey player Val (Lilimar) sort of takes her under wing but that leaves Bree and Grace out in the cold. When Joy makes it clear that it is hurtful what Anxiety is doing, well, they gang gets shot out of headquarters allowing Anxiety complete control.

Joy, Anger, Sadness, Fear and Disgust aren’t going to take it lying down! A plan is put into place to help Riley find herself again and put Anxiety into its place. It isn’t going to be easy and the gang is going to be put through the paces but Riley is their girl, they know who she is and what she is capable of refusing to let Anxiety decide who she is to be!

Other voice cast include Yvette Nicole Brown as Coach Roberts, Ron Funches as Bloofy, Yong Yea as Lace Slashblade, James Austin Johnson as Pouchy, Steve Purcell as Deep Dark Secret, Dave Goelz as Mind Cop Frank, Kirk Thatcher as Foreman, Frank Oz as Mind Cop Dave, Paula Pell as Mom’s anger, Pete Docter as Dad’s anger, Sarayu Blue as Margie, Flea as Jake, Bobby Moynihan as Forgetter Bobby, and John Ratzenberger as Fritz.

Disney entertainment includes Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and more. There are exclusive originals with new feature films, shows, short form content, documentaries, and actions series such as THE MANDALORIAN. For more information, please visit www.disneyplus.com.

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

Oh my gosh, INSIDE OUT 2 is absolutely fantastic and I say this as a mom and grandmom! I went to see the film with my family and was taken back in time in so many ways. Of course, I recognized the emotional change for myself at 13 (yes I can remember that far back), but even more so laughed at things that reminded me of my grown-up daughter when she was that age. More importantly, my pre-teen granddaughter who is already showing signs of the “new crew” that is in the film.

That being said, the story touches on so many things that it is a roller coaster ride of emotions for the audience – exactly what it’s like to go through puberty. Having to see it through the mind of Riley is charming, hilarious, meaningful and may even help kids understand what is happening to them. After the film, as we were walking out, I turned to my granddaughter and said with a laugh, “remind you of anyone?” and with equal laughter she said proudly and confidently – “yes, ME!”.

Recognizing it, I believe, makes the difference and, INSIDE OUT 2 is a perfect roadmap for us all actually. Understanding where the emotions come from and giving them a “face” as it were had the theatre in such a great place as the film was showing. Parents were actually talking to their kids in the lobby about it all. That’s amazing!

Seeing the characters come back to the screen is also so much fun for me. I absolutely adore Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust and, in a way at my age, I still welcome them as part of being so very human. Secretly I love Anger and his thought process always leaving me cracking up. That’s what INSIDE OUT started out being in 2015, a way for us all to process our feelings and understanding them but those emotions faces and voices. We can thank Pixar, Disney and an amazing cast for knowing exactly who to choose for each.

The new additions of Anxiety set a whole new pace (if you can keep up) but it’s one the original gang can deal with in their own unique ways and we are all there for it and for Riley!

In the end – make room for new emotions!

 

 

He is WHAT REMAINS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Ran Huang, writer Megan Everett-Skarsgard, Kaleidoscope Entertainment and VMI Worldwide is the story of a mystery based on true events and WHAT REMAINS.

Scandinavian Mads Lake (Gustaf Skarsgard), a confessed murderer, has been in a psychiatric hospital for years and trying to find a life within the madness he feels. His therapist Anna Rudebeck (Andrea Riseborough) is trying to not only help him find answers, but distinguish between what is true and what is something else. One man who just wants the truth of it all is policeman Soren Rank (Stellan Skarsgard), who does hold much stock in having Lake at a psychiatric hospital.

Pushing Lake further and further into the investigation, Rank is convinced that he knows more than he is telling. Anna tries to tell Rank that he must go slow with Lake and allow him to help the investigation at his pace. With each step forward, Lake becomes more emotional as well as fearful. All three are handling this situation in their own unique ways and all have the same goal – to understand what happened and bring answers to families who have been waiting for years.

Adding to the stress for them is that Lake can not get the story from his own brother, Anna is trying to deal with her own past traumas and Rank struggles to find answers to his own home troubles.

Skarsgard as Lake is pure perfection in this role. Yes, I came to know of him through his equally perfect role of Floki on the hit television series VIKINGS. In WHAT REMAINS, Skarsgard gives us a look at a deeper character that is locked in the cycle of what is real and the torture of it all. For every step forward, Lake is sliding further and further into a place of fear and memories and Skarsgard takes us along stunningly.

Riseborough as Anna is a therapist who believes she can help Lake in discovering his past so that he can at last know where it all came from. Riseborough’s character is full of her own complexities and traumas which, it seems, she masks by helping Lake with his issues. She has always given an intensity to the roles she has played but this one in particular is slow in its telling but when it becomes clear, it is equally as sad. Well done!

Stellen Skarsgard as Rank is an officer having home problems and personal issues of his own. Becoming involved in the Lake case affords him a way to avoid dealing with it all. Going in guns blazing, he is forceful and hard on Lake without understanding how working with Anna instead of doing things on his own might help him get to the answers of missing children as well. What I enjoyed most about Skarsgard’s portrayal is watching his character evolve.

VMI Worldwide was founded in 2010 and since its inception, VMI has represented an extensive variety of cast-driven titles. During its evolution, VMI possesses the ability and desire to board the right project, at any state of development. Some of their films include THE PRICE WE PAY, THE LAST SUN, WANDER and WAKE UP starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Francesca Eastwood. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.vmiworldwide.com.

Other cast include Eva Magyar as Lillemor, Antti Luusuaniemi as Dr. Jepsen, Malka Ahlroth as Elin, Darren McStay as Martin, Charlie Peterson as Helvin Holst, and Henrikki Haavisto as Eric Gunnarson.

Director Huang uses his interest in true crime to work with Stellan Skarsgard and his wife Megan Everett-Skarsgard to work on the story. That is not where the Skarsgard connection ends however, as son Gustaf joins the ranks in the leading role of Mads Lake. This is a family that has placed their talents on the map joined with Bill and Alexander Skarsgard as well. From almost every genre possible in the film industry, the Skarsgard clan has cemented their place beautifully.

WHAT REMAINS is a film about traumas, tragedies and the stories we refuse to allow ourselves to believe or experience. Dealing with a man who has come from childhood trauma, Skarsgard’s portrayal of Lake brings dual emotions for the viewer because is he a killer or is he lost in jumbled up false memories? Riseborough is not that far off the mark herself as Anna is also avoiding her own traumas and inability to accept truths in her life. Skarsgard as Rank is an officer who has anger issues brought on by his own inability to handle life using Lake as a way to avoid it all.

The story is slow in the telling but, for myself, it speaks volumes of how the director wanted to be sure that everyone is on board for the ride. Exploring the main character is rough in the context of Lake’s situation but, exploring that of Anne and Rank is equally as important. Attempting to do their jobs respectively when they are having a difficult time themselves calls into question the moves that each makes. Skarsgard’s Lake is a sad and frightening character and I couldn’t take my eyes off his performance.

In the end – they must discover what is real!

 

A STORK’S JOURNEY 2

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital and On Demand from directors Benjamin Quabeck, Mette Tange, Grindstone and Lionsgate comes the next adventure with A STORK’S JOURNEY 2.

Richard (voiced by Jay Myers) is with his stork family enjoying time on a lake in North Africa. Training with brother Max (Jeffrey Hylton), the goal is to be chosen to be leader of getting the storks back home in the north. Confident in his chances, Richard spends the day training new moves that would surely get him the title of leader.

Upset by the results of the challenge, Richard decides to strike out on his own but quickly learns there are dangers. Soon he finds sparrows that are in trouble he meets Samia (Kyra Jackson) who shows him the sparrow ways. He also learns of Zamano (Tim Heller), a peacock who is in search of a treasured jewel.

Samia is also looking for the treasure as a way to release a hold all sparrows believe in on them. They are joined by friends who want the best for everyone. Now, Richard and Samia take it upon themselves to not only go up against Zamano but also to solve the mystery of the jewel and what it means to everyone.

Other cast include Dulcie Smart as Zora, Amalia Hohl as Basak, Simona Berman as Olga, Blake Farha as Kiki, Jeffrey Hylton as Max, Jonathan Failla as Claudius, Mala Ghedia as Aurora, Erik Hansen as Weepy Walter, Monica Solem as Biba, Viktor Pavel as Bubo, and Philippe Zeidler as Mad-Dog-Magpie.

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.

A STORK’S JOURNEY 2 is such a wonderful family film that is filled with family, joys, relationships, learning, acceptance and fun. Richard is already part of a flock, even with his differences, yet lets his ambitions gets in the way of what is truly important. Instead of understanding what went wrong, he decides to journey out into the world because, after all, he knows better right?

Well, that’s when his adventure begins and he discovers others who are in trouble and need his help. Learning from Samia is the best thing that could ever have happened to Richard. Their adventure is one of learning about what it takes to be a true leader, about what it takes to care for more than one’s self.

More importantly, it is a story of bravery and sacrifice to help those who are unable to help themselves. Richard discovers what it truly takes to be a leader with the help of Samia and his new friends. Through that understand, he not only becomes closer to his stork flock, but realizes where he needs to be.

The animation is stunning with such color that is eye candy for the kid in us all. Bringing such vivid color brings the story even depth in the telling and fun for the family to watch together.

In the end – they are on a treasured adventure!

 

 

 

 

 

She is History with FIREBRAND

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Karim Ainouz, Vertical and Roadside Attractions is the story of one of the many wives of Henry the VIII with FIREBRAND.

Katherine Parr (Alicia Vikander) is an educated woman in Tudor England who has been married before. When King Henry VIII (Jude Law) takes her for his sixth wife, Parr is not completely happy about the union. Knowing his history in the death of previous wives, accepting comes with a personal risk. Yet there is something about Katherine that Henry trusts and his children Princess Elizabeth (Junia Rees) and Prince Edward (Patrick Buckley).

So much so that he appoints her Regent while he is away fighting knowing that it can cause her difficulties. It is almost immediately that men around the king spend their time watching her every move. This includes her friendship with Anne Askew (Erin Doherty), a childhood friend who believes, as Katherine does in the Protestant beliefs. Katherine pleads with her friend to leave the kingdom before harm comes to her but Anne is steadfast in her work to bring the people of England strength in numbers.

When the King returns, there are whisperings in his ear about Katherine’s steadfastness to the crown especially Stephen Gardiner (Simon Beale). He has a plot of his own to push past the King. When that doesn’t work the whisperings of infidelity begin and what is causing Henry to become muddled is the infection that is ravaging his body. When Katherine learns of the fate of Anne, she realizes that the men of the court are placing her life in the same fate as the five wives before her.

She does not want to be among them!

Vikander as Katherine is absolutely amazing in this role and her demeanor is everything! Katherine does not panic in any situation she is put to, a little momentary frazzle (which anyone would) but she does not fall apart. Instead, she becomes more steadfast in the belief that she knows her own mind. Vikander gives us a Katherine that does not cower to those who are attempting to ruin her in the eyes of the King, instead, Vikander straightens her crown and makes it clear she will take whatever is in front of her without losing any part of herself. That is perfection.

Law as Henry gives us a King that is full of himself and narcissistic one minute and a man who can not think for himself in others. Whispering in his ear are men who have no difficulty squashing any women who gets in their way. Having gotten their way with previous wives, Katherine is no push over and they are scrambling as Henry deals with his own personal and physical struggles. Law gives moments of pure Henry-nastiness and does it without skipping a beat.

Beale as Gardiner has been handling the King for quite some time so when he believes Katherine is trying to change the status quo, he goes after her. Making the King believe that Katherine is not a loyal wife, he does what he can to put her head on the chopping block, literally. Beale gives his character the “what a weasel” whisperings from me as I watched him be a charming character with another destructive face. Well done sir!

Rees as Prince Elizabeth makes it clear that Katherine is someone she looks up to and makes it clear to Henry that her fate doesn’t deserve what the men of the court are pushing for. Buckley as Prince Edward also makes his stance clear as his love for her is strong. Doherty as Askew may have a small role but it is of big importance. It becomes a catalyst for Katherine to hang on to who she truly is.

Shout out to Eddie Marsan as Edward Seymour as I just love everything that he does. He takes a role and makes it his own and makes it memorable.

Other cast include Ruby Bentall as Cat, Bryony Hannah as Ellen, Patsy Ferran as Princess Mary, Mina Andala as Jalinda, Paul Tinto as Stowe, Mia Threapleton as Joan Bocher, Ian Drysdale as Sir Anthony Denny, Edward Harrison as John Gates, Norman Bowman as Sir William Herbert, Jason Baughan as Will Sommers, Anna Mawn as Agnes Howard and Sam Riley as Thomas Seymour.

Roadside Attractions has, since 2003, grossed over $300M and garnered nineteen Academy Award nominations. They have had critical and commercial hits such as MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, BEN IS BACK, BEATRIZ AT DINNER, HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS, WINTER’S BONE and THE COVER as well as so many others. For more information of what Roadside Attractions has to offer please visit www.roadsideattractions.com.

FIREBRAND is a stunning film about Katherine Parr and the beginning of the end for Henry VIII. First of all, the cinematography is stellar from the beginning to end. The richness can be found in the costuming that is of the times with its heaviness and construction for the women – ironic, isn’t it? These two things are so important when telling a period piece such as this. For me, if you can win in these two areas then you’ve one me whole heartedly.

The story of Katherine Parr is one that has been brushed over before but with Vikander at the helm, it is a look at the strength of character in this young woman. Let’s be honest, most of us would run for the hills if a man who has off’d five other wives wanted us to be the sixth! The difference here is that Parr was a woman of substance and knew the risks. What is equally stellar is Parr’s steadfast in her beliefs about everything in her life and that makes for good storytelling.

In the end – Henry VIII had six wives and only one survived!

 

 

 

 

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary Original Story of THE KARATE KID

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from director John G. Avildsen, Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the 1984 blockbuster return of THE KARATE KID.

Teenage Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Mom Lucille (Randee Heller) to Reseda, California and is trying to find a way to fit in. Immediately he runs into bully Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), a black belt from the local Cobra Kai dojo, who has no issue showing Daniel who’s boss. He also meets Ali (Elisabeth Shue) who makes him feel welcome, the problem is she is the ex-girlfriend of Johnny.

Halloween comes and after an incident, Johnny, along with pals Bobby (Ron Thomas), Tommy Rob Garrison), Jimmy (Tony O’Dell) and Dutch (Chad McQueen), chase Daniel and begin to beat him. Handyman Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) jumps in to defend the boy against the bullies. Stunned by what he says, Daniels asks Mr. Miyagi to teach him to defend himself. Instead, he takes the boy to try to talk it through with the boys. Visiting Cobra Kai, they meet teacher John Kreese (Martin Kove), is amused by Mr. Miyagi and it is clear where Johnny gets his aggression from.

To solve the issue, Mr. Miyagi suggests that Daniel enter the All-Valley Karate Championship to take on his students. Kreese agrees to keep his boys off Daniel until then. Mr. Miyagi begins to train Daniel in unusual ways and through frustration, he begins to realize what he is being taught. Also, his relationship with Alli is becoming stronger.

When the day of the tournament arrives, Daniel and Mr. Miyagi come together for a match to prove that it is with heart that one can win!

Macchio as Daniel is a young man who is trying to fit into a place so removed from all he has known. To immediately find hostility is not something he knows how to handle and doesn’t have anyone to turn to. That is until he meets the very quiet Mr. Miyagi and his life changes in ways he could never have expected. Macchio was and will always be the original KARATE KID in my family. The performance of this, at the time, young actor is just engrained in the memories of everyone who was in the theatre in the 80’s and we will accept no substitute!

Morita as Mr. Miyagi has been in so many films and television and, as an older actor, he skyrocketed into fame portraying this very calm and understanding character. Showing Daniel the way of not fighting but instead of self-defense, his methods of training take the teen by surprise but there was always a method to his madness. Morita gives us a caring person who becomes an important part of a young teen’s life.

Zabka as Johnny is definetly a character that a lot of people in the 80’s knew (this was before such radical cultural change in feeling about bullies). Johnny finds a mentor in Kreese without realizing that what he is learning is violent, destructive and detrimental to everyone around him. Zabka is given a difficult role and yet, it is important to Daniels story and he does it well.

Shue as Alli is very supportive of Daniel while still dealing with the issues of ex-boyfriend Johnny. She joins in the journey of Daniel and Mr. Miyagi and it gives the teens and viewers the charming crush story. Kove as Kreese is an angry man who is teaching that very same anger to his students at the dojo. He is the biggest bully in the room and even his students are afraid of him. The only one who is not is Mr. Miyagi proving that size doesn’t matter!

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 Features on 4K Ultra HD include Restored from the Original Camera Negative, Presented in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision, All New Commentary with the Creators of Cobra Kai Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, All New Over 30 Minutes of Deleted Scene Dailies, Four Deleted Scenes, Remembering THE KARATE KID Featurette and Theatrical Trailer.

Bonus Features on Bluray include Blu-Pop Pop-Up Track, Commentary with Director John G. Avildsen, Writer Robert Mark Kamen and Actors Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita, “The Way of THE KARATE KID” Multi-Park Making-Of Featurette, “Beyond the Form” Featurette, “East Meets West: A Composer’s Notebook and “Life of Bonsai” Featurette.

THE KARATE KID hit theatres in 1984 and just blew us all away, so much so that we all flocked to the theatres for ever sequel after that. Every adventure of Daniel and Mr. Miyagi was more to the tale of their lives and the flow was seamless. Revisiting the story from its beginning is so amazing and all the special features give insight even more to the creation of one of the most iconic films.

When our family speaks of growing up, THE KARATE KID is always part of the conversation. My two boys wanted to begin karate classes because of this movie but, thankfully, their sensei was a kind man who knew how to teach without Kreeses’ faults. They, like Daniel, learned to respect the art of karate along with when and where it was to be used. So, this film reached past a tub of popcorn in the theatres and into daily lives.

The film made such an impact in our culture that when the series COBRA KAI came to cable, people rallied around the return of the iconic characters of Daniel and Johnny as grown men with families of their own. So, return once again to the beginning and celebrate the 40^th Anniversary of where it all began!

In the end – the secret of karate lies in the heart not the hands!

Celebrate the 35th Anniversary of GLORY

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD Steelbook from director Edward Wick and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment celebrating its 35^th Anniversary on Steelbook is the stunning film GLORY.

Young Captain Robert Shaw (Matthew Broderick) has been wounded the battle of Antietam during the Civil War. Home recuperating, he learns that he has been given the rank of colonel and is wanted to lead the 54^th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. Learning it is an all-black regiment, Cpt. Shaw appoints friend Cabot Forbes (Cary Elwes) as second-in-command. 

Thrilled to be volunteering is Thomas Searles (Andre Braugher), a freeman who has known Cpt. Shaw since childhood and works for the Shaw family. Also signing up immediately is John Rawlins (Morgan Freeman), Jupiter Sharts (Jihmi Kennedy), and the full-of-attitude Silas Trip (Denzel Washington).

Knowing he needs to get the regiment up to par immediately, he requests Sgt. Mulcahy (John Finn) to do what he must. It also becomes clear quickly that he can not be seen to show favoritism because of his friendship. Cpt. Shaw also learns of the with the Emancipation Proclamation, comes a dire warning from the confederacy that African American soldiers caught wearing a uniform will be executed, as well as white officers. Offering to let the men go, Shaw is taken aback to learn that their determination is as strong as his own.

He turns to Rawlins in asking for help in understanding the men under his command and Rawlins obliges quickly. With that, Shaw is determined to get the men shoes and such as was promised when they joined. Rawlins is then rewarded for his character and becomes a Sgt. Major. The men are determined to be part of the fight but instead find themselves dealing with those who don’t think they belong.

There time comes when they battle on James Island and each show, they are fully capable to fight. Heading towards Fort Wagner, realizing there will be heavy casualties, Shaw volunteers his regiment to be the first to cross the beach. When they march out of camp, they are sent off with honor.

Broderick as Captain Shaw is a young man from a prominent family but does not use that to his advantage. Instead, he wants to do what is right by the men in his regiment and for something he truly believes in. The difficulty comes when separating his friendships and understanding his men. Broderick plays this role with thoughtfulness and as a young man of that time period having to do the unthinkable and it is beautifully done.

Braugher as Thomas is a man who believes in being a part of the fight but, like Shaw, has a hard time at first understanding how to separate his northern free life to what is happening all around him. His performance is so moving. Freeman as Rawlins is a man that doesn’t rush his feelings but, instead, considers each situation before him. Helping Shaw find his ground and the respect of his men are everything and Freeman is brilliant.

Elwes as Forbes is finding himself torn just as everyone else is. Its hard to go from a friendship with Shaw and James to being in the middle of a colonel and a private. He gets to be a little irate where the other two can not afford to. Kennedy as Jupiter is the surprise in this film because he goes through the paces and comes out as the being a constant source of pride in the midst of chaos. He has the support of Rawlins, the praise of his superiors and yet, he is a gentle spirit.

Washington as Silas as a man with a huge chip on his shoulder and he does not hold back on anything he feels. His anger is aimed at anyone, no matter color, who gets in his way or challenges him. But, with all men in war, there comes a turning point and maybe even a little bit of self-reflection on all that anger. Silas may be complex but he is also not one to shy away from a fight. Washington’s performance is equally as stunning and the story could not be told without his performance, or any of them for that matter.

Other cast include JD Cullum as Henry Russell, Cliff DeYoung as Col. James Montgomery, Alan North as Governor, John Andrew, Christian Baskous as Edward Pierce, RonReaco Lee as Honey, Donovan Leitch as Captain Morse, Bob Gunton as General Harker, Jay Sanders as General Strong, Richard Riehl as Quartermaster, Peter Goetz as Francis Shaw, Jane Alexander as Sarah Shaw and Raymond St. Jacques as Frederick Douglass.

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

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

Special Features include on 4K Ultra HD include Restored from Original Camera Negative Presented in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision, English Dolby Atmos, Visual Feature-Length Commentary, and Theatrical Trailer. On Bluray is Feature Presented in High Definition, English Dolby True HD, Director’s Commentary, Deleted Scenes with Commentary, Virtual Civil War Battlefield Interactive Map, “The True Story Continues” Documentary, “The Voices of Glory” Featurette and “The Making of Glory” Featurette.

GLORY is a stunning film that, amazingly, is told from so many sides of one coin. From those in control of the war to those who fight it to the inner struggles of them all, scene after scene is powerful. The performances by this cast are just as amazing in 2024 as it was in theatres in 1989.

The film is actually based on such books as Brave Black Regiment – History of the Fifty-fourth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (1891) BY Captain Luis F. Emilio, Lay This Laurel (1973) BY Lincoln Kirstein, One Gallant Rush (1965) BY Peter Burchard as well as the personal letters of Robert Gould Shaw.

Yes, the cinematography is stellar, the costuming is on point and the music brings you further into the story. All of these are so very important adding a luster to the film and bringing this cast together is the absolute cherry on the cake. Revisit the story of these brave men in the 35^th anniversary of GLORY.

In the end – nothing would be spared in the fight for their freedom!