Disney Revisits TRON: Ares

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Joachim Ronning and Walt Disney Pictures is the return outside the game with TRON: Ares.

There is a battle brewing in the computer world between Eve Kim (Greta Lee), the CEO of ENCOM and Julian Dillinger (Evan Peters) who is the CEO of Dillinger Systems. What these two mega-techs want is something Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) has hidden, the Permanence Code. While Eve spends her time going through her sisters notes and computer, Dillinger has made a connection inside the digital world creating Ares (Jared Leto). Kim wants to use the code to help the world and Dillinger wants it to creates weapons that can make him millions.

Ares mission is to find the code and bring Kim to Dillinger. Bringing his team, Ares has the help of Athena (Jodie Turner-Smith) who takes directives seriously. After a chase, Dillinger manages to send Kim inside the same code as Flynn yet Ares is beginning to understand what is happening and doesn’t agree with the ‘creators’ programming. What he does want is to remain outside and see the world that he’s beginning to understand. Dillinger is furious and does something causing Athena to go after Kim and now Ares. Dillinger is unstoppable, just ask his mother Elizabeth (Gillian Anderson).

Kim team up to put a stop to Dillinger with the help of Ajay (Hasan Minhaj) and Seth (Arturo Castro) to fight against Athena. Ares goes back inside the program and meets the one person who can help get what they all want – Kevin Flynn. The fight is on as both sides become aware that this is not a normal fight!

Leto as Ares begins as a 29-minute killing machine but soon begins to experience something that isn’t part of his programming – curiosity. Taking in everything around him and meeting Kim makes it clear that the ‘creator’ Dillinger is not who he seems to be. I love that Leto’s character discovers a conscious, is awaken by the simplest of feelings (ie Depeche Mode) and has a dry sense of humor that I enjoyed. This is such a cool role for Leto playing the armored silent type who knows the game Dillinger is playing, literally.

Lee as Eve is still dealing with the death of her sister but also knows that looking for the Permanence Code means following the bread crumbs her sister left behind. Instead of freaking out at every turn, Lee takes it all in and adapts quickly to Ares’ world. This a role that has so much happening with Lee’s Eve being smart, quick and creative every step up to the final scene. Turner-Smith as Athena is angry at every turn but more-so when she sees Ares and Kim together, almost a computer jealousy deal. When Ares decides to go rogue, Turner-Smith’s Athena has no issue with taking the lead of destruction. What a fantastically ‘angry’ role that looked like it was a lot of fun to do.

Castro as Seth understands that Eve knows what needs to be done and he is her right-hand shadow. When Ares shows up, Seth’s reaction is hilarious but doesn’t stop him from getting the job done. Minhaj as Ajay has a smaller, chaotic role but he also brings about a sense of humor that is based on the madness happening around him. I loved both these guys!

Mr. Bridges, the Dude abides, returns as Flynn explaining to Ares about his choices. He hasn’t lost his swagger or his pearls of wisdom and I personally am thrilled he returned to role he first played in the summer of 1982.

Other cast include Sarah Desiardins as Erin, Cameron Monaghan as Caius and Selene Yun as Tess Kim.

Walt Disney Studios incorporates Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and more. There are exclusive originals with new feature films, shows, short form content, documentaries, and actions films such as the highly anticipated upcoming film THE MANDALORIAN. For more information, please visit www.disney.com.

It should be noted that Nine Inch Nails is responsible for the film’s soundtrack. It is punching loud and doesn’t hold back providing perfection for the action scenes. It pulsates so much that your chair is moving and your feet are being musically massaged. I have to say I actually enjoyed every bit of it. Another part of the film I enjoyed was the return of some memorable things but I’m not about to expand on that!

TRON: Ares is visually stunning and there is no doubt about that. The action is intense and it is a 119-minute eye workout. The Light Cycles are still amazing to watch and as cool as ever to watch. What is stunning is that writer Jesse Wigutow stayed true to the original story but adding a twist that the digital world finds itself in the real world. Seeing the film in IMAX is such a bonus and I can’t imagine experiencing it any other way. TRON fans will not be disappointed in the slightest.

In the end – there is no going back!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TAYLOR SWIFT: The Official Release Party of a Showgirl and the Album Release of LIFE OF A SHOWGIRL

 

 

Jeri Jacquin

This is going to be a bit different for me as many of you know I am a film critic. I don’t believe I’ve ever written a review about a film (or short film) that lasted only three days in theaters nor have I written about the companion album by the same artist. That being said, since music critics are driving down a lane of misunderstanding, I’m going to do that as well but for completely different reasons.

This past weekend, from Taylor Swift Productions, fans were treated to the film TAYLOR SWIFT: The Official Release Party of a Showgirl. This one hour and twenty-nine-minute extravaganza invited the Swifties (and those who are curious) into what it takes for this pop star to bring out the ultimate show. The Eras Tour ended on December 8^th of 2024 ending the 149-show tour that spanned five continents in 21 months. It becomes clear that she really hasn’t taken much time off in those nine months putting together the film. It is as lush as one would expect from Swift, but then again, she has never been one to cut corners. The Eras Tour was filled with visuals, costuming, staging and music that captivated everyone who attended and even those who could not, thanks to postings on the internet.

PARTY OF A SHOWGIRL invites us into Swifts world of imagination, creativity and visuals for her first track The Fate of Ophelia and how it came to be. That’s not all, the entire film also plays the lyrics of each of the 12 tracks with a brief explanation from Swift speaking on the story behind each one. By the end of the film, everything is all out in the open with the finale of the video THE FATE OF OPHELIA. The song is basically the story of a woman who has come to believe that being alone is her ‘fate’. In the story of Hamlet by Shakespeare, Ophelia is not treated well by the men in her life, so much so that she comes to believe that ending her life is the only escape done by drowning. Swift decides not only is that unfair, but her idea of melding her previous experiences of love is a reason to change the fate of Ophelia which changes her own fate. On Friday, fans flocked to the theatres dressed in their showgirl finest to sing, dance and exchange friendship bracelets having the best three days possible. Trust me when I say that there were people going each of the three days. Why? Because, like the Eras Tour, people coming together is what makes everything Taylor Swift does so remarkable.

The costuming is vibrant and filled with beading, feathers, sparkle, silks, satins and crystals. The set design is exceptional and reminiscent of so many, eras, if you will. The Fate of Ophelia is filled with Shakesperean themes with Swift deciding that Ophelia needed a different outcome to her life. In the video she goes from blonde, to red, to brunette and all with costume changes for different experiences and trust there are plenty of Easter Eggs from the beginning. Immediately, I recognized the 1933 Busby Berkeley inspiration with the big production of synchronized dancers (thanks Mom), theatre production, showgirl backroom all to make it clear that love “dug me out of my grave and saved my heart from the fate of Ophelia”. By the way, did anyone notice during the swim sequence that it begins which her framing her face, just as she framed her fiancé Travis Kelce’s face during the podcast of New Heights?

On Sunday (10/5), Swift released the video for The Fate of Ophelia on YouTube and it has reached over 5,018,533 views in a few short hours making it the #1 streamed video on the service. It was a fantastic way to end the screening of TAYLOR SWIFT: Official Release Party of a Showgirl. Shout out to the dancers from The Eras Tour for being a part of the film. Seeing their lovely faces again was so cool.

The many variants-released album THE LIFE OF A SHOWGIRL, Swift has decided to go in a lighter direction than her previous release THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT of 2024. The tracks of this album include The Fate of Ophelia, Elizabeth Taylor, Opalite, Father Figure, Eldest Daughter, Ruin the Friendship, Actually Romantic, Wi$h Li$t, Wood, CANCELLED! Honey and The Life of a Showgirl (featuring Sabrina Carpenter). Don’t get it twisted, its happier but the undertones of her words sometimes leak out messing with people and a hint of sadness with a smile on her face, remember “I can do it with a broken heart”.  

Since I already spoke on The Fate of Ophelia, let’s move on to Elizabeth Taylor. Swifties might remember that the 2017 song Are You Ready For It? from her REPUTATION album features the line “He can be my jailer, Burton to this Taylor…” referring to actor Richard Burton. The connection here is that he was married twice (“been number one but never had two”) to none other than Elizabeth Taylor. One of the first lines to the song is “that view of Portofino was on my mind…”, where she was proposed to and honeymooned with Burton. Swift sings of White Diamonds which has two meanings: 1) Burton gave Elizabeth a 69.42 carat pear shaped diamond and it is the name of her perfume which I still have and love. The song talks about success in Hollywood and Swift knows that, like Elizabeth Taylor, you are only as good as your last hit. The song is smooth, sultry, polished and as elegant as Elizabeth Taylor herself. I love the harmonies and hard hit that slides smoothly as the song plays. You know it is worthy of Elizabeth Taylor when her son Michael Wilding Jr., gave his thumbs up for the song with his mother’s name.

Opalite is a snappy and catchy song about letting go of the past and finding love, especially when your family is on your side. Her brother says her Swift’s past relationships as “eating out of the trash” and Mom Swift says, “it’s alright, you were dancing through the lightening strikes” and friends, that is relatable on both counts. Yet, the song is upbeat and giddy, reminding us to “make your own sunshine”. Father Figure is a song about mentorship and, in Swift’s case, when your eyes open up to the fact that the person who is supposed to be looking out for your best interest…isn’t. This past year, Swift finally was able to purchase her masters back and creates the lyric “you made a deal with the devil, turns out my check (clean version) is bigger”. The mob boss phrases lets those who need to know who the boss really is.

Swift talks about the song Eldest Daughter as the emotions and expectations that come with being just that, the eldest daughter. If you are one, then you can absolutely understand where this song is going. As the eldest daughter myself, I understood totally the line “every eldest daughter was the first lamb to the slaughter, so we dressed up as wolves and we looked fire”. Once again, Swift reaches a wide audience of eldest daughters with a slower song to let us grab every word and let it in only to remind ourselves, to ourselves that “I’m never gonna let you down”. Ruin the Friendship returns to her high school days musically to tell the story of the question we all ask ourselves from time to time with “what if?”. What if we had said those words or shared our feelings? And, as Swift tends to do, nails it perfectly with “should’ve kissed you anyway” at the prom etc. realizing that life changes so quickly that it makes us wonder (especially when we get older) what would be different if we had said or done the one thing we were afraid to.

Actually Romantic had me laughing so hard because it is so me! Not only that, it is filled with lines that might make TTPS fans giggle as well. The song is about someone who clearly has nothing better to talk about than Swift. Learning about it, she basically says “it’s actually sweet, all the time you’ve spent on me, it’s honestly wild, all the effort you’ve put in, it’s actually romantic”. Every time I listen to the song I can’t help but crack up and what has been in most of our heads is now out in song and it is, actually romantic. Wi$h Li$t is a tale of what people want in their life and Swift wishes them well, but what she wants shouldn’t surprise anyone. What does she want? “We could have a couple kids, got a whole block looking like you…and now you got me dreaming ‘bout a driveway with a basketball hoop” and, as should everyone, we wish Swift gets everything on her list. The music is charming and happily sappy and I’m here for it, especially the jabs as recognizable individuals she doesn’t name but hey, we know what we know.

I suppose we can’t not talk about the song Wood since it has flooded the internet. Yes, it is campy and filled with double-entendre and so damn what. Anyone taking the time to look at the lyrics knows Swift is being her usual word-smith-Swift sitting by waiting for the world to lose its mind. Well, first of all, let me be clear here and I saw this on the internet, “Moms, you used to listen to Madonna’s “Like a Virgin”, Donna Summer’s “Love to Love You Baby”, Meatloaf’s “Paradise by the Dashboard Light”, Prince’s “Cream” (among many others), George Michael’s “I Want Your Sex” and Madonna’s “Justify My Love”. Your daughter (or anybody) will be just fine”. That being said, again, SO WHAT? The song is hilarious with “seems to be that you and me, we make our own luck” and if you look further into the lyrics, it’s just more of Swift’s playing with words based on superstitions. Make what you will of it but it reminds me of Swifts performance of “Vigilante Sh*t” meant to shock and awe – me? I’m the laughing type. CANCELLED! is that song that is smirk-approved by me because it has that hard-hit beat letting you know Swift is about to call throw down and call out facts like “at least you know exactly who your friends are, they’re the ones with matching scars”. She makes it clear that she’d rather hang out with people who have been through the rumor mill blitz because, as I say to people, if you truly know me then rumors are laughs, not truth. If you are missing a bit of REPUTATION, this is the closest to it and the grit isn’t playing around.

Honey, Swift explains, is a song that changes the meaning of the terms ‘honey’ and ‘sweetheart’ when they are said by the right person. “You give it different meaning cause you mean it when you talk” and she isn’t wrong. Listen up lovers, Swift is talking the talk! The Life of a Showgirl is glitz, glamor, feathers, sparkle and everything else you’d expect from a song about, well, a showgirl! Swift tells the story of Kitty, a showgirl who she meets believing that being a showgirl is the life. Explaining that being a showgirl isn’t all it seems, it doesn’t stop Swift from taking that route with “I’m married to the hustle, now I know the life of a showgirl, and I’ll never have another…now I know the life of a showgirl babe, wouldn’t have it any other way”. Joined by Sabrina Carpenter, both women learned the pitfalls of their profession and yet, still manage to be the best showgirls in the world right now. Swift, in the video lyrics, shows up in blonde hair, full on makeup and a stunning outfit that is total showgirl reminding us all “I’m immortal now, baby doll”.

I was saving my write up until the dust settled but we know all things Taylor Swift don’t settle quickly. That being said, I would like to address the critics who seem upset by THE LIFE OF A SHOWGIRL. What is it they don’t know? Well, the Swift ride is a slow burn of a journey as each album links to her life. Years of exploration is something many critics just don’t understand. They put their quill in the jar of poison ink to write scratching on an album they are clueless about. Driving outside their lane, the Swiftie army laughs watching the writer crash and burn. There might even be a little dancing around the flames while exchanging friendship bracelets.

Every time this woman releases an album, critics rush in to say how bad it is and, like all things negative, it spreads quickly – EVERY FRAKKEN TIME. Yet, like a slow burn love, her albums stay on the charts for weeks, months and even more. Maybe the ‘critics’ should stay in their own musical lane because their work shows one thing for sure – THEY AREN’T LISTENING with Swift ears. Those who have followed the trail she lays out are having a wild ride doing it. Critics throw down their ‘wordings’ and move on to trash the next album because it’s their paid job. So, take their words with a grain of saltiness and let them continue their search for “unhappy” Swifties to the liking of Goggle because their algorithms love it, and let them glue their blank spaced eyes to the click bait numbers that will downfall quickly. Because the Swiftie army is clearly stronger. In the meantime, those of us willing to listen, have fun and know that this is a happy Taylor are having the best time this past weekend.

Here’s the thing – it takes time to vibe with Taylor. She gives people time to jump on the Swift train to ride at their own pace. This album is spirited, racy, makes moves, hilarious and bites at the bit. She has come out from behind the tortured poets shadow of hurt and decided to be cheeky, fun, witty, smart, make us want to dance a bit, jaw-drop and, dare I say, be happy in her happiness. With our country they way it is right now, I’m up for some happy so I’m all about it. Who cares if she writes about her happiness with fiancé Kelce, did anyone care when she was writing sad songs about all the others that did her wrong? No, they embraced it, all 237.6 million people (google it if you don’t believe me). So, the question is, if we are all so willing to embrace the gut-wrenching songs – why can’t we also come out from under that shadow and celebrate like crazy with happiness?

The music is such a mixture that only Max Martin and Shellback can bring out of Swifts lyrics. Back together again, Martin and Shellback have worked with Swift on her albums RED, 1989 and the still freaking awesome REPUTATION. Side note, REPUTATION remains the only album Swift hasn’t re-recorded and it has her army wondering if it will ever come to pass. Getting together for THE LIFE OF A SHOWGIRL brings references that people over forty get a good giggle about and the feel of tunes from the 70s which might by why this particular 65-year-old grandmother is jammin’ to this album. The interpolations come from George Michael, Swifts early songs, the Jackson 5 and so many more offer up such a vibe that it’s infectious. Swifts time on the New Heights podcast had her saying, “This album is about what was going on behind the scenes in my inner life during this tour, which was so exuberant and electric and vibrant.”

What the album does shows is that she finally has found love and is silly about it in many of her songs while also giving her legion a peek behind the curtain of fame and what the life of this particular showgirl brings. The whole album is the kind of different I actually didn’t know I wanted until I sat through the whole album, then played it again, then played it again (not to mention the CD in my car). Each of her albums are an era and THE LIFE OF A SHOWGIRL is the era of “come on and join me in being happy with a little bit of snark, camp and word-smith fun” and that’s what millions are doing. Many might carry a pocket dictionary/thesaurus so we get music, detective work and a bit of an Shakespeare education and there’s nothing wrong with that.

You don’t have to love it right now, just enjoy it and, like a cardigan under someone’s bed – it might end up being your favorite!

The Mystery of the RABBIT TRAP

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital such as Apple TV, Fandango, Prime Video and more from writer/director Bryn Chainey, Magnet and Magnolia Pictures is the journey with the RABBIT TRAP.

Darcy (Dev Patel) and wife Daphne (Rosy McEwen) have left the London life finding a cottage in the isolated forest of Wales. Spending time together, the couple who look for acoustic inspiration, they record the sound of the world that they find interesting for art. One afternoon Darcy finds a faerie circle that has drawn him in with the unusual sound frequencies. When he comes to after not understanding what has happened, he sees a young child (Jade Croot) who claims he lives nearby and was drawn to Daphne’s music. The boy enjoys being around Darcy and Daphne and makes it a point to visit their cottage often.

In the meantime, Darcy is having strange dreams and Daphne is aware that something is bothering him. She also embraces the young child taking who takes into the forest and shows what he knows about the natural world. Darcy wonders what the child is doing to the couple with shadows, whispers and changes that are dangerous with his pushing of boundaries. There is a psychological event happening to the couple and Daphne is starting to understand her husband’s worries.

When it comes time to face every moment that has happened, Darcy and Daphne try to find a way to embrace their lives and the spiritualness of the forest around them.

Patel as Darcy is a man who is plagued by a sadness that haunts his nights. He loves his wife and all the things they do together, especially going into the forest and recording the sounds. When the boy comes into his life, it is almost as if Patel’s Darcy can not hide his past at all without the whisperings being as strong as his nightmares. I have long been a Patel-fan and adore that he takes risks in all the roles he plays. In this film he dares to allow this bit of a thriller to expose, at it were, his emotional range in the turmoiled world that is created unexpectedly.

McEwen as Daphne is a woman who is just as creative as husband Darcy as they share the wonder of sound. She gets a bit emotional not totally understanding what causes his pain but the love is absolutely there. When the child comes into their life, Daphne is enjoying their experiences together but the relationship has moments where she wonders what is controlling everything. McEwen gives the same intensity as the script asks of her and pairing with Patel is really beautiful.

Croot as the young child is charming and innocent looking but there is something under the surface. There are moments of jaw drops as Croot gives a performance that is truly stunning, ethereal, dark and made me jump once or twice. As the story goes deeper down the rabbit hole, Croot ramps up the intensity until the very last scene.

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.

Magnet Releasing specializes in films from the vanguard of horror, action, comedy, and Asian cinema. It is also the home of classics like Tomas Alfredson’s LET THE RIGHT ON IN, Ti West’s THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL, Andre Ovredal’s TROLLHUNTER, Neil Marshall’s sword and sandals bloodbath CENTURION and Tony Jaa’s ONG BAK trilogy. To find out more of what is to come please visit www.magnetreleasingfilms.com.

The film debuted at Sunday and RABBIT TRAP was nominated for Best International Feature Film and Best European Fantastic Feature Film by the Festival Europeen du Film Fantastique de Strasbourg (FEFFS). The score for the film done by Lucrecia Dalt was inspired by electronic musicians Delia Derbyshire and Daphne Oram. It is a stand out in the film absolutely offering another layer to the story that Chainey was telling.

Using the Welsh folklore or the tylwyth teg that is drawn to children is a reason to want to dig deeper into it all. Chainey uses the fairy ring of mushrooms and milk to bring myth to the forefront of the story. I loved every moment of the mythology being show in such a dark way and the effects of humans. Producing the film is a list of names that are recognizable with Elijah Wood, Daniel Noah, Lawrence Inglee, Elisa Lleras, Alex Ashworth and Sean Marley.

This is the type of mystery/fright/mythology films that I have to have popcorn with. The story moves at its own pace, like the pace of the forest and surrounding nature giving moments to stop and take it all in. It is beautiful, ethereal and also filled with secrets and shadows that will reveal themselves when least expected. I enjoyed the pace of the film, loved the setting and keeping the cast to Patel, McEwen and Croot was nothing short of astounding.

In the end – folklore follows them home!

 

 

 

He Becomes THE SMASHING MACHINE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Benny Safdie and A24 is the story of a life in pain because of THE SMASHING MACHINE.

It is 1997 and mixed martial arts fighter Mark Kerr (Dwayne Johnson) is part of the Japanese matches by Pride that has him travelling and winning. There are basically no rules in the ring and that is where he finds his joy. A relatively new sport, Kerr finds himself in places like Brazil and Japan. A problem is, Kerr is dealing with health issues that are causing him to struggle. If that isn’t enough, slightly off girlfriend Dawn (Emily Blunt) caters to him but has issues of insecurity of her own.

Keeping an eye on his friend is Mark Coleman (real-life UFC fighter Ryan Bader) who is also a UFC fighter and is always there for him. When Kerr begins to spiral down, he decides it’s time to make a change which annoys Dawn causing her too emotionally spiral. Seeking out trainer Bas (Bas Rutten) to get back into shape for the championship, Kerr gives it his all and returns to Japan with Coleman as they both reach for the top prize.

Johnson as Kerr is nearly unrecognizable. If it wasn’t for the voice you can’t disguise, no one would know it was him. Prosthetic designer Kazu Hiro knew exactly what he was doing when trying to hide the actor to allow him to portray Kerr inviting us into the story. Johnson gives a performance that could easily lead him to accepting a few awards. He is obviously comfortable in the ring, looks the part and gives the audience an emotional time in Kerr’s life.

Blunt as Dawn is a woman dealing with her own insecurities and jealousy’s that are a bit scary. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a role where Blunt has played a woman whose emotions jump off from loving to dark so quickly. Those emotions, I felt, are nothing more than gaslighting a nice guy and like it or not, Dawn gave me the skeevies. Bader as Coleman gives Kerr the support he needs before a fight and knows that something is wrong. Even so, he has a goal of his own that matches that of his friend. I just loved the interactions between Johnson and Bader.

Other cast includes Lyndsey Gavin as Elizabeth Coleman, Satoshi Ishii as Enson Inoue, Yoko Hamamura as Kazuyki Fujita, Paul Cheng as Masaaki Satake, Cyborg Abreu as Fabio Gurgel, Andre Tricoteux as Paul Varelans, and Stephen Quadros.

A24 is an independent entertainment company that specializes in film and television production based in New York City. Films such as A GLIMPSE INSIDE THE MIND OF CHARLES SWAN III, the amazing EX MACHINA, ROOM and THE WITCH. Many of their films can be found on DirecTV Cinema and Amazon Prime. For more information, please visit www.a24films.com.

The film is based on The Smashing Machine: The Life and Time of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr. Kerr was a former wrestler and mix martial artist winning tournaments, championships, winning belts and medals. In 2002, the streaming service HBO did a documentary of the same name that outlined his MMA career. Kerr was inducted in the ADCC Hall of Fame in 2022.

Johnson carries the film taking on the multiple complexities of Kerr’s real-life history. Taking on the challenge of hiding ‘The Rock’ behind prosthetics to play this character, Johnson is able to dig deep into the life of a man whose career was being pummeled for the entertainment of others. Let us not forget that Kerr and Coleman made very little money compared to MMA fighters today. All of that coming from a large muscular man who is overflowing with kindness towards every person he meets. Even when dealing with his addiction, he doesn’t come to anger – except where Dawn is concerned.

Call Blunt’s character Kerr’s weakness but he can not seem to let her go but he knows when he must push her away. That’s the chemistry between Johnson and Blunt. Watching these two characters with their flaws find themselves in the midst of their own relationship madness that Kerr can not get out of his mind. Here, we have a bit of Rocky Balboa (ROCKY), Randy ‘The Ram’ Robinson (THE WRESTLER) and Billy Flynn (THE CHAMP) and now THE SMASHING MACHINE can absolutely hang their sign up as a film that should be recognized.

Safdie is known for working with his brother Josh on film such as UNCUT GEMS, and this is his first solo as director. The Venice Film Festival has already seen fit to award Safdie a Silver Lion for Best Director and Johnson received a fifteen-minute standing ovation that brought him to tears. It seems only fitting as not only did the film tell the story, but it kept true to everything of the late 1990s and 2000s. The costuming, hair, makeup, clothing, cars – all add to layer of the story Safdie wants us to join him in hearing.

The story is riveting, heart-breaking, informative and it is impossible to look away even for a second. The friendship of Kerr and Coleman is wonderful and to know their history, along with the history of Pride, the UFC, MMA and those who began the sport is so well done. This film is an opportunity to experience one of their stories. This is definitely a must-see film for what Safdie, Johnson, Blunt and Bader bring to the screen.  

In the end – it is the true story of a legend!

 

 

 

 

Arriving Home for Mischief is THE BAD GUYS 2

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from director Pierre Perifel, DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the return of crackerjack one-time criminals in THE BAD GUYS 2.

Mr. Wolf (Sam Rockwell) has given up his life of crime after service a sentence with pals Mr. Snake (Marc Maron), Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson), Mr. Piranah (Anthony Ramos) and Ms. Tarantula (Awkwafina). Now they are all trying to be hard working citizens of a community with Governor Diane Foxington (Zazie Beetz). The problem is no one seems to want reformed criminals working for them. The only one that seems happy is Mr. Snake who is out living his best slithering life.

When Mr. Shark shows Mr. Wolf the news of a mastermind stealing, all of them see how it could easily point to the reformed group. Deciding not to stand for it, they turn to Misty Luggins (Alex Borstein), the newest police commissioner offering to help. Piecing the puzzle together, they realize that the clue leads them to the possible thieves! Once there, some of the group is shocked to see that Mr. Snake has been seeing Susan (Naasha Lyonne), a cute raven that has someone all coiled up in love. After a few chuckles, the gang jumps into a wrestling match with Pigtail Petrova (Maria Bakalova).

The problem is, it is made to look once again as if the bad guys were back into crime. Mr. Wolf calls the governor to ask for help and Diane knows who to get answers from. While waiting, the gang it taken by Susan and Pigtail to Kitty Kat (Danielle Brooks) who has information about the Governor and if the group doesn’t help, it becomes a weapon. Meanwhile, Diane visits Professor Marmalade (Richard Ayoade) to get more answers.

Once the group learns what Kitty Kat wants, it may be to late to not only save the Governor but stop an evil plan that is laced in greed!

Rockwell lends his voice to Mr. Wolf, a smooth talker who always seems to have a Plan B in his Tony Manero suit (Google it kids!) pocket. Even when he panics, it seems as if there is an angel on his shoulder because the mayhem works in his favor. I actually love this character (as does my granddaughter) who makes me laugh a lot and that’s always a good thing. Beetz as Governor Foxington has a secret of her own and the bad guys have no problem keep it, that is until Kitty Kat gets her hands on it. Beetz is calm, cool, collected and moves with catlike reflexes which surely upsets the other feline in the game.

Robinson as Mr. Shark is, for me, is so adorable with his insecurities and loves being part of the gang. It seems there is no place he’d rather be than with the gang doing gang stuff. Ramos as Mr. Piranah has an attitude in his little body filled with teeth and has only one weapon that everyone is afraid of and it stinks. Maron as Mr. Snake, in this film, is in love and a coil of mush. That won’t stop him from figuring out who is trying to frame them all. Awkwafina as Tarantula is the tech genius of the group, but a keyboard in her long legs and she could rule the world.

Borstein as Commission Luggins wants nothing more than to put the bad guys back in jail and the robberies are giving her reasons, even if her bangs should be considered a criminal offense. Bakalova as Pigtail has all the right moved as part of the Bad Girls club. Lyonne as Susan is a raven who is taken by Mr. Snake and his adoration of her. Brooks as Kitty Kat has a goal and no one is going to stop her from obtaining it, not on earth or in space! Her character is shrewd and can not be trusted but looks cute with her leopard self.

Shout out to Ayoade as Professor Marmalade who looks a little different from the first film but also has a plan of his own so don’t let his little furry size fool you!

Other cast includes Lilly Singh as reporter Tiffany Fluffit, Omid Djalili as the Billionaire, and Katherine Ryan as Maureen.

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.

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.

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.

Exclusive Bonus Features include Little Lies and Alibies, Deleted Scenes with Introductions by Director Pierre Perifel and Co-Director JP Sans, BAD GUYS: Out of Line, Double Jeopardy: The Making of THE BAD GUYS 2, Meet the Gang, Double Trouble: The Animals Behind THE BAD GUYS 2, Causing a Scene, Planning the Heist, Sketching the Bad Girls, and Feature Commentary with Director Pierre Perifel, Co-Director JP Sans, Head of Character Animation Benjamin Willis, Head of Story Katherine de Vries, and Head of Cinematography, Layout Theophile Bondoux.

THE BAD GUYS 2 is a charming story that is full of fun, adventure, and laughs for everybody. There is finally a bit of romance that has finally bubbled to the surface and is kind of cute. The animation itself it absolutely stunning and my granddaughter just loved it letting me know several times during the film. It works so well and looks seamless which is what I look for in really good animation but then again, from DreamWorks I’d expect nothing less.

This is the actual kind that offers families a chance to spending time together to laugh and cheer for the ‘bad guys. I love films that offer up on a silver platter (careful or they will steal it!) an opportunity to do the family thing of cuddling up on the sofa with a bowl of popcorn and making an evening of it. DreamWorks and Universal truly know how to embrace it and having a library of such great entertainment is a must-have and I do in my own home!

In the end – they are back in badness!

 

GOOD BOY Sees What He Cannot

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Ben Leonberg and Shudder is the story of something in the dark from a dog’s point of view because he is a GOOD BOY.

Todd (Shane Jensen) has found a friend in pup Indy and the two are inseparable. Deciding to head to his grandfather’s cabin deep in the woods, it is a getaway from home for them both. Almost immediately, Indy sense something is not right and is hesitant. Noises and shadows are keeping the canine on high alert in the night.

Daylight brings a welcome relief and a morning walk through the woods together. Exploring the family cemetery, Todd runs into the neighbor and they both remember his grandfather. Indy stands patiently but is still uncomfortable. As another night filled with creaking and sounds arrives, it also brings a fitful sleep for Indy. When Todd leaves him alone in the house, Indy refuses to move from the window.

Another rainy night and Indy is seeing and experiencing what has been making him uneasy since the very first night. What is moving all around them is clearly paranormal but Todd does not see it. Vera (Arielle Friedman), Todd’s sister, is constantly calling him feeling that something is happening not realizing it is only adding to his frustrations. The thing that lives in the house only Indy can see but how can he communicate it before everything falls apart.

Jensen as Todd is a young man who needs to get away from it all. Going to his grandfather’s house, it is a chance to take a breath but also holds strange memories for him. As the days begin to pass, it is clear something is wrong with Todd. Is it real or is it whatever seems to be taking over the house have plans of its own. Not seeing Jensen’s face, he relies on physical actions to tell his part of the story and it is so awesomely done. His body language has a story of its own to tell and Jensen pulls it off.

The voice of sister Vera, Friedman is clearly concerned with her brother and doesn’t understand his need to be at a house buried deep in the woods. Her voice tries to be sisterly in concern but tends to come off overtly motherly but then again, I’d sound that way as well.

Let us talk about the four-legged star INDY – a dog who sees everything past and present. He is on high alert the moment they pull up to the gate and seems almost ready for anything. That being said, what he sees is frightening. The line between what is real and what is dream is criss-crossed as this canine is nothing short of amazing. I followed everything he looked at, his expressive eyes, the whines as if to say ‘listen to me!’ and the protective nature against the blackness in the night. Admittedly, I cheered for Indy the whole time!

Other cast include Larry Fessenden as Grandpa, Stuart Rudin as Richard, Hunter Goetz as the Weatherman, Anya Krawcheck as the Doctor and Bandit as Max.

Shudder is an American over-the-top subscription video on demand service featuring horror, thriller, and supernatural fiction titles, owned and operated by AMC Networks. The streaming service offers original films, TV series—such as Creepshow, based on the 1982 film—and documentary series. Shudder's library also features non-original programming, including well-known horror films. For more information, please visit www.shudder.com.

GOOD BOY is exactly the kind of ‘horror’ film I love. Instead of trying to get frights from blood and gore, this film takes us to the dark places many people are scared to admit they hate. The shadows, the unexplained noises, the creaking doors and floors and – the ultimate fright – a dark, dank basement. Let me tell you, my grandparents had a basement like that and you could not get me down those stairs if you offered me all the treats in the world. Nope, not happening!

Making a horror film that is shown through the eyes of a dog is absolutely brilliant! Focusing on what he experiences and keeping the human faces mainly obscured, I found myself clutching the side of my chair at times. Keeping the story in one location allows the frights to build slowly wondering what is around every corner and in every room. What is in the darkness is so subtlety done that when confronted, silence is better than a scream.

This is director Leonberg’s directorial debut and he should be extremely proud of what he has done. The originality is something I have craved in all genres of film so when it is right in front of me, I’ll make it loud from the rooftops that everyone sees it for themselves. Take someone with you because having that arm to grab next to you is everything. Once the film is over you will once again remember why Indy would be called the ultimate ‘man’s best friend’.

In the end – trust his instincts!

Good Boy will be in UK Cinemas from 10th October

 

 

 HIGHLY COMMENDED - 'Agency of the Year' - BASE Awards 2024

 

They Are Part of ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Matt Sohn and Electric Entertainment comes a relatable story about family and what that really is when trying to be ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY.

Actress Rachel (Lisa Brenner) is celebrating her 40^th birthday and planning daughter Sammie’s (Lumi Pollack) bat mitzvah. It doesn’t help that young daughter Amanda (Dylan Chance) and husband Marcus (Dante Basco) are the eternal optimist pep squad! While hanging out with bestie Gerry (Sabrina Cofield), she asks Rachel if has taken a look at the DNA test they took together. That being said almost immediately the results are in and Rachel’s Jewish heart doesn’t believe what she’s seeing. Apparently, she has a grandfather the same age as she is left with the only choice - to call mom Lenore (Linda Lavin) to ask what she knows but instead gets the Jewish mom response which is frustrating. 

Deciding to talk with sister Sara (Kat Cunning), the happy go lucky musician, Rachel is thrilled that she is going to take the test as well. The only other option is to talk to “grandpa” Bobby (Josh Fadem) to see what he knows about it all even though Rachel isn’t as thrilled as Bobby seems to be. All of this is just adding fuel to Rachel’s in-the-red stress level but no time to deal with it because she has to pick up mom from the airport. The ride takes a turn when Lenore admits a family secret to Rachel and the tailspin begins.

Now, Rachel and Lenore decide to follow the road into the past to discover what it truly means to be a family.

Brenner as Rachel is a over-reactive, neurotic, self-absorbed woman in the middle of a Jewish crisis. Believing that she now has no identity, it is emotional mayhem every step she takes. Wishing she could be more carefree like Sara or even as clever as mom Lenore, she feels that her life is one big lie. Brenner rides the rollercoaster of madness and it is a reminder that families are complicated. Lavin as mom Lenore is absolutely hilarious as she explains things with a what’s-the-problem? attitude and brushes things off with ease. I absolutely love her line delivery while be able to give goo-goo eyes at the same time. Lavin continued to be a star in her own right with her passing in 2024. Her comedic timing can be seen in the 1976 series ALICE which ran for nine seasons and still remains one of my favorite television shows.

Basco as Marcus is Rachel’s husband and a doctor who has all the optimism in the world for just about everything. If Basco seems familiar, well hope into your time machine and hit 1991 and you will see him as the young and slightly arrogant Rufio in the film HOOK with Robin Williams. As Marcus, he is a supportive husband and loving dad who tries to keep Rachel’s meltdowns to a minimum. Fadem as Bobby is a man who is thrilled at the idea of having a sister, even if she’s a little hard to handle. Fadem is such a calm, laid back dude who goes along to get along.

Cunningham as Sara is a mixture of Lenore and Rachel with the attitude of a hippie but the reaction of a crazed little sister. She adds the cherry on the frosted chaotic babka! Chance as Amanda is absolutely charming as is Pollack as Sammie. Both are seeing the adults act a little crazy yet they stay cute and cut ups. Cofield as Gerry is the one responsible for starting all the madness but is a supportive friend adding another layer of charm.

Other cast include Lydia Carter as young Rachel, Mark Parker as Jacob, Vincent Vargas as Javi, Kassandra Mahea as Denise, Charla Bocchicchio as Rabbi Josephine, Dave Martinez as Pablo, Keri Jackson as Quiet Jimmy, Sean Dillingham as Douglas Franklin and Tim Russ as Lawrence.

Electric Entertainment develops and produces full-length feature films which have included BAD SAMARITAN starring David Tennant and Robert Sheehan, the award-winning film SAY MY NAME starring Lisa Brenner and Nick Blood as well as the critically acclaimed documentary WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR? Most recently, Sumalee Montano and Emma Fischer star in THE DEAL. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.electricentertainment.com.

ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY is actually a film I was looking forward to seeing. I’ve spent the past few years doing my own family tree after DNA test and trust me when I say it has been one jaw drop after another. I totally understood Rachel’s reaction and even understood her neurosis although once I got past a few generations, it becomes more like history than my own history. This film gave me reason to laugh understanding that families are more complicated with technology as secrets come to the surface.

The cast is an amazing mixture of personalities and reactionaries that are so different yet fit right in with each other. The film is fun, funny, heartwarming and a bit crazy in all the right ways. It feels as if director Sohn let the story flow effortlessly but that isn’t surprising as has worked on such fun shows as The Office, Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, all of which are hilarious. ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY was the Official Selection at the Miami Jewish Film Festival, Phoenix Film Festival, Rehoboth Beach Jewish Film Festival and the Albuquerque Jewish Film Festival.

So gather together and discover the twists and turns of Rachel’s family which will make you appreciate the craziness of your own.

In the end – every family has their secrets!

 

 

Welcome Home FANTASTIC FOUR: First Steps

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD from director Matt Shakman and Marvel Studios based on the Stan Lee and Jack Kirby comic is the FANTASTIC 4: First Steps.

It has been a few years since Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn) went into space and came back with superpowers. Now Sue is expecting a child and Reed worries what that means as far as having powers. That celebration comes to a halt when a Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) arrives on Earth and announces its pending destruction by a being called Galactus (Ralph Ineson).

Immediately, the Fantastic 4 suit up and fly through space to meet Galactus face to face but instead hear the conditions for leaving Earth alone. Reed makes it clear that Galactus will not get what he wants as the team races back to their own planet. The press meet the returning ship and learn what Galactus wants. Reed immediately begins to search for mathematical answers while Johnny takes it upon himself to try and understand the language of the Silver Surfer.

Coming up with a plan, their only option is to give Galactus what he wants but Reed, Sue, Ben and Johnny aren’t going to exactly make it easy for a being trying to ruin their world. Trusting the Fantastic 4 to save them, the world believes in their heroes!

Pascal as Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic, is a man that thinks everything through mathematically and invents what he needs to not only take care of Sue but get his house in order. Pascal play his character with a stern seriousness but with one goal – to save his family. Watching Pascal hold a baby is probably going to cause women to lose their minds too but that’s a bonus. 

Kirby as Storm, aka Invisible Woman, is a woman surrounded by men and making it clear that she is just as vital as they are. Once they hear the demand of Galactus, Kirby’s Storm makes it clear that no alien is going to destroy what they’ve worked so hard for, family and protecting the planet. She gives her character strength and determination to use her superpowers for both.

Moss-Bachrach as Grimm, aka The Thing, is the one most changed in appearance by their first trip into space. His appearance is difficult for him to deal with, especially when someone has caught his eye. Grimm is so kind and sensitive but don’t take that for granted because when the world needs his strength, he handles whatever is in the way. Moss-Bachrach plays the character of Ritchie on the hit Hulu series The Bear so I was thrilled to learn he took on the role of Grimm.

Quinn as Storm, aka Human Torch, gets the chance to once again play a misunderstood character but he does it so well. Proving he is more than Storm’s brother and Richards relative, Quinn gives his character the behavior of a lover boy but there truly is more to him. The upcoming season of the Netflix hit Stranger Things proves that he is an actor that can handle such diverse roles and makes them his own.   

Garner as the Silver Surfer is the one who announces the destruction of Earth. The agent of destruction for Galactus, Garner gets the chance to play a character that has her own story to tell. Ineson as Galactus lends his voice to give the right amount of alien destructor   

Other cast include Sarah Niles as Lynne Nichols, Mark Gatiss as Ted Gilbert, and Natasha Lyonne as Rachel. Shout out to Paul Walter Hauser as Harvey Elder aka Mole Man for his humor and presence, I just loved it so much.

Bonus Features include Deleted Scenes, Gag Reel, Featurettes: Meet the First Family, Fantastic Furturism, From Beyond and Below and Audio Commentary: Watch the film with audio commentary by director Matt Shakman and production designer Kasra Farahani.  

Marvel Studios has released sixteen films since 2008 in what is known as the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Marvel is built on a library of over eight thousand characters featured in a variety of media content for over seventy years. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.marvel.com.

THE FANTASTIC 4: First Steps at home is going to make Marvel fans so thrilled. The film itself is done with a comic book feel from the suits of the four and the couture of the population. That also includes the futuristic look of the spaceships and the alien nature of Galactus. I love the look of the Richards home as it reminded me of the 60s shows I watched when I was younger. The mash of all of this is, well, fantastic.

From the first scene to the last, there is action and intensity even if there are a few clunky moments. The MCU needed this film and giving it the sci-fi feel along with a remarkable cast means that these superheroes in blue and white are pretty darn good all around. The literal ‘first steps’ have been taken and we all know where they lead – to AVENGERS: Doomsday and that is going to be a blockbuster!

In the end – they will save the world as a family!

The Hills are Alive with THE SOUND OF MUSIC

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on 4K Ultra HD, Digital and Bluray available for the first time ever worldwide from 20^th Century, Disney and director Robert Wise is the beloved Rogers & Hammerstein musical THE SOUND OF MUSIC.

It is 1938 Austria and Maria (Julie Andrews) is a young girl studying to be a nun at the Nonnberg Abbey. The problem is that all the nuns see the young girl as somewhat of a free spirit that might not exactly fit in at the Abbey. The Mother Abbess (Peggy Wood) makes the decision to let Maria go outside the convent to see if there might be a place in the outside world that can keep up with her. Captain Georg von Trapp (Christopher Plummer) is a retired naval officer and widower with seven children needing a governess. Maria arrives to discover that the captain has been basically been running his house like the military.

Liesl (Charmian Carr), Fredrich (Nicholas Hammond), Louisa (Heather Menzies), Kurt (Duane Chase), Brigitta (Angela Cartwright), Marta (Debbie Turner) and Gretl (Kym Karath) have been scaring away governesses but they discover quite quickly that Maria doesn’t frighten so easily. While the captain is away in Vienna, Maria wins over the children as they spend time around Salzburg and bringing music back into their lives. When the captain returns, he brings the Baroness Elsa Schraeder (Eleanor Parker) and family friend Max Detweiler (Richard Haydn) as well. Almost immediately, he is upset that his children are running around in play clothes and takes it out on Maria. When he hears his children singing, he becomes emotional.

The Baroness decides they should throw a formal ball inviting all around and isn’t happy when she sees the captain and Maria dancing together. Maria decides to return to the Abbey but it is the Mother Abbess who makes it clear that the young girl must decide for herself where her heart lies. Following that advise, Maria returns to the von Trapp household but that is the farthest problem for the family. The captain has been commissioned by the Third Reich to be a part of the Kriegsmarine. Determined to never follow the Nazis, the family must make the most daring decision of their lives!

Andrews are Maria is nothing short of brilliant in this role. Her charm, beauty, simplicity and voice bring such enjoyment to the film. As a young woman who knows so little of the world around her, finding herself at the von Trapps doorstep allowed her character to just, well, be herself in a way the children needed. The relationship with their father was equally as simple and lovely. There is no one on the planet who can find anything wrong with this portrayal and, if they tried, we might have words. Sharing the film with my granddaughter, she told me that is was one of the “coolest musicals” she had seen in a long while.

Plummer as Captain von Trapp begins with a military attitude to cover up the pain of being a widow. As anyone who comes from a military family back in the day can tell you, when dad tells you to jump – you ask, ‘how high?’. That being said, I always adored Plummer growing up and the diverse characters he played in films. In this film it is a pleasure to watch his character come alive because of a simple governess who loved life. Haydn as Detweiler wants his friend to be happy but also wants his children to be a part of the city’s festival. When the captain gives the thumbs down, it is Max who finds a way to turn that all around and it’s a good thing he did!

Parker as the Baroness is clearly on a mission to marry and she has her sights set on the captain. Playing this bit of a viper looks good on Parker and reminded me very much of one other actress that was good at it – Anne Baxter. Carr is so charming as Liesl, a very young girl who hasn’t quite outgrown needing a mother but wants to do what’s right in being a young adult. Hammond, Menzies, Turner and Chase are the middle children who are so full of life like Maria and just needed someone to navigate it in the right way for them. Cartwright is a familiar face as many might remember the television series Lost In Space. The cutie patootie of the film is Karath as Gretl with her charming smile and often saucy disposition.

Other cast include Anna Lee as Sister Margaretta, Portia Nelson as Sister Berthe, Doris Lloyd as Baroness Ebberfeld, Norma Varden as Frau Schmidt, Gil Stuart as Franz, Marni Nixon as Sister Sophia, Daniel Truhitte as Rolf, Evadne Baker as Sister Bernice and Ben Wright as Herr Zeller.

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!

Bonus Features include on Disc 1 and 2 are 4K UHD THE SOUND OF MUSIC + Bonus Features- Sing-Along Version, Commentary by Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Charmain Carr, Dee Dee Wood and Johannes von Trapp, and Commentary by Robert Wise. Disc 3 includes the Bonus Features The Sound of a City Documentary – Julie Andrews returns to Salzburg, Austria, A City of Song – Filming locations in Salzburg, Austria, Music Stages – The songs, the show & the family, Vintage Programs – THE SOUND OF MUSIC Rodgers and Hammerstein, location interviews and audio interviews, Rare Treasures – Julie and Carol at Carnegie Hall: The Pratt Family Singers, The Julie Andrews Hour: Julie Andrews and Maria Von Trapp, Screen Tests, 40^th Anniversary DVD Introduction by Julie Andrews and galleries, and Publicity – Fox Movietone News – Academy Awards, trailers and teasers, TV spots and radio spots.

It is not surprising that awards rained down on the film including from the Writers Guild of America, New York Film Critics Circle, National Film Preservation Board, National Board of Review, Laurel Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Directors Guild of America, David di Donatello Awards, British Academy Film Awards, American Cinema Editor Awards and, of course, five Academy Awards. The film has been restored by an award-winning film restoration team and transferred to 4K in stunning color. Recently making its way around the globe with theatrical screenings, live concert events and fan experiences, it is now time to enjoy THE SOUND OF MUSIC at home.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC was a staple that my family would go to see in the theatre when it played. It was my mother that brought me up on musicals and Julie Andrews was one of her most beloved favorite actresses. This film brings such charm, love, and innocence set in the backdrop of war time Austria. The captain was a man who refused to follow the Nazi ideology and made it clear that nothing would change that even though it put people at risk. Maria was a woman who would never have settled for the children in her care to live in that way. Andrews and Plummer played those roles so well that it was an ending the film deserved. It is also based on the real story of the von Trapp family. The story of this family is not only one of struggle and survival, but one of dedication and a closeness that bring the film even more value.

Gather your own family together and discover a musical that will be one that is remembered for years to come. Everyone who sees it today will understand how THE SOUND OF MUSIC has come to be one of the most cherished and beloved films of all time.

In the end – it is radiance that floods the screen and warms the heart!

 

 

 

STRANGE JOURNEY: The Story of Rocky Horror

 

Jeri Jacquin

The legacy comes to screens from director Linus O’Brien and Kaleidoscope Entertainment comes the story behind the story of STRANGE JOURNEY: The Story of Rocky Horror.

Linus O’Brien takes us on a journey of Richard O’Brien and I’d like, if I may (if you know you know), to talk about the life that let to the iconic ROCKY HORROR SHOW. Trixie Maxwell remembers, as many of us do, the first time he saw the film and the effect it had on his life. But let us start from the beginning, shall we?

It is 1964 and Richard O’Brien was living in New Zealand making his way to England. His jobs during those days were simple and at night was attending acting classes. Chrissie Shrimpton met O’Brien in those classes. He also met wife Kimi Wong and they had two children. O’Brien also found roles including in Jesus Christ Superstar. When that job ended, he was making the decision to return to New Zealand or keep pushing toward his acting career. That brought about sitting down to write THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW for the stage.

Jim Sharman and Richard Hartley heard a few of the songs from O’Brien and signed on. Nell Campbell as Columbia reflects on the musical and the process of putting it on the stage. Tim Curry read the script and knew how he was going to play it quickly. Patricia Quinn laughs about how she wanted to sing the songs but not necessarily play Magenta. Little could have of them know that they would take a slow skyrocket ride into the status of icon.

Opening night was a huge success and the word spread quickly as the show played for three weeks. The audience immediately fell in love with the character of Frank n’ Furter and Curry understood the power that came along with that. O’Briens openness in writing a show that was sexual in nature, he believes, came because of the close-off life he had in his younger years. It wouldn’t be until later in life that he felt it was time to be who he was.

Now, Lou Adler and the Roxy want to be a part of the Rocky phenomenon. A change in cast wouldn’t happen because Adler knew Curry and O’Brien were their characters. Adler wants to make a movie and, with the exception of Curry, O’Brien, Campell and Quinn, recast Susan Sarandon as Janet, Barry Bostwick as Brad, and Meatloaf as Eddie. Sarandon and Bostwick tell of their experience and how they got their roles which is a great story.

Oakley Court and Bray Studios became the places where the film would be shot. From the Time Warp scene to Meatloaf’s entrance that Curry called “marvelous”, it also had an impact on actor Jack Black. Of course, we can not forget Rocky himself, Peter Hinwood, as Janet takes her character of a demure boyfriend pleaser and flips the switch. Accepting her sexuality and freedom, it is Hinwood’s Rocky who becomes the conduit for the release.

The song “I’m Going Home”, Curry talks about Frank n’ Furters vulnerability, Bostwick says Curry, “sand the hell” out of the song and Jack Black says, “he wants a few more magical moments” and we can all relate to that to this very day.

Released in September of 1975, the film had a short run. Tim Deegum of 20^th Century wondered what to do in Santa Barbara. So, like anyone looking for success, they went looking for the right audience. The film began to run as a midnight showing in theatres and word of mouth about the film brought audiences in!  Like-minded people who came together to have a good time! By 1978, midnight shows are sold out, so there are 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. shows that are equally sold out. Soon, the shout-outs begin, the costumes, props, and the shadow casts sharing the stage. Spreading like wildfire and a fan club shows what is happening. O’Brien says the first time he experienced all of this that it’s, “live theatre and a live audience come together and it was quite remarkable to see.”

The film brings together those who couldn’t seem to find their place. It was, and continues for me at least, to be a safe space of fun and adventure. Creating this community that belonged to one another no matter who you were/are, what your preferences may be don’t, in the greatness of it all, matter in the slightest.

Sharing their experiences are also Michael White, Sue Blane, Austin Fresh, Richard Hartley, John Goldstone, Lillias Piro and Belinda Sinclair.

Kaleidoscope Entertainment is a global independent all-rights entertainment with theatrical, digital and physical distribution with over 2,000 features. New titles include the magical family animation A TOOTH FAIRY TALE, BORLEY RECTOR: The Awakening, THE MAN IN THE WHITE VAN and the martial arts epic PRISONER OF WAR. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.kaleidoscopehomeentertainment.com

Linus O’Brien, son of Riff-Raff himself Richard O’Brien, says of the film, “I’m grateful to all those who participated, as well as the incredible crews who worked on the film, and I’m honored to have been entrusted with telling this story. We hope the audience enjoys this joyful and life-affirming celebration of a remarkable cultural touchstone – filled with amazing music, campy madness, tears, and laughter…To top it off, my own father, Richard O’Brien, was the one who created Rocky, playing a part in so many people’s lives. I knew this story needed to be told – and that it had never been explored in depth as a documentary feature.”

I was one of the first people in San Diego to see the film when it came to town in the 70’s. My sister and I ended up spending weekend after weekend to stand in line (gawd forbid it was sold out before we got there) waiting to get in. While waiting, we joked, laughed, told stories and had so much fun and could not imagine being anywhere else. Our dad asked us what we could possible see in spending so much time on one film so, we did what any good daughters would do – we took him with us. He had the best time and never asked again what we were doing on Friday and Saturday nights and often threw us a $20 to get eats after at the diner next door to the theatre.

We sang, threw rice, sang some more, held newspaper over our heads, yelled at Brad, did the Time Warp, sang some more, and hated when “I’m Going Home” was on the screen because it meant the film was almost over. What wasn’t over was the thrill of it all, the togetherness, the joy and the community that allowed all of us in the theatre to be whoever we wanted to be. Every person in this documentary expresses exactly how my family felt the first time we saw the film. Not only was this an opportunity to go down memory lane, but also hear the stories from the literal creator Richard O’Brien, the cast and those who have a history. 

On a personal note, thank you Mr. O’Brien for what you did and for who you brought along for this incredible ride. As a grandmother now, I can tell you that my kids and grandkids know of my admiration and love for THE ROCK HORROR PICTURE SHOW. Every time I watch the film, I am reminded of a time that always, always brings smile to my face and a certain song to my heart. As I write this, the words that sing out of me with a smile are, “…to the late night, double feature, picture show!”.                         

In the end – we are all freaks!