BRIDGET JONES: Mad About the Boy on Peacock

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Peacock from director Michael Morris and Universal Pictures is the next installment on the life of BRIDGET JONES: Mad About the Boy.

Bridget Jones (Rene Zellweger) is finding her life at home with son Billy (Casper Knopf) and daughter Mabel (Mila Jankovic) a challenge without Mark. Oddly, she does still have a friendship with Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) who is still up to his old-dog-no-new-tricks ways but the kid like him. Keeping Bridget in check are her most reliable friends Shazzer (Sally Phillips), Jude (Shirley Henderson) and Tom (James Callis).

Taking the kids to school seems like a chore and meeting the new teacher Mr. Wallaker (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and his whistle is daunting enough. Feeling more insecure than ever about herself, family physician Dr. Rawlings (Emma Thompson) gets a chance to put her two cents in and tells Bridget to basically get over herself and get on with life. Deciding to take a small piece of her advice, she gets back to work as a producer for television after hiring Nanny Chloe (Nico Parker). Happy to have her back are colleagues Miranda (Sarah Solemani) and Una (Celia Imrie).

Getting the kids out of the house, Bridget finds herself up a tree – literally, and being rescue by the young and handsome Roxster (Leo Woodall). A giddiness takes over Bridget and so does a summer months fling that everyone finds out about in the usual “Bridget” way. Returning to school, Mr. Wallaker senses that something is wrong with Billy and Bridget is back to trying to understand her life. It takes an outing for her to realize that she needs to rethink choices, understand her children and let go!

It is amazing how life changes when you make a few small changes.

Zellweger is back as Bridget Jones and it doesn’t feel like she missed a beat. A little older and a tad wiser, she still is a bumbling mess trying to feel her way around life. That is part of the Jones charm, a lot of the complexities most of us keep on the inside, Bridget Jones has no filter showing hers on the outside. Still charming in the midst of her crisis’s, still a strong in her friendships (even with Daniel) and when push comes to shove – she figures it out in her own unique way. Zellweger does all of that and more bringing out beloved Bridget to the screen because we love her – just as she is.

Grant as Daniel is also up to his old tricks, even with Bridget, but seems to have embraced the role of uncle to her children. A slight jaw-drop in the way he does it but the kids love him for it and the adults just roll their eyes and then laugh. I’m so glad he came back to see Daniels story through. Woodall as Roxster is a young man who has a fancy for the ‘slightly’ older Bridget. He is fun, charming and easy on the eyes, just ask all Bridget’s friends! He shows up at a time when Bridget seems to be more open about moving on in that part of her life and Roxster is happy to oblige.

Ejiofor as Mr. Wallaker is a stern and whistle-strict teacher who can’t seem to get out of his own way. He says what he means and it isn’t always well received. Going toe-to-toe with Bridget isn’t an easy task either but Ejiofor manages to do quite well. His role feels like a bit of a LOVE ACTUALLY feel and I don’t mind that one bit. Knopf as Billy is a young boy who is very much like his father and doesn’t always understand his mom. Knopf’s performance is so sweet. Jankovic as Mabel is like mom in her thinking process about things. This is one adorable little girl who knows how to use a pot and spoon.

Phillips, Henderson and Callis just had my heart as Bridget’s friends return to support her in their own unique white wine guzzling way. They love her, support her and want what’s best in her life and have been there for, let’s just say, 25+ years. We should all be so lucky to have friends like that.

Now, for the elephant in the room – Firth as Mark. I’m absolutely going to start tearing up here because I am a Firth-fan from way back. When I learned in 2001 that he would be playing Mark Darcy in BRIDGET JONES DIARY, I basically shouted to the rafters. Not only is he the films Mark Darcy, but the Mr. Darcy of my heart in the 1995 BBC series Pride & Prejudice. Here, he makes his role plain in the story and I’m leaving it at that but have tissue at the ready.

Other cast include Isla Fisher as Rebecca, Neil Pearson as Richard, Ian Midlane as Paul, Jane Fowler as Henrietta, James Rawlings as Huge, Ruth Gibson as Jane, Claire Skinner as Magda, Mark Lingwood as Cosmo, Dolly Wells as Woney. Cameos include Gemma Jones as Mom Pamela, Jim Broadbent as Dad Colin and Colin Firth as Mark Darcy.  

The film is based on the book by Helen Fielding Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy and also wrote the screenplay with Dan Mazer and Abi Morgan.

Peacock, is an American subscription streaming service owned and operated by Comcast through its entertainment division NBCUniversal. Universal Pictures 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.

BRIDGET JONES: Mad About the Boy had me a little wary I don’t mind saying. It is extremely hard to get the band back together time and time again and the last time was in 2016 with BRIDGET JONES’S BABY. That being said, it works and man does it take a toll emotionally with scene after scene reminding us how it all started. There is no reinventing the wheel here but instead, soft reminders of why the film was a success in the first place.

Bridget Jones reminds us of the craziness of this life and when you wade through all of the mess – there we find those who support, cheer and love every messy moment right alongside us. Is there really anything more wonderful than that?

In the end – she’s starting a new chapter!

 

The Mystery of THE GORGE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Apple TV+ from director Scott Derrickson and Skydance comes an intense thriller that will have everyone guessing about THE GORGE.

Levi (Miles Teller) is good at one thing, that is being a sniper. Someone who already knows this is Bartholomew (Sigourney Weaver), who knows his history of being a gun for hire so to speak. She offers Levi a position that will take him away for a year and she can not tell him anything else which is intriguing. Waking up on a helicopter, Levi realizes that he’s about to jump out to an unknown place but is met by J.D. (Sope Dirisu). J.D. gives him the rundown of what is expected of him for the next 365 days.

In a large tower is everything Levi needs to keep an eye on a gorge that is covered in a mist. Across the divide is another tower where he sees Drasa (Anya Taylor-Joy). Day by day they both do the tasks assigned to them. One evening, Drasa sees Levi and decides to send a message which is against the rules on both sides. That one moment is the beginning of their gorge friendship.

That doesn’t mean they avoid the reality of why they have been assigned to their towers. What rises up is intense and determined as both Levi and Drasa do what they do best – shoot. When the unexpected happens, the two snipers discover who and why the gorge is being kept a secret from the world and the part that Bartholomew plays in it all!

Teller as Levi is so stunning in this role as a man who has his own demons but is about to find new ones. Taking on the year-long mission seems to give him time to be away from people and perhaps give him some peace. Instead, he discovers Drasa and what is in the gorge below his feet. Teller is intense and he brings it in full force and still allowing himself to explore emotions he had been avoiding. All the events of the film, Teller flows with the story and plays off Taylor-Joy’s character with finesse and focus. I truly enjoyed his work here.

Taylor-Joy as Drasa is equally as stunning as a woman who is equal to Levi as a sniper. She knows her skills and doesn’t look to anyone, not even Levi, to acknowledge them. Being alone in her tower, it is she who has no problems breaking the rules first and on her own terms. I love the attitude Taylor-Joy gives Drasa throughout the film. She has bursts of emotions but they do not take over when the gorge shows itself. If anything, Drasa gets into focused mode when it comes down to it. So well done!

Weaver as Bartholomew is a woman who is stern and knows exactly what she is doing. Enlisting Levi for the mission, she is watching what is happening. Weaver isn’t a major up front player in the film but man oh man, her characters presence is absolutely there. I’m pretty much a happy person any time I see Weaver on the screen, large or small. One of my favorite actresses and her role here just solidifies her cool choices and range of role choices.

Apple TV+ 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 GORGE is a fantastic mixture of romance, thrill, suspense, mystery, secrets and action. It is a slow intense burn and I was all for it from beginning to end. The chemistry between Teller and Taylor-Joy is real perfection as they held their characters equally. Both characters are uniquely qualified for their year-long mission and both knew how to handle situations that would probably make me run away as fast as my legs would take me. The film is a tad over two hours but worthy of every second it is on the screen.

Director Derrickson keeps the cast simple but the story large and intense which is to his credit. He allows the audience to watch the two snipers not only deal with what is in the gorge but make their own rules. Each scene brings more and more suspense as Teller and Taylor-Joy uncover the mystery together and take on Sigourney Weaver and I loved it all. Apple TV+ adds a very good film to their amazing line up of films and series so add THE GORGE to your must-see!       

In the end – who knows the secret below!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Downside of I LOVE YOU FOREVER

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital for Valentines Day from writer/directors Cazzie David, Elisa Kalani and Entertainment 360 is a different kind of emotion with I LOVE YOU FOREVER.

Mackenzie (Sofia Black-D’Elia) is trying to understand her on and off again relationship with Alex (Adam Alpert). Roommate’s Lucas (Jon Rudnitsky) and Ally (Cazzie David) have pretty much heard it all but still love their friend. Unexpectedly, Mackenzie meets Finn (Ray Nicholson) and her love life is about to totally change.

Finn immediately shows Mackenzie that he knows how to treat a lady and she is surprised. Feeling as if she finally found someone who understands her, Mackenzie is all into the relationship and the honeymoon phase has her on a cloud. Meeting Lucas and Ally, Finn shows them his best side with charm. But some things come to her attention and she isn’t quite sure why.

Trying to study one evening, Finn doesn’t seem to get the hint that she needs space to complete her work. When Mackenzie tries to smooth over the situation, things become sideways and again, she isn’t sure what to make of his reaction. Finn apologizes and she brushes it off as stress for both of them. Lucas and Ally talk with her about the change they see in their friend but it’s going to take more than talk for Mackenzie to see where her relationship is going.

Black-D’Elia as Mackenzie is a smart young woman who just has lousy luck when it comes to the kind of love she believes, and rightfully so, she deserves. Mackenzie is stunned to think that someone would sweep her off her feet with charm, style and humor. Black-D’Elia gives us all the stress and insecurities of her character and it is totally believable which makes the film amazing in the story its telling. Wonderful performance!

Nicholson as Finn gives his character all the charm and fun of a boyfriend every girl is looking for. The problem is once you get past that, there is a dark side that is probably the reason why many women don’t dive into dating. That being said, Nicholson is outstanding in portraying this character because, once again, there is a believability that causes uncomfortable tingling that is also relatable for many.

David as Ally is that girlfriend that we all just love. She is snarky, has fantastic one-liners and gives Mackenzie the blunt friendship she deserved. David has me giggle-snorting but also realizing I have a friend exactly like her character and couldn’t imagine life without her (shout out to Val!). Rudnitsky as Lucas is the guy-friend surrounded by females but none of them are his. He is the male counterpart to Ally with equal snark and one-liners and there isn’t a minute where an ‘awwwww’ didn’t escape me. These two actors together are spectacular plain and simple.

Other cast include Oliver Cooper as Harrison, Raymond Cham Jr. as Jake, Mireia Jiminez-Phinilla as Sam. Myke Wright as Freddie, and Alex Crawford as Danny.

Founded in 2002, Entertainment 360 is a talent and literary management/production company based in Los Angeles. We Work with Storytellers across the entertainment industry to help produce and foster content that impacts culture, entertains, and inspired. For more please visit www.ent360.com.

Directors David and Kalani talk about their film, “When we set out to make this film, we wanted to create a relatable romantic comedy for our generation. Something that satirized the horrors of being single in today’s unsettling, and constantly evolving romantic landscape. It was immediately clear to us that the romcom our generation has been waiting for is the anti-romcom. The irony is that the textbook toxic relationship almost always begins "just like the movies." Buzzwords like “love bombing,” “gaslighting,” “narcissist,” have saturated the vernacular on the internet to the point that they’ve lost all meaning. I LOVE YOU FOREVER depicts the nuance of what these words truly mean, and pokes fun at the culture that has glorified and overused them.”

I LOVE YOU FOREVER is such a mixture of emotions from start to finish. The character of Mackenzie just wants to be loved and seen as everyone does. With those emotions running high, it is easy to see how this character would fall hard and fast for Finn! All relationships have a honeymoon phase and these two take full advantage of that. When the necessities of life come back into focus, meaning Mackenzie’s need to study for example, there are some red flags that get waved.

The film truly does take in, as the directors state, the buzz words like ‘gaslighting’ and ‘love bombing’ to the highest heights. Watching the character of Mackenzie go through the ringer can also be a manual of ‘hey, see the red flags?”. The character is so relatable to both men and women because we have all experienced it at one time or another. Take the time to see how one woman handles her choices!

In the end – romance is a challenge!

 

The Fear of NOSFERATU Comes to 4K Ultra HD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from writer/director Robert Eggers and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes another retelling of the story of NOSFERATU.

Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp) is a young woman living with her husband Thomas (Nicholas Hoult) in Germany. As an estate agent, Thomas is hoping that his position as Schloss Grunewald will give him an opportunity to bring a wonderful life for his wife. Called in to see his employer Herr Knock (Simon McBurney), Thomas is told that he would be traveling to visit the recluse Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgard) who wishes to purchase property in Wisborg.

Thomas asks friends Friedrich Harding (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and wife Anna (Emma Corrin) to look after Ellen as he travels to Transylvania. Arriving after weeks, he is greeted with hostility by the Romani townsfolk and witnesses a ritual that is shocking. Having to make the rest of the journey to Orlok’s castle, he is greeted by Orlok and the appearance is disturbing to Thomas. Yet, he does what he must to finish the paperwork so he can return home to Ellen.

Lord Orlok has other plans and it includes also wanting to return to see the lovely young Ellen. Thomas realizes that he must escape before the nightmares and their effects consume him. Near death, his makes his way home without realizes that Ellen is also suffering melancholy to be confronted by scientist Albin Eberhart Von Franze (Willem Dafoe). Olek has no choice but to sail for Wisborg in a rat-infested ship, using the scurrying creatures to cause havoc in his new hometown met by Knock.

Wisborg is struck by the plague and Thomas attempts to regain his strength as Ellen realizes that her own dreams and nightmares are caused by one thing. Now, Thomas, Dr. Wilhelm Sievers (Ralph Ineson), Von Granze and Ellen must come together with a plan that can put a stop to the madness and destruction happening in their town. 

Hoult as Thomas is a man that clearly wants a standard of life for himself and wife Ellen. Accepting an assignment that could bring him financial reward, it could never have imagined what was truly to come. Hoult has truly spent the last few years covering almost every genre of film and standing out. In this film he is challenged with horror and a bit of bravery all in the name of love. Depp as Ellen is clearly a woman who suffers from a strange malady. Finding refuge in her marriage, it is only a temporary reprieve. Depp gives her character the look of a woman struggling to discover what is true in her life and what is madness.

Skarsgard as Orlok is a strange character but that is nothing new for this actor. The mystery is in how Orlok truly looks which is masked by shadows. Pennywise and Orlok do have a lot in common and that’s where Skarsgard wins. Dafoe as Von Franze comes across as slightly rattled in his own mind with zippy Shakespearean one liners causing a bit of chaos trying to convince everyone that there is a vampire present.

Taylor-Johnson as Fredrich is a wealthy man who befriends Thomas and Ellen. He loves his wife and children and as the world becomes unhinged, Taylor-Johnson character has a difficult time grasping the reality of the situation. Corrin as Anna loves her friendship with Ellen and is distraught at her condition. There is nothing Corrin’s character Anna won’t do for Ellen and it may cost her.

McBurney as Knock is the servant of Orlok but that doesn’t mean his opportunity to cause a little mayhem on his own isn’t possible. Creepy and dedicated, every opportunity McBurney is on screen is a chance to shock. Ineson as Sievers is a former student of Von Franze and doctor to Ellen. Seeking help to discover the cause of a young woman’s malady, he knows that his mentor may be a little off, but brilliant none-the-less.

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

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

Bonus Features include the Extended Cut and Theatrical Version, Deleted Scenes, NOSFERATU: A Modern Masterpiece and Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Robert Eggers.

NOSFERATU is a film that is grey, dark and filled with vampiric folklore. The characters felt more like this should be a dark and eerie stage production. The costuming is one of my favorite things about period pieces and the film definitely comes through on that score brilliantly. The women truly looked like the era and gave it such a richness to the story.

The cinematography was beautifully done with the eeriness of greys, blacks and a fogginess that lends feels like another character in the film. The music added a nice touch of intensity to the scenes. However, the 1992 film BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA continues to be my standard and this film hasn’t changed that opinion. It is interesting to note that every generation or so a Dracula film comes along and sticks with the audience of that era. My grandmother had her Bela Lugosi, my mother had Frank Langella, I have Gary Oldman and now Bill Skarsgard.

In the end – succumb to the darkness!

They Take On the INVASION

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from director Bobby Boermans and Well Go USA is the story of those who sacrifice everything to stop the INVASION.

Off the coast of Curacao, the Coast Guard is on the tail of smugglers who think they can outrun the law. Finally catching up, the soldiers are surprised to get a call to come back to the ship. The new is that there is an attack by a rogue nation on Curacao and plans must be made. On the shore, three Marines are in the middle of training as one soldier believes that he is on his way to leaving military service. Word comes down that every man is needed to get the enemy under control.

Attacking civilians and the military, the soldiers realize they must do whatever is necessary to protect the people and keeping Curacao from being taken over. When the base is overrun, those in charge realize that a prisoner is the reason for the attack and now they must get him out of the line of fire.

Each step they take brings them all closer to either dealing with the invaders or buying time until more help arrives. These aren’t just any Marines; they are soldiers willing to do whatever it takes!

The cast includes Tarikh Janssen, Gijs Blom, Ortal Vriend, Jasha Rudge, Fedja Van Huet, Gijs Scholten Van Aschat and Raymond Thiry.

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

The story is one of friendship, courage, leadership and the fight to do what is right protecting those who cannot protect themselves. Director Boermans takes on a mixture of all of these and facets them into an action film that stretches the full 90 minutes. Taking it from the perspective of the ship at sea, those affected and the soldiers pushing the interlopers back, nothing is left to chance.

As the military does what it can, they are not helped much by those in government as they can’t seem to get it together one way or the other. It is the soldiers who know what needs to be done and how to do it. I am a fan of action films and INVASION gives plenty of that from beginning to end. The cast bring the story to fruition and as an ensemble make the story work seamlessly.     

In the end – every war becomes personal!

 

 

 

 

 

 

VIETNAM: The War That Changed America

 

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Apple TV+ from director by Rob Coldstream and A 72 Films narrated by Ethan Hawke is an in depth look at the conflict through archival footage and first-person accounts of VIETNAM: The War That Changed America.

Starting with the Episode One – Boots On The Ground, it is July 1965 and C.W. Bowman is an 18-year-old young man who discovers he’s been drafted to Vietnam. The draft is happening and Malik Edwards and Philip Van Colt are headed to the Marine Corps. Also, 75,000 combat troops are sent to Vietnam as well. Gary Heeter is a young man fresh out of high school in Texas going into the Army and meets Bowman and the two become inseparable. When they arrive in Vietnam, they are greeted by camera crews. Now, it’s a fight with the Communists in North Vietnam and the U.S. ally, the South Vietnamese.

The Battle of Ia Drang begins in November of 1965 and Tony Nadal of the U.S. Air Calvary is commanding the troops and again, camera crews are there. A very young George Forest is there and admittedly scared. The camera catches that fear and the firefight that ensues and, unfortunately, catch death as well. Month go by and now there are 250,000 troops in Vietnam. During a sweep, a battalion discovers a tactic by the North Vietnamese also called Viet Cong – underground bunkers. Bowman and Heeter become tunnel guys, or “tunnel rats”, and they become known for it. This isn’t the only place there are tunnels as Bay Hon and Vo Thi Mo, both Viet Cong, explain that they believe that Americans started the war and did not understand the Vietnamese people. They have one goal – tunnel to Saigon.

In 1967, Operation Junction City has 30,000 U.S. soldiers are sent in to find Viet Cong headquarters. The “tunnel rats” Bowman and Heet are busy but in one moment, that all changes. The soldiers begin to realize that the Viet Cong are not going to stop nor are they typical adversaries. In December 1967, things become more intense One hundred towns and cities are about to experience the unimaginable.

Episode Two – Uprising, U.S. President Lyndon Johnson promises the war will be won. He does not yet know what is coming. In Saigon, Dang Yuan Teo is one of the Viet Cong who are scoping out the city for weak spots. On January 31, 1968 the Vietnamese New Year called Tet, there is supposed to be truce for the day but it is further from that. Paul Healy is with the U.S. Military Police and due to go home. He receives an alarming call that the American Embassy is under attack and cameras are everywhere filming it all. At the same time, dozens of attacks are happening in the streets of Saigon.

Young Vietnamese like Bay Hon and Vu Ming Nyhia are fighting the U.S. and South Vietnamese soldiers for very personal reasons. Although Saigon and surrounding areas are attacked, six hundred miles away in Hue, John Baywell (U.S. Army) is a radio DJ starting a station there. At two in the morning, this sleepy town does not remain sleepy much longer. Alex Wells (USMC) is sent to Hue on the chopper ride in, they are quickly shot at. Capturing it all is female journalist Thea Rosenbaum. She has landed in the middle of a fight that will last 14 days. By February 1968, 23,280 U.S. soldiers have died.

Beginning Episode Three – Not My War, Huan Nguyen, a South Vietnamese civilian speaks about a photo seen world wide and how it pertains to him. When he was nine years old, a horrific event takes place that speaks of the effects the war had on children into adulthood. The U.S. sends in 36 Battalions as a response to Tet and head straight to the Cambodian border and what is to come is one of the biggest battles as the U.S. calls 200,000 more soldiers. In the Mekong Delta, soldiers are sent to tackle the Viet Cong there as Melvin Pender (U.S. Army) is leading his group. Boats are loaded with weaponry and flame throwers to tackle the Viet Cong along the banks and helicopters and gunships aid them.

Le Ly talks about the effects being caught between North Vietnam and American soldiers had on villages that have no part of either side. Edwards recalls his own feelings about what soldiers, especially himself, had to deal with after battles. While Edwards deals with the fighting in Vietnam, the United States is dealing with its own internal struggles. In April 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated and the country is in an uproar. Making the situation even more confusing for soldiers is listening to the radio as Hanoi Hanna as she plays her own game of psychological warfare.

Another major attack by the Viet Cong happens in over 190 cities in May of 1968 and making it the deadliest month of the year. In the Mekong Delta, there is finally the discover of the Ho Chi Minh trail explaining how the Viet Cong manage to supply their soldiers. John Stiles (USAF) is sent out to look for bombing targets and through his experience becomes friends with Bob Noble. Getting the Mekong Delta is one thing – hearts and minds are another. The U.S. is dealing with riots as Johnson tries to calm the country. Edwards leaves the Marines and becomes part of the Black Panther movement and Pender is ordered to join the Olympic team but this is all far from over.

Other episodes include Mutiny, Homecoming and The End Game.

Apple TV+ 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/.

This is just a small piece of the six-episodes of this fascinating look at the Vietnam War. I have seen many documentaries on the subject but the insight with VIETNAM: The War That Changed America, the viewer is privy to the stories those who lived it have to tell – from both sides. To hear them speak of their experiences brings about several things, it reinforces what the VA has been trying to tell people for years. Soldiers returning home from that war, to this day, are still struggling, much as soldiers who have returned home from the war in Iraqi and Afghanistan are struggling.

What the first three episodes also gives us is a look at brotherhood, survival, having each other’s backs and reunited again back home to offer the emotional support they deserved all along. The way each of the men speaks about one another is exactly as my father told me when he and my Uncle Red spoke of the war when I was a young girl. Uncle Red did not come home, after my father rarely spoke of the experience again. For me, this was a tender subject matter but one I needed to understand more about and not from a college history book’s perspective. That is what this documentary provides, a first-hand account that needs to be heard.  

The 50^th Anniversary of the fall of Saigon is approaching and VIETNAM: The War That Changed America is a must see for all who want to know the unvarnished truth through the eyes of those who experienced it.

 

Next week – review of Episodes 4-6

It is Time to Fly Once Again with WICKED

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD this Friday from director Jon M. Chu and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes the much-anticipated film WICKED.

Elphaba Thropp (Cynthia Erivo) is a young woman who has been living with a difference, she happens to be green. While taking her sister Nessarose (Marissa Bode), a paraplegic, to her first day at Shiz University, she is noticed by Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), the Headmistress. Believing she has found something special; she makes sure that Elphaba is taken into Shiz as well. Looking for a room to place her, Galinda Upland (Ariana Grande) is unwittingly chosen.

Galinda is a very popular girl who has a dreamy pink-like quality that Elphaba doesn’t warm up to at first meeting. Setting boundaries makes Galinda unsure of how it is possible that someone doesn’t like her. No matter, Galinda has found something new to keep her in the clouds and that is the arrival of Fiyero Tigelaar (Jonathan Bailey), a Winkie very good-looking prince. He sees Galinda as well and the two strike up a flirtation. But another, Boq (Ethan Slater) also has eyes for the floating beauty.

In history class, Doctor Dillamond (Peter Dinklage), a goat, is giving the students their first lessons but it is Galinda making it about her until Elphaba interjects. Once again Galinda is confused. When it is announced that a group is going out together, Boq tries to make his move but Galinda redirects him to Nessarose which makes the young girl so thrilled and Elphaba wonder if perhaps she might be too harsh on Galinda. At the dance is when everything beings to change for the two young women.

Elphaba now finds a way to include Galinda in her studies with Madame Morrible and Galinda finds ways to show others that Elphaba is one of them. Madame Morrible has decided, after seeing Elphaba’s powers, to write to the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) to see if a private audience can happen. Again, Elphaba includes Galinda in the exciting adventure but once there, both of them see what the Wizard is really about and what part Madame Morrible is playing.

The two young women must each make a decision on what path down the yellow brick road they are going to take. Elphaba now understands the strength of her powers and is about to unleash the Wicked Witch of the West!

Grande as Galinda and Erivo as Elphaba play off one another very well. They seem to be having fun play their respective roles and that is important to the audience watching. I just love Michelle Yeoh and when she gets the opportunity to play bad, she just plays it bad to the bone and as Madame Morrible it is as underhanded as it gets and I’m here for it.

Bailey as Fiyero is handsome, dashing and quite the dancer around books. He is the Ken to Galdina’s Barbie (outfits and all) but there will come a kitty-cat moment where he begins to question feelings he seems to have never had before. Slater as Boq is a love-struck young man and the problem is that the heart wants what the heart wants. We will see how this plays out.

Goldblum as the Wizard is exactly what I expected and actually waited to see out of the whole film. He is quirky, theatrical, and when the tables turn, he keeps up the wide-eyed innocent act with style. Dinklage as the voice of Doctor Dillamomd is just so damn cool…period. He may be the voice of a goat but I cheered hearing him none-the-less.

Other cast include Karis Musongole as young Elphaba, Bowen Yang as Pfannee, Bronwyn James as ShenShen, Keala Settle as Miss Coddle, Aaron Teoh as Avaric, Grecia de la Paz as Gilligan, Colin Carmichael as Professor Nikidik, Courtney-Mae Briggs as Melena Thropp, Andy Nyman as Frexspar Thropp, and Sharon D. Clarke as Dulcibear.

Cameos include Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, Stephen Schwartz, Kerry Ellis, Luke Bayer, Georgina Onuorah and Dianne Pilkington.

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

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

Bonus Features include Sing Along – Alternate Feature Length Version, Deleted and Extended Scenes, Making WICKED, Welcome to Shiz, A Wicked Legacy, The Wonderful Wizard, Feature Commentary with Direction Jon M. Chu, and   Feature Commentary with Stars Cynthia Erivo and Arina Grande.

WICKED has already won a few accolades from the Manaki Brothers Film Festival with the SUMOLIGHT Creative Synergy Award, the Heartland Film Festival for Truly Moving Picture Award Cameriage for Production Designer Award for Nathan Crowley, Celebration of Black Cinema and Television with Actress Award – film for Cynthia Erivo, and Santa Barbara International Film Festival Virtuoso Award for Ariana Grande.

The film is very colorful with a 2023 Willy Wonka and Harry Potter school type deal with spells, witches, wands and outlandish characters. Galinda is washed in Pepto Bismal so much than her brain is basically mush but enough left for her to be sweetly dastardly.

Elphaba - I give a nod for her basket bike riding skills. By the way, when did the Wizard get a side-kick? Not sure what a prince has to do with the story but I guess I’ll maybe find out in Part 2? The story is created from a screenplay by Winie Holzman and Dana Fox but the stage musical was by Stephen Schwartz and Holzman and is “loosely” based on the 1995 story by Gregory Maguire. Now I have to go read the book!

My granddaughter is happy to be home with mom and dad basking in the glow of a shared experience. I’m here for that absolutely and see that WICKED hits a target audience who are going to be just as thrilled that they will be able to watch at home again and again. The color, the songs, the dancing, the few giggles is exactly what fans expect. Get the kudos, get the awards and make the fans happy because I’m all for that absolutely.

Grab up every musical lover you know, grab up every WICKED fan who is excited, for the kids and the kid at heart, and come together once again (dressing in costume is optional) but always fun, make sure you get a comfy seat and prepare to look towards the western sky!

In the end – everyone deserves the chance to fly!

To Protect and Serve is DOG MAN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming this Friday to theatres from writer/director Peter Hastings, DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures is the one and only DOG MAN.

Police Officer Knight and sidekick dog Greg are severely injured and in order to save them both, the doctors create Dog Man! Quick healing puts Dog Man back on the streets to try and capture Petey the Cat (Pete Davidson). Dog Man’s boss Chief (Lil Rel Howery) knows that the town’s mayor (Cheri Oteri) is becoming frustrated and makes it clear to get that cat!

Petey is wreaking havoc and with each capture, he realizes that its time to be more creative. Deciding to double himself, what actually happens is the creation of Little Petey (Lucas Hopkins), an adorable child version of big Petey. Not happy with the outcome, in one moment he becomes happy when little Petey goes missing.

Not really missing really, more like left and Dog Man finds him! Taking him home, the two become attached to one another. Keeping up on the news of what Petey is doing is Sarah Hatoff (Isla Fisher), the local news reporter and her trusty cameraman Seamus (Billy Boyd). To add more mischief and mayhem Petey has created a robot and manages to bring Flippy the Fish (Ricky Gervais) into the chaos.

So now Dog Man, must find a way to stop the madness created by Petey while also keeping Chief and the mayor happy and not crushing Little Petey’s spirit. That’s a tall order for a small Dog Man but nothing that he can’t handle without a little surprising help.

Writer/Director Hastings has decided to be the barking voice of Dog Man and there certainly isn’t anything wrong with that. He is able to provide the right emotions for this animated creation and it did look like fun. Davidson as Petey the Cat is a bit psychotic, a bit maniacal and a bit misunderstood. It takes a duplicate to test what he believes about himself but doesn’t stop the creation of more problems.

Howery as Chief tries to deal with Dog Man and the mayor giving him more headaches than he knows what to do with. There is a little jealousy about all the attention Dog Man is getting so there’s that issue to deal with. Fisher as Hatoff had me cracking up with her reporter skills and with the help of Boyd as Seamus, these two characters are perfect together and these two actors gave perfect voices to them.

Gervais as Flippy the Fish has us rolling with laughter and the lines delivered had Gervais all over them. The craziness is there and we were loving every moment. Hopkins as Little Petey is charming, adorable and almost made me want an orange cat – almost. His voice gives us reason to believe that a character can be a little bad even if he’s all good.

Other cast include Stephen Root as Grandpa, Poppy Liu as Butler, Luenell as Milly, Melissa Villasenor as the Realtor, Brian Hopkins as Big Jim, Yung Gravy as Mr. Whiskers, and Karen Foster as the Robot.

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

Universal Pictures has amazing films in their library. There are films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.

Dav Pilkey is the creator of Dog Man but this isn’t his first works to go from book to screen. He is also responsible for Captain Underpants books that also made it to the screen successfully. Pilkey has written 12 Dog Man books, several in the Dragon series, Dumb Bunnies books, Cat Kid Comic Club, Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot, Big Dog & Little Dog and other books.

First of all, DOG MAN is one of my granddaughters all time favorite books to read and she can not get enough of them. When I told her that Dog Man had been made into a film, she was thrilled beyond belief and made sure that I took her to see it. Her favorite character is Petey and she was so happy from beginning to end.

The film is funny with the zany story and it even had references that are meant to make the adults laugh. DOG MAN is so colorful and the animation is well done to the point where I could hold up one of the books next to the film poster and there is hardly any difference. That’s what made it so excitable to watch, keeping the characters as they have come to be loved by kids and probably a few adults.

Decompressing from the rush of the holidays, DOG MAN is the perfect family film to go to the theatre, grab popcorn and laugh together without the stressors. It is so well animated, colorful, fun and full of laughter from start to finish.

In the end – part dog, part man and all hero!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Story of Why I’M STILL HERE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Walter Salles and Sony Picture Classics comes the three Academy Award nominated film of I’M STILL HERE.

It is 1970 Rio de Janeiro and the Paiva family are living close to the beach. Father Rubens (Selton Mello) has brought the family back after being in extended exile after the 1964 Brazilian coup. Wife Eunice (Fernanda Torres) is raising their five children as Rubens takes up his career in engineering. It is slowly becoming clear that the military is around but Rubens and Eunice are focusing on their large family.

When another ambassador is kidnapped, the country starts to show signs of instability. The couple decide that they should sending daughter Vera (Valentina Herszage) abroad with friends. Shortly after, a group of men come to the Paiva home asking that Ruben go in to answer a few questions. Eunice keeps calm but wants to know the reason, instead, the men keep the family inside the home until further notice. That upsets Eliana (Luiza Kosovski), Nalu (Barbara Luz), Marcelo (Guilherme Silveira) and Beatriz (Cora Mora).

Trying to keep their normal routine, even housekeeper Zeze (Pri Helena) noticed what is happening around the home. Unexpectedly, Eunice and Eliana are taken in to answer questions as well and this is where the family’s world turns upside down. Eunice wants to know where her husband is and as time goes by it becomes clear that those who took him refuse to give her any answers.

The family comes together waiting for what could come next with intensity. That’s when Eunice makes decisions to take on the governments denials about her husband and stand up for those who need it the most.

Torres as Eunice is a wife and mother who is happy with her life and love of Rubens. Making plans to build a house in a beautiful part of Rio and taking care of their children, there is no way she could have seen what would be coming. Torres gives us a woman who stands her ground and becomes an activist against all the odds as well as all the dangers. She portrays a woman who, because of what happened, stands those who do wrong to others.

Kosovski as Eliana is a young girl who is brought into a situation of extreme danger that no child should be. She plays the role extremely well as she goes from fun loving kid to dealing with adult madness. Kosovski shows her abilities as a young actress and she is amazing. Herszage as Vera is a young woman about to see the world from outside her own. She shares the joy with her family and Herszage is also shining in this film. Helena as Zeze is completely aware of what is happening and tries her best to keep the children focused on other things. Helena is a strong silent character that is equal in many ways to Eunice  

Luz, Silveira and Mora portray the three other Paiva children that are being protected by their mother about what is happening in their family, as they should be. I would think (at least I would) protect the young from knowing that their world is not a safe place.

Other cast include Fernanda Montenegro as older Eunice, Maria Manoella as older Vera, Antonio Saboia as older Marcelo, Humberto Carrao as Felix, Maeve Jinkings as Dalva, Caio Horowicz as Ricardo, Camila Mardila as Dalar, Charles Fricks as Fernando, Luana Nastas as Helena, Isadora Ruppert as Laura, Daniel Dantas as Raul, Maite Padilha as Cristina, Carla Ribas as Martha, Dan Stulbach as Bocaiuva, Marjorie Estiano as older Eliana, Gabriela Cunha as older Nalu, Olivia Torres as older Maria,

Sony Pictures Classics brings television, digital content, new entertainment services, independent films and technologies to viewers. Such films as GREED, THE BURNT ORANGE HERESY, THE CLIMB, CHARM CITY KINGS, I CARRY YOU WITH ME and THE FATHER are just a few of the current and upcoming releases. For more information on what Sony Pictures Classics has to offer please visit www.sonyclassics.com.

I’M STILL HERE has been nominated for Best International Feature Film, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role and Best Motion Picture of the Year by the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes gave Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama to Fernanda Torres, A Satellite Award for Best Actress for Fernanda Torres, and the Miami Film Festival gives Director Walter Salles the Audience Award, National Board of Review and Palm Springs International Film Festival awards Walter Salles their prize. This is only a small list of wins and nominations for the film.

Every actor gives a beautiful performance in this film based on the book Ainda Estou Aqui (I’m Still Here) written by Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s 2015 memoir. Torres leads the ensemble with brilliance and although her emotions aren’t outward, they certainly are in her eyes and every step she takes. Based on the reality of the Paiva’s family, the film is striking in every way and, if one were to think about it, a frightening possibility at any time in any country.

Director Salles doesn’t hide anything about this story but instead dives into the deep end of the ocean with the power of family, one woman’s fight against a corrupt government, and the hope that is held by them all. Watching Torres as Eunice, we get a mama bear mixed with a woman dealing with her own fears and grief. I don’t believe anyone with a heart could walk away from this film not being touched in so many ways.

In the end – she will fight the injustice!

 

 

 

Return to the Island with MOANA 2

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Digital and coming to 4K, Bluray and DVD from directors David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, Dana Miller and Walt Disney Animation Studios come the next big adventure with MOANA 2.

Moana (Auli’I Cravalho) is keeping busy once again on the island of Motunui with her family and friends. Trying to find other people on different islands, she has become quite a wayfinder. As she’s about to be given an honor by the village, a blinding light hits her and visions of the most famous wayfinder tells her she must find the hidden island of Motufetu. Once she does, it will connect the island people.

Making sure father Tui (Temuera Morrison) and mother Sina (Nicole Scherzinger) understand why she must take on this adventure, she enlists Moni (Jualalai Chung), Loto (Rose Matafeo) and the elderly farmer Kele (David Fane) and takes Pua and Heihei along as well. Upset by the trip is Moana’s baby sister Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda). When Moana and friends head out in a bigger boat, she follows the fire in the sky that she saw in her dream.

Along the way, Moana finds a friends with Kakamora and discovers something about them she didn’t know before. What Moana didn’t expect was to see Maui (Dwayne Johnson) who tells them that the god Nalo isn’t going to let them find the island because he hates humans! That is confirmed by Matangi (Awhimai Fraser), a mysterious woman who finds herself trapped by Nalo as well.

Yet, Moana knows that she must now rely on others to help her reach the hidden island of Motofetu which is something new for her. They come together and with the help of a charming demi-god, it is time to confront find an island that helps more than Moana could have ever realized.

Cravalho as Moana has returned to sing her way, Beyond, through the story as we would expect. She may be a little older but the problems of being a leader are the same. This time, she has the support of her parents and the entire village that she didn’t have before. The monster she faces this time doesn’t bother taking time to monologue, but instead packs a powerful punch and challenges Cravalho’s character to realize she is stronger than she ever imagined.

Johnson as Maui also returns with charm, fun, and even more protective of Moana. Knowing that he has his own reasons for going after Nalo, when Moana is in the picture, he grabs his hook and knows what he needs to do. Having his share of time singing, Can I get a Chee Hoo?, Johnson get the opportunity again to prove he can have as much fun as he did the first time. He is a bit softer towards people and it his care for humanity is sweet.

Chung as Moni seems to be Motunui’s historian and that is why Moana needs him. After discovering that Moana had actually been up against danger, it is meeting Maui that gives him strength. Matafeo as Loto is the brainy builder who knows what will make Moana’s boats do what she needs them to do. Her strength is being able to adapt just as easily on water as on land. Fane as Kele is the elder and has a bit of a grumpy side wondering why he agreed to come along on the sea.

Fraser as Matangi is a mysterious woman who enjoyed toying with Maui but who she really wants is Moana. If you don’t mind mudskippers and creature boogers, as I assume she doesn’t, Matangi keeps focused on her own agenda. Lambert-Tsuda as the adorable baby sister of Moana, Simea loves her sister and wants her to be there always and not go on ocean adventures but starts to understand.

Shout out to House as Tala for continuing to be there for Moana when she needs her the most. Still feisty and still amazing, House absolutely needed to be in the film.

Other cast include Tofiga Fepulea’l as Nalo, Gerald Ramsey as Tautai Vasa and Rachel House as Tala.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment continues to bring quality programming to kids and kids at heart. Home of the most beloved animated features including SNOW WHITE, PINOCCHIO and SLEEPING BEAUTY to name a few is what keeps families coming back for more. To see what is currently available to add to your own family library please visit. www.movies.disney.com for their At Home titles!

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 Full Length Sing-Along, Call of the Wayfinder, Hear from Nainoa Thompson, A New Voyage, Songs of the Sea, Kakamora Chronicles, Fun in the Booth and Deleted Scenes with Call to Motufetū, Late to the Party, Crew’s In for a Bruisin’, Help Wanted, Odd Birds,Reunited, and Simea’s Chant.

The Song Selection includes:“We’re Back”,“Beyond”,“Finding the Way”, “What Could Be Better Than This”,“Get Lost”,“Can I Get a Chee Hoo”,“Mana Vavau”, “Beyond” Reprise,“Finding the Way” Reprise.

Disney has won 135 Academy Awards and has produced some of the greatest films of all time including the 1934 feature-length animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Other amazing films include Fantasia, Dumbo, Cinderella, Snow White, Alice in Wonderland, and the more recent films such as Encanto.

MOANA hit theatres in 2016 and left such a last impression on audiences that MOANA 2 had to happen. It is a story of a young girl trying to discover who she is and where she fits in and a demi-god that also can’t seem to find his place that isn’t full of trouble. Putting these two characters together to go on an adventure was a stroke of Disney genius. Continuing with that theme. MOANA 2 picks up fairly quickly and although Moana feels she knows who she is, there is something more.

That also meant that she would have to rely on the help of others which she hadn’t done before. There are also a few surprises and even more secrets uncovered and that’s what makes the film so much fun. Of course, coming from Disney Animation, the colors are vivid, stunning and so very cool. The music fits every emotion that comes their way and a few memorable lines that find their way into the new story.

The film is an adventure of family, love, loyalty, friendship and discovering who you are.

In the end – find the way!

 

 

 

The Heart of it is GREEN AND GOLD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Anders Lindwall and Fathom Entertainment is the story of hope, music and the love of football with GREEN AND GOLD.

Buck (Craig T. Nelson) is a farmer who does things his own way in the farmland of Wisconsin who also happens to be a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan. Jenny (Madison Lawlor) is his granddaughter who is about as headstrong as he is. The two butt heads occasionally because Jenny loves her music and playing it for others to hear while Buck sees it as a dream that she should pursue. Watching the two clash is Buck’s wife Margaret (Annabel Armour) who sings in the church choir and helps around the farm.

Jenny learns that the famous Billy Reed (Brandon Sklenar) is in town and she decides to make a tape of one of her songs. When she meets him, Billy talks about his love of places like Buck’s farm and promises to give Jenny’s song a listen. Returning home Jenny she sees banker Jerry Moncton (Tim Frank) leaving but Buck won’t talk about it. Farmhand Aaron (Ashton Moio) has a bit of a crush on Jenny and loves the life on the farm.

Jenny is surprised when Billy makes his way to the farm and comes to dinner where Buck doesn’t seem all that pleased to see him but Margaret is happy her granddaughter has a friend. After a trip to town with Buck, Jenny learns that the farm is close to foreclosure and only then does she realize that she truly loves the farm. When Jerry makes a joke that he will give Buck a year to fix his finances if the Packers make it to the Superbowl, he is surprised later when the offer is accepted.

Thinking they have a chance; Jenny is even happier when Billy calls to come and talk about her music. That doesn’t stop Buck, Jenny and even Aaron from cheering every Sunday (church permitting) for their beloved team as they edge closer and closer to the big day. When tragedy strikes several times, Buck begins to lose hope but Jenny knows that there is always a way. Taking to the local airwaves, now everyone knows how special Jenny’s wide-open piece of heaven is and how close they are to losing it all!

Nelson as Buck is a man who is stuck in his ways and totally in love with the land. He sees granddaughter Jenny following in his own daughter’s path and it causes him so much hurt. Focusing on the land, he is contentious when the banker shows up as he deals with how quickly it can all be taken away. Trusting in his beloved Packers, Nelson gives his character hope that the team can save his farm. Nelson has the ability to give us a strong parental, in this case grandparent, figure but sometimes that strength comes across as arrogance. It will take several blows for Buck to realize the true meaning of his life.

Lawlor as Jenny is equally as stubborn to the point where she doesn’t listen to one thing that isn’t about what she wants musically. Singing for the crowd and writing her own songs brings her joy that she hopes fills an emptiness that she struggles to define within herself. Once she begins to understand what is truly important, Lawlor jumps in with both feet and sticks the landing about life, love and family that loves the land.

Armour as Margaret watcher her husband be stubborn and her granddaughter try to fly and she supports them both. Choir singing lady who cooks a mean supper, Margaret is truly the glue that has held and continues to hold the family together. Moio as Aaron clearly loves the land as much as Buck but with a slightly more enjoyable attitude. He sees value in how Buck runs the farm and is supportive of Jenny as well, even if he has to put his own feelings aside.

Sklenar as singer Billy Reed has something Jenny wants, a chance to sing music that matters. Sklenar is a quiet musician who sees the farm as an inspiration and Jenny as a prolific song writer. Finally, to Walsh as Scotty, in his final film performance, he gets to be what feels like an uncle to Jenny and a life long friend to Buck. He sees the divide and knows the reason for it and cheers Jenny on full force.

Other cast include Charlie Berens as the Radio Host for the ball games, Shaun Graves as Pastor Bridges, Bill Kalinak as Brozo and M. Emmet Walsh as Scotty.

Fathom Entertainment is delivering a wide variety of programming and experiences to U.S. and global cinema audiences, Fathom is the largest distributor of documentaries, faith-based and inspirational content as well as being at the forefront of bringing anime, performing arts, and classic films to moviegoers worldwide. Audiences can count on Fathom to curate and deliver exclusive entertainment at their local movie theater, allowing fans of any genre to share unique and memorable experiences on the big screen. For more please visit www.fathomentertainment.com.  

GREEN AND GOLD won awards at the Heartland International Film Festival including the Lifetime Achievement Award and Audience Choice Award. It was the Official Selection at the 2024 Austin Film Festival.

The film reaches into hearts and rattles us all around with the grandfather-granddaughter relationship. They are both stubborn and for exactly the same reason! Buck is trying to hide the feelings associated with his daughter and Jenny is trying to find her place knowing she has the same gifts as her mother. Buck is trying to hold onto his farm with everything he holds dear and Jenny thinks leaving the farm will change her life. Both of them once again are in the same boat fighting over a paddle with stubbornness.

I loved watching Nelson’s grumpiness and Armour as a wife knowing that’s exactly who she married and it made me chuckle a bit. Lawlor gives a musical performance that is so lovely and heartfelt. She may be a fiery young lady but when it comes to her music, that is where her emotions truly show themselves. Now you add football in the mix and, of course, it becomes something to cheer about on so many levels. The film is beautifully done with the final lesson of never lose hope – the one thing we sure could use reminding of right now. 

In the end – sometimes you gotta bet the farm!

Prepare for DEAD BEFORE THEY WAKE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and coming to Digital from directors Andy Crane, Nathan Shepka and Shepka Productions is a race to save lives before they become DEAD BEFORE THEY WAKE.

Alex (Nathan Shepka) is a bouncer who always seems to find trouble happening around him. Keeping to himself, a man named Danny (Graeme MacPherson) comes knocking on his door with a job that pays a lot of money. There is a young girl missing and thought to be in the hands of sex traffickers and a political figure will make it worth his while to find her. The only place to even start is with a prisoner who might know about such a ring.

He learns about Amar (Manjot Sumal) and his family owning businesses and real estate where this kind of nefarious business could happen out of sight. That doesn’t stop Alex from searching, especially when he questions Amar’s associate Ryan (Wam Siluka Jr.) in his own unique way. He slowly discovers who is involved in hurting young girls. Alex tells his girl Gemma (Grace Cordell) what he is doing and she insists that once he finds the girl, he must get all the girls free.

That is going to take some doing but as Alex’s anger grows, he knows the only way to stop the likes of Amar and his men is to take them one full force!

Shepka as Alex is a man who mainly keeps to himself. When called upon to help discover what has happened to a young girl, he finds himself mixed in a world that has no humanity. Shepka gives his character a sense of needing to seek out the injustices because he knows the law won’t. Tracking down those responsible doesn’t go without its dangers and repercussions but Shepka’s Alex can take a beating and it not going to stop him from doing what’s right.

Sumal as Amar is the flesh peddler who doesn’t take no for an answer about anything. Sending out his crew of men to find young girls to kidnap, Amar answers to only one person while raking in the money. Sumal gives his character a dastardly look and feel with no conscience about what he is doing or who he is hurting. One thing is clear, it is all about his own survival. Siluka Jr. as Ryan knows what he is doing and when confronted by Alex, finds himself in a precarious position of either giving up information or deal with a bouncer with an attitude.

Cordell as Gemma is a working teacher by day and a dancer by night trying to make ends meet. She is also someone important to Alex and that puts her in danger but not enough that she doesn’t want to help any way she can. MacPherson as Danny is the man who started it all believing that Alex is the right man for the job.

Other cast includes Kareen Nasif as Ghadir, Sylvester McCoy as Evan, David McCallum as Taylor, Michael Laughlan as Jason, Emily Crawley as Chloe, and Patrick Bergin as Holden.

Shepka Productions is a Scottish film production company that specializes in horror and action thriller movies. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Glasgow. Shepka Productions also produces and consults on films and create horror and action thriller movies such as THE BABY IN THE BASKET.

Shepka says of the film, “We wanted to base the film on real events and researched how UK sex trafficking gangs operate to give the film a grounded sense of reality. It is important to highlight what goes on every day and can often be ignored by the mainstream. We don’t feel any studio would have taken on the story in this way, it is likely to be a divisive and controversial portrayal. Ultimately there still has to be a pay-off for the audience; the film culminates   in a brutal revenge-driven showdown.”

DEAD BEFORE THEY WAKE has a bit of a 2008 TAKEN feel about it in that the character of Alex, although the money doesn’t hurt, sees that doing the right thing helps more than one person. The destruction along the way is disheartening but it doesn’t stop the character from the ultimate goal – saving lives at all costs.

The story is a solid one with a cast of characters that each hold their own whether they be a good guy or bad. Bergin as Holden shows why he can still play both sides of a character and it is good to see him on the screen. The story begins slowly but that is important in its telling and adjusting to where the scenes take us. I don’t want to say too much because there are so many twists that writing about one thing leads to another to another so let’s just say the plot continuously thickens!

In the end – what the law can’t do, he will!