KARATE KID: Legends

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Jonathan Entwistle and Sony Pictures is the story of a boy and two men who want to help the KARATE KID: Legends.

Li Fong (Ben Wang) is a young man studying Kung Fu with Shifu Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) in Beijing. Mom (Ming-Na Wen) is a doctor about to be transferred to New York City much to the dismay of Li who doesn’t want to leave the wuguan or Mr. Han and is still dealing with the loss of a family member. Once in New York, Li and his mother try to settle in and within a few hours he has his first friend Mia (Sadie Stanley) who works in her father Victor’s (Joshua Jackson) pizza joint.

His first days at school provide to be difficult as well when Connor Day (Aramis Knight), the local karate champion, decides to test Li’s ability to defend himself. Mom is none to pleased with what has happened having made Li promise not to fight. She refocuses Li’s attention to his studies by getting him an S.A.T. tutor in Alan (Wyatt Oleff). Li plays along but also makes time to hang out with Mia and making friends with her father. Victor was once a fighter of another kind and now wants to do it again to pay back a debt. After seeing what Li can do, Victor wants Li to train him up!

When things start to go badly, Mr. Han arrives in New York just in time to see that Li is having a difficulties. That’s when Mr. Han sees a flyer for a tournament and knows it will help the young man in so many ways but – he needs help. Flying to Los Angeles, he meets up with Daniel La Russo at the Miyagi-do and explains that he was once very good friends of Mr. Miyagi. Daniel is pleased to hear that his former teacher remembered him fondly to Mr. Han. Now, Mr. Han wants Daniel to do for Li, what Mr. Miyagi did for him.

Now, Li has a chance to mix Kung Fu with Karate and not only show what he is capable of but also the possibility of reconciling his fears – but can he do that?

Wang as Li is a very charming young man with a contagious smile and wonderful sense of humor. Dealing with the past, he agrees not to fight for his mother’s sake but the streets of New York have other ideas. Almost immediately he is defending himself and others around him but the one person who preys on his weakness is the one he must fight in a tournament. He also finds himself with a bit of a crush on the pizza guys daughter. Wang takes up the kid’s mantle and does it proud.

Chan as Mr. Han has a sense of humor and shows that even at the ripe age of 71, he has moves and isn’t afraid to show them. He gives his character the dedication in helping Li knowing what weighs heavy on his heart. Reaching out to another who can also understand the boys’ feelings, Chan is equally as funny and plays up his part and I loved every minute of it. Chan may not have the box office draw as in his early career, but this role was made for him to play and I am thrilled people will see what he has to offer in the Karate Kid franchise (and it erases the 2010 fiasco).

Macchio returns as LaRusso and although happy to meet Mr. Chan, doesn’t believe that he can help Li in a tournament. Yet, LaRusso finds himself on a rooftop explaining karate to Li and training him to fight his biggest adversary – Connor Day! Macchio’s character is so iconic that it seems only fitting that he be there for Li and the support he gives reminds us that in 1984, the same training and support was given to him. He understands the young man and that proves to be so important, especially when it is LaRusso who comes up with the gameplan (which may be familiar as well). Macchio seems to embrace the fact that he is forever superglued to the character of LaRusso and he makes it look so easy. That might also be the fact that he has spent the last six years being part of the Netflix series COBRA KAI (another of my family’s favorites) and returning to the film franchise works so perfectly.

Stanley as Mia is a young girl who is going through something similar as LaRusso’s young love Ali back in the day. She works with her father and finds herself surprisingly attracted to Li. It must be said they are cute together and it works on the screen. Stanley’s character worries for her father and when she begins to understand what Li is doing, joins the support team. Jackson as Dad Victor has a sense of humor and his character wants what is best for his daughter. A friendship also blooms between Victor and Li which was so lovely to see. Jackson gives a nice go-between character of the boxing world and a little bit of kung fu which stuns in the ring.

Knight as Connor is a kid with issues and trusting the wrong person to train him. His bully tactics may work on others but Li refuses to let it stand. Oleff as Alan is a character and made the audience laugh many times. He may be tutoring calculous to Li, but he’s becoming more of a friend than he expected. Wen as Li’s Mom is a doctor who wants her son to stay out of trouble and study to be able to go to college. When she discovers Li is fighting, “Mom’-ness kicks in and she is not happy. She has her reasons for being afraid for Li to get involved in fighting and tournaments which is revealed in the film.

KARATE KID: Legends is more than I expected! First of all, it is so nostalgic, especially for this mom who took her kids in 1984 to see THE KARATE KID and after that nothing was safe in my house. My sons immediately wanted to take karate lessons and that lasted for some time. There was something about the character of LaRusso that was so relatable to kids then and now he is a familiar character that is delightful to see as an adult. Most of us grew up with Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi to the point where lines from the film have become part of our lexicon. “Wax on, wax off” is a prime example and I have seen people try to catch a fly with chopsticks just to see if it was possible.

In this film, the new Daniel is Li Fong and between Mr. Han and LaRusso, Fong gets the best of both worlds and in the process have found a new Shifu and Sensei at the same time. But they aren’t the only friends Li makes. A new kid on the block, as it were, find friendship in Mia, Victor and Alan quickly and it works. The story moves at a fast pace and follows the 1984 formula and I’m not mad about it. It worked then and it works now and yes, it’s probably for nostalgia’s sake that it does and there is nothing wrong with that. KARATE KID: Legends is fun, charming, a bit brutal, and takes on the themes of friendship, life, sad events and loyalty to the love of martial arts.

For all those who long for the simpler times and a film that probably caused them to try and chop a piece of wood in half, then get to the theatres this Friday and find that kid again. Embrace two cultures, a kid with martial arts talent and two men who believed in him. Prepare to have a grand time at the movies this weekend.

In the end – when masters unite a new legacy begins!

She Believes JANE AUSTEN WRECKED MY LIFE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently in theatres from writer/director Laura Piani and Sony Picture Classics comes a story write out of a novel with JANE AUSTEN WRECKED MY LIFE.

Agathe Robinson (Camille Rutherford) works in the Shakespeare & Co. bookstore in Paris with best friend and snog-partner Felix (Pablo Pauly). Her days are spent surrounded by stories but the one author that she relates to is Jane Austen. She is also a closet writer who cannot seem to finish the stories she begins. While Felix is a habitual dater, Agathe is looking for something deeper and that moves her soul. In the meantime, she loves being with sister Mona (Alice Butaud) and her young song Tom (Roman Angel).

That is until she receives a letter from the Jane Austen Writers’ Residency in England inviting her for a two week retreat so that she can write. The surprise is that Agathe didn’t even apply discovering that Felix did it for her after reading her latest works. After the excuses fail to impress her loved ones, she finds herself on the road to the residency. Picking her up is Oliver (Charlie Anson), who now is the one surprised. After introductions, the road trip turns into one small disaster after another and she finds him to be rude and a bit arrogant.

Finally arriving, Agathe loves the surroundings but finds the other writers a bit intimidating. Each day brings a new happening that sends Agathe into a bit of a tailspin and she must decide what it is she truly feels and wants for her life – and she may find that in the ruins!

Rutherford as Agathe is absolutely stunning and full of emotion that just oozes from every pore even though her character tries to hide it. She is in command of the film with a writer’s awkwardness that all writers experience which makes her role extremely relatable. As she looks for the perfect time to write, writers know there is no perfect time and I love this about Rutherford’s portrayal. As the character struggles, it takes one phrase from the man who sort of annoys her to provide the spark she is looking for in so many parts of her life. Just lovely.

Anson as Oliver gives Mr. Darcy vibes absolutely and, I must confess, I adore Mr. Darcy in every iteration he is shown in films. Oliver is the mirror image of Agathe which is why she steps back while he steps forward. Both of them are awkward but Oliver seems confused by his uncomfortable feelings whenever he is in close proximity to her. To save fans the time to wonder ‘where have I seen this actor before”, well, Downtown Abbey would be what you are looking for as he played the unlikeable character Larry Grey. I enjoyed his portrayal of Oliver so very much.

Pauly as Felix is the best friend/snogger who also works in the bookstore with Agathe. He is a habitual came player in relationships and seems unaffected by it all. To be sure, Pauly gives us a charming man who obviously gets away with a lot but Agathe isn’t the one as she is well aware of all his tactics. Crowther as Beth clearly loves running the residency and is so sweet that she made my heart go ‘awwwww’ with her care and compassion, especially for husband Todd played by Alan Fairbairn who is dealing with issues of his own.

Butaud as Mona just wants her sister to find happiness in what ever form that may be. Angel as young Tom obviously loves his Auntie very much and he’s so dang cute. Shout out to the other residency writers Laurence Pierre as Rosemarie, Lola Peploe as Olympia, and Rodrigue Pouvin as Sybil. Finally, to the lovely Frederick Wiseman for his reading of the final poem that is beyond heart wrenchingly and hauntingly beautiful.

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.

JANE AUSTEN WRECKED MY LIFE is not just the title of the film but, for some, it completely explains why we are the way we are. Austen wrote some of the most iconic stories about women to be found in all literature that are filled with the complexities, quirks, and, dare I say, anxieties of discovering who they were meant to be, both men and women. Well, if that isn’t the day to day for most people, I don’t know how else to explain it all.

The connection between Agathe and Oliver made me smile, giggle, and wish for them what I wished for Ms. Bennet and Mr. Darcy. More than that is watching scene by scene waiting to see if Agathe will begin to understand where her heart lies just in life in general. Director Piani doesn’t disappoint on any level and provides the perfect setting and cinematography to make this Austen’s heart hate when the movie ended, just as I hate when the past page of an Austen book glares at me in bold print. Thank goodness for re-reads and re-watchings which is absolutely what I intend to do.

A modern period piece in every sense brought to film in a unique, powerful and charming way that I will not likely forget for a very, very long time.

In the end – we all want our Austen moment!

 

 

The Thriller of THE WOMAN IN THE YARD

 

Jeri Jacquin

On Bluray and Digital from director Jaume Collet-Serra and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes a tale of death and shock over THE WOMAN IN THE YARD.

Ramona (Danielle Deadwyler) is the mother of Taylor (Peyton Jackson) and Annie (Estella Kahiha) as they are grieving the loss of her husband David (Russell Hornsby). Healing from her own wounds, she finds herself struggling to get back into life. During breakfast, Annie notices a woman sitting across the street from their home, just sitting. Taylor wants to be the first to question her but Ramona grabs her crutches and tries to converse with the woman dressed in black (Okwui Okpokwasili).

Not getting any answers from the woman, Ramona returns to the house and tells the children to stay away from her and starts locking down the house. Then the woman moves closer to the house and Taylor feels the need to get rid of the woman. Ramona is becoming frustrated with him as the boy pulls up a chair and watches the woman outside. Also, outside is the family dog Charlie who senses danger.

Unable to go for help herself, the tension inside the house grows as the woman gets closer and closer. Taylor has had enough and confronts the woman only to discover that it is Ramona keeping secrets from her children. That’s not enough to help the family as they struggle to find a safe way out but will it come in time to save them?

Deadwyler as Ramona is a woman dealing with the loss of her husband and all that goes with it. Her wounds are not only physical but emotional that causes her to detach from the children that need her. Deadwyler gives a strong performance showing the struggle of it all and not realizing that she causing her family more pain. There is a fusion of what she knows is true and what lies out in their yard and it is painful for her.

Jackson as Taylor is a teenager who thinks he knows everything. Angry at his mother for her finding respite in sleep, he lashes out, is hurtful and thinks he is doing the right things no matter what she says. I’m not a fan of teen angst so if the idea was for me to dislike the kid, well, he did a great job of making that happen. Kahiha as Annie is a sweet little girl who is also dealing with the loss of her dad and is sad seeing her mother becoming a shell of a person. Yet, she is also a strong little girl who refuses to give into what ever is trying to break her family up. This young actress is just amazing from start to finish.

Okpokwasili as the Woman is frightening as she sits in a chair covered in a black dress and veil. I can’t even imagine how anyone would deal with seeing this figure appear out of nowhere and mystically move closer to a home. What a chance to play a mysterious figure and keep us all waiting for that veil to lift!!

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.

Blumhouse Productions is known for producing horror films such as PARANORMAL ACTIVITY, INSIDIOUS, SINISTER, THE PURGE, THE GIFT, GET OUT, HAPPY DEATH DAY and SPLIT. The films from Blumhouse have become instant classics and they continue to give us something to scream about! See more at www.blumhouse.com.

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

Bonus Features include Making THE WOMAN IN THE YARD and Beneath the Veil.

THE WOMAN IN THE YARD is a thriller that will leave people guessing from one scene to the next. The twists and turns are made even more so because the film is located in one specific and isolated place. I enjoy the kind of film that keeps me locked into that space because it begins to feel as if there is no way out of that wide open space. In fact, it is mesmerizing watching Taylor just stare out the window as the woman moves closer and closer.

The drama is full on intense and the secrets are subtle in trying to understand what this family is going through. It is a look at sadness, grief, hurt, secrets and what that can bring into a home trying to force a mother and her children apart. The anger that surrounds them fogs the real issues that they are facing and more importantly, blinds them to the answers outside their own front door.

Keeping the cast basically inside the house, there is nowhere to hide as Deadwyler, Jackson and young Kahiha provide every human emotion possible in the one hour and twenty-eight-minute run for their lives. Turn out the lights, cuddle up on the sofa with a fluffy security blanket and settle in for a story that lives in the darkness right along with you.

In the end – don’t let her in!

 

LILO & STITCH

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Dean Fleischer Camp and Walt Disney Studios is the live action story of LILO & STITCH.

Lilo (Maia Kealoha) is a young Hawaiian girl who lives with and is being raised by older sister Nani (Sydney Agudong) since their parents’ death. Lilo has a tendency to find trouble where ever it may present itself and sometimes is brings Nani the same number of problems. Catching attention about it all is Mrs. Kekoa (Tia Carrere), a social worker who does understand that Nani is struggling to raise her little sister. After a home visit, Nani is informed that a supervisor social worker, Mr. Bubbles (Courtney B. Vance) will be visiting in a week so its time to get things together for both Lilo and Nani.

In another part of the unknown universe, Dr. Jookiba (Zach Galifianakis in human form) is in trouble with the United Galactic Federation for creating a monster called 626 as the Grand Councilwoman (Hannah Waddingham) makes it clear that neither the doctor nor the creature are welcome and are banished. Well, 626 has other plans and manages to escape! There is no other choice than to send creator Dr. Jookiba and earth “expert” Agent Pleakley (Billy Magnussen in human form) after the creature.

Back on earth, 626 has landed and made its way to the local animal shelter where no one is sure quiet what is in a cage! Following closely behind are Jookiba and Pleakley who have now chosen human forms to start the search. Lilo meanwhile has had a bit of trouble with dancing, school, other girls her age and finds solace at the local animal shelter where she meets and falls in love with 626. No one can believe she would want him but – she does! Nani isn’t the least bit happy about it especially since neighbor Tutu (Amy Hill) encouraged it.

Having to take Lilo to work with her new friend, even fellow surfer David (Kaip Dudoit) isn’t quite sure what the creature could be classified as. After a night of craziness, Nani is back looking for a job and Lilo meets Mr. Bubbles who shows an interested in the newly named Stitch. In the bushes lurking are Jookiba and Pleakley who are under pressure from the Grand Councilwoman to catch Stitch. Lilo has found kinship with Stitch and she does her best to teach him what its like to have family and how to try to fit in on earth.

As things become more chaotic, Lilo and Nani realize that there is no way they can live without the one and only Stich!

Kealoha as Lilo is a very charming little girl that plays amazingly opposite of the blue screened creature name Stitch. It does look like she is having a wonderful time and, as a kid, who wouldn’t! Her smile and laugh light up the screen and even when giving Stitch side-eye, she does so like a pro. Agudong as Nani is a sister who is missing out on her own life goals as a Marine Biologist but wants to be responsible for her sister and all that comes with it. Trying to work and take care of Lilo is really difficult for an adult, let alone a girl who isn’t even out of her teens yet. Agudong is also sweet in the role of a girl feeling she has to make a choice and neither one is good in her eyes.

Galifianakis as Dr. Jookiba takes on a human form once he is on earth. Wanting to go after Stitch for his own selfish purpose, he is under the control of the United Galactic Federation to come up with the goods. His frustration comes when he realizes that Stitch is smarter than even he thought. Galifianakis gets into stitches of trouble and it is pretty funny. Sidekick Magnussen as Pleakley is the earth “expert” comic relief of the two. Watching him embrace everything on earth, he wants to make sure that it stays exactly as it is without Jookiba blowing things up every chance he gets. These two actors together are comedy on their own!

Vance as Bubbles is a social worker in disguise on the lookout for strange happenings – and that includes Stitch. Vance is calm and cool, even when things get a little crazy. Carrere as Mrs. Kekoa the social worker seems to understand Nani’s predicament and is empathetic but still has to do her job. Carrere was actually the voice of Nani in the animated version of LILO & STITCH. Hill as Tutu is the funny neighbor that has her own way of doing things. She looks out for Nani and Lilo as she can and wants the best for them. When weird things happen, Tutu is the one that doesn’t seem to think any of it is strange!

Finally Stitch – well, let’s just say we think he’s worth every moment of fun!

Shout outs to Chris Sanders as the voice of Stitch. A bit of trivia for everyone, Sanders created the characters and directed the animated LILO & STITCH along with Dean DeBlois. Also, the luau manager is played by Jason Scott Lee who was the original voice of David in the animated film. Waddingham as the voice of the Grand Councilwoman makes it clear that Stitch can’t be allowed to go willy-nilly causing a ruckus.

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

LILO & STICH as a live action is still charming, funny and will make a nice night at the movies for the family. There is laughter, color, outrageousness and everything the 2002 animated film had to offer. It is another live-action that Disney deemed necessary to reboot in another way. Families will have no problems having a good time and those who are fans of the animated version will see a few changes and recognize a few voices quite easily.

In a theatre full of kids there is something to note that I wonder if Disney ever considered. When the scenes became maudlin or scenes dragged out with topics that aren’t fun, the kids lost interest quickly which makes it hard to get back (as anyone with kids will tell you). The kid enjoyed the fun, the antics, the fun and that’s what they want to see. That’s what we all want to see which is what makes the Disney animated versions of all their releases amazing. Yes, there are serious moments but they only last a moment and then on with the laughs and charm. Something to consider there Disney!

It is a holiday weekend and with families getting a chance to hang out together for an extra day, might be just the time to gather up the kids, grandkids, oh well even the kids at heart and popcorn up for LILO & STITCH!

In the end – hold on to your coconuts!

Continue the Journey with OUTLANDER: The Complete Season 7

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming on a Collector’s Edition Bluray, Bluray and DVD from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the continuation of OUTLANDER: The Complete Season 7.

As Jamie (Sam Heughan) and Ian (John Bell) try to get to Claire (Caitriona Balfe) who they think is in prison, don’t realize she has been taken to a ship to help a captain’s pregnant wife. That doesn’t mean the murder charge hanging over her head is forgotten. Tom Christie (Mark Jones) is keeping an eye out for Claire and her whereabouts as he promised Jamie on the road when Claire was taken. Back home, Roger (Richard Rankin) is still about his ministry as Brianna (Sophie Skelton) is close to giving birth to their second child.

Tom Christie decides there is only one way to save Claire and sends her back to Jamie. Once home they begin to pick up the pieces of their homelife but it doesn’t last as the family must make the sacrifice to send Roger, Brianna and their children back through the stones. Soon after, there is a horrifying arrival in Frasier’s Ridge that brings Claire and Jamies world upside down again. That is when Jamie decides it is time to keep his promise and take Ian home to Scotland. Now in Scotland, Brianna and Roger open a chest that has been closed for over 200 years.

Not making it to the ship home, Jamie is called up to the Continental Army as all three head to Fort Ticonderoga. Also nearby is William (Charles Vandervaart), Jamie’s son who is a British soldier and now father and son are on opposite sides of a war. Back home in the future, Brianna finds a job as their son Jemmy (Andrew/Matthew Adair) and daughter Mandy (Rosa Morris) find creatures around their home. Their parents find it amusing in a way but are more concerned about the letters they are reading from Claire and Jamie about the battles and caring for the wounded. Jamie is also dealing with his cousin Brig. General Simon Fraser (Angus Macfadyen) who he has to fight. Claire has help from Dr. Hunter (Joey Phillips) and his Quaker sister Rachel (Izzy Meikle-Small) who actually helped William when he was wounded.

Roger is feeling a bit out of sorts seeing Brianna working but is offered an opportunity at Jemmy’s school to teach Gaelic to those who want to learn. Rob Cameron introduces himself as one of Brianna’s employees and invites himself to dinner. Right before the dinner, Roger finds Buck (Diarmaid Murtagh) from 200 years ago in his yard! They work out both situations and Buck begins to understand what happened to him going through the stones. Again, there isn’t much time to breathe when Rob (Chris Fulton) takes Jemmy and no one knows why. One thing is for certain; it has something to do with the Spaniards that Jamie and Jemmy only know about. Now Roger and Buck must go back through the stones to find them.

In the past, Jamie is fighting on the field again and when it is time to stop, a request is made that will allow Jamie and family to head to Scotland and they are thrilled. Ian has become fond of Rachel and asks her to take care of his dog until he returns not knowing that William also has eyes for Rachel. In Scotland, they arrive just in time as Ian’s father Ian Sr. (Steven Cree) needs him as does his mother Jenny (Kristin Atherton). Jamie decides its also time to make amends with his own past. Claire receives a letter from their friend John (David Berry) that his nephew Henry Grey (Harry Jarvis) needs surgery and can she come quickly. Jamie encourages her to go and he will join her as soon as he is finished in Scotland. When she arrives, she performs the life saving surgery only to be under suspicion by the British later. Receiving bad news, Claire falls into a grief that cannot be explained and has to make a decision in order for she and her family to avoid the British. When Jamie returns there are fights to be had, disagreements that are made difficult, Jamie and Washington, Brianna and Mandy deciding to find Roger and Jemmy. That means Claire and Jamie must deal with more trials before they see Fraser’s Ridge again.

Balfe as Claire continues her role and it continues to tug at the hearts of fans. At the end of last season, it looked as if Claire was not going to get past what happened to her at the hands of kidnappers. Fans know that she might be down for a moment but will get back up and handle what ever is to come in the time she now calls home. At the end of season 6, she is taken away from Jamie once again and for something she didn’t do. The character of Claire means Balfe gives us a look at the deep strength her character has and continues to give under circumstances we can’t even wrap our heads around in this day and age. Balfe is our collective Claire and the final season means our questions might be answered about the Fraser future.

Heughan as Jamie is a guy’s guy and does not hesitate to do what he must for his family and his newly adopted country. It might not always be a decision that will make Claire happy but when he makes his beliefs known, Jamie is the guy you want on your side. Heughan has taken Jamie from a young man into a wiser man with a purpose and that is his family first (which is extensive), neighbors and country (both Scotland and the Americas). The fact is, as much as Claire is the person you want on your side, Jamie is also someone you want in your corner. He makes the hard calls and won’t ask anything of anyone he wouldn’t first do himself. That’s what makes him perfect for Claire, she is exactly the same way and they know that about one another.

Rankin as Roger gives us a bit of faith but doesn’t hesitate to stretch that and doing things that might not exactly fall into a religious’ category. He has such a good heart and loves his family as well. Rankin gives Roger such heart and soul that is so strong in his character that I can’t imagine anyone else playing this role. He doesn’t always do the right thing but it manages to work itself out and I love that. Skelton as Brianna is just as strong willed as her mother and she doesn’t care if they are living 200 years in the past, she is going to make it work her way. She has seen her mother struggle and it has made her stronger. Skelton gives us a perfect mash then and now.

Berry returns as Lord John and refuses to let political differences get between his friendship with Jamie and Claire. It is a fine line and it does get crossed momentarily but it is done because John believes he owes Jamie more than he can ever repay. That is also because of Vandervaart as William, a young man just beginning his military career and learning the lessons of war can change a person and the lessons of love can be just as disappointment. He knows about the Frasers and the friendship with his father Lord John, but he’s about to learn more than he could have bargained for. Jones reappears as Tom Christie with a tale of his own to tell and his heart still aching for a love he can not have.

Murtagh as Buck makes an appearance at Roger and Brianna with his own story of the stones to tell. Once he realizes how it works and where he fits in it all, he wants to help make things right when Jemmy disappears. Cree returns as Ian Sr. and he gets the opportunity to reconnect with his son again, Native American appearance and all. Atherton as Jenny is thrilled to see her family again and explains to her son why he needs to return with Claire to the new life he created for himself. Jarvis as Grey puts shock in his uncle’s way of thinking and I cheered for his decision. Phillips as Dr. Hunter is surprised to see what Clare is capable of medically and keeps an eye on his sister Rachel. Meikle-Small as Rachel is a young Quaker woman who is about to defy her faith by falling for someone her brother doesn’t believe will be accepted by their faith.

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

The Bluray and DVD Bonus Materials include Four Outlander Untold Scenes, Blooper Reel and Deleted Scenes.

The episodes include A Life Well Lost, The Happiest Place on Earth, Death Be Not Proud, A Most Uncomfortable Woman, Singapore, Where the Waters Meet, A Practical Guide for Time-Travelers, Turning Points, Unfinished Business, Brotherly Love, A Hundredweight of Stones, Carnal Knowledge, Hello Goodbye, Ye Dinna Get Used to It, Written in my Own Heart’s Blood, and A Hundred Thousand Angels.

OUTLANDER: The Complete Season 7 is a run from start to finish. Each episode brings the life of Jamie and Claire to a full-on race to the final Season 8 (which I’m patiently waiting to see). Beginning in 2014, fans have been following their adventures (or misadventures depending on your outlook) and now, eleven years later, Season 7 sets us up for what it to come in the final season and I’m already teary eyed. All good things must come to and end, right?

This season meshes a 200-year difference and how they connect and it’s so complicated that you might want to get a pen and paper out to make a chart. Okay, so it has to be a really long piece of paper because the stories have taken us on quite a ride. Jamie and Claire have carried this series to places of heartache, love, friendship, family, torment, periods of time, countries, and have had their hearts torn for being a trusting and loyal couple. Once again, we are taken into their story of war, destruction, two-sides, and pain. Through all of that, these two characters have interconnected with others fans have come to love like Roger and Brianna, the duality of who people can be like Ian and unrequited love like Tom Christie and Lord John.

OUTLANDER has never once disappointed fans and Season 7 is no exception. So, gather up a group of Outlandians and prepare to binge. Once the story starts, there is no waiting to see what happens next!

In the end – our history is now!

 

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: The Final Reckoning

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Christopher McQuarrie, Erik Jendresen, Bruce Gellar, Skydance and Paramount Pictures is the mission of all missions with MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: The Final Reckoning.

Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is on the trail of Gabriel (Esai Morales) and the AI known as The Entity that is attempting to control the world. Gabriel wants it so that he can shape the world as he sees fit but when Hunt comes in contact with the Entity, he learns what it wants and how to get it. What it wants is the drive aboard the sunken submarine Sevastopol. Hunt, along with Benji (Simon Pegg), visit Luther (Ving Rhames) who has created something that could stop The Entity.

Gabriel is several steps ahead, as Hunt adds Paris (Pom Klementieff), Degas (Greg Davis) and Grace (Hayley Atwell) and they make a intense plan to stop the madness. One person who can destroy the plans is Kittridge (Henry Czemy) who will stop at nothing to nail Hunt along with Briggs (Shea Whigham). When Hunt is before President Sloane (Angela Bassett), he makes it clear that his one goal is to get what The Entity wants and asks for trust. Going against her counsel, President Sloane realizes there are only three days and places her trust in the man no one else trusts. The team makes there way to the coldest part of the world and with countries on high alert of one another, they know that The Entity is trying to gain control of nuclear weapons all over the world.

Each person on the team realizes that every step they take brings them closer to two possibilities of destruction and a slim chance of stopping it. Weaving between the two options with Gabriel and The Entity in the mix means Hunt is pushing everything to the limits as the seconds count down.

Cruise as Hunt definitely puts himself into this film. He has taken this role, beginning in 1996, through so many twists, turns and action to keep audiences riveted. Each has brought this Final Reckoning and Cruise has cemented this character in the sense that you can’t say Mission Impossible without Cruises’ name being mention. In this film, Cruise continues with the danger and action that will not disappoint.

Atwell as Grace is back with her five finger discount abilities and support of everything Hunt has planned – even if its frightening. She has shown her own abilities to be a strong member of this ‘outlaw’ team. Whigham as Briggs sees what Hunt is trying to accomplish and also supports it and willing to put himself in the middle of it all. Whigham gives his character strength and power needed to be on the team.

Pegg as Benji is seen by Hunt as a leader when there needs to be one and he understands him without having to say much out loud. I just love Pegg no matter what but was thrilled when he became part of the Mission Impossible franchise. Rhames as Luther is the mad genius behind what could be the answer to stopping the madness. Again, having Rhames on board is another character the franchise has counted on and he never disappoints.

Klementieff as Paris might not have a lot to say but she speaks volumes with her eyes. When the need arises, Paris isn’t about to let Gabriel off the hook for what he has done to her. Czemy as Kittridge has always irritated me and that’s what makes his performance so cool. He has managed throughout each film to be the thorn in Hunt’s side and it reaches the audience as well. Bassett as President Sloane is under the gun to try to save as many people as possible in the midst of the chaos. When it comes down to it, she puts her trust in Hunt down to the last second. I am a huge fan of Bassett and as she bounces between film and television, she does so flawlessly.

Morales as Gabriel is a twisted smile character that even when things go wrong, he doesn’t let it slow down the pace of the characters madness. There is a certain touch of lunacy that Morales brings to this character mixed with a grudge against the IMF and Hunt. He makes his plans very clear and Morales does a fantastic job of freaking me out.

Other cast includes Tramell Tillman as Captain Bledsoe, Mark Gatiss as Angstrom, Katy O’Brian as Kodiak, Tommie Earl Jenkins as Col. Burdick, Charles Parnell as Richards, Hannah Waddingham as Admiral Neely, Nick Offerman as General Sydney, Janet McTeer as Walters, Holt McCallany as Serling, and Pasha Lynchnikoff as Captain Koltsov.

Shout out to Rolf Saxon as William Donloe and Lucy Tulugarjuk as Tapeesa.

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: The Final Reckoning is a film that doesn’t let off the gas! The beginning is Hunt hearing what is happening world wide and even with people after him, he is asked to do what he does best. It is a crazy duality placed on this character as one who people want to stop for their own personal reasons (mainly jealousy to my way of thinking) and wanting him to succeed at the missions.

Another aspect of the film is that each of the characters has such a tremendous story of their own to tell within the big picture. From the Commander of the carrier to the Commander of the submarine, watching the chain of events and those who go against the grain to help Hunt’s character added such layers to the story and action. There are easter-eggs here and there that were very cool and that’s all I will say about that.

Clocking in at two hours and forty-nine minutes, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: The Final Reckoning didn’t drag at all. It is difficult enough to keep an audience’s attention for that long and this film did it seamlessly. I never look before seeing a film at the running time because I want to be taken for a ride with no expectations. It is as if the film starts out at a deliberate pace and then grabs as if to say, ‘hang on, this is going to get good’ and I was all for it.

Well done cinematography, well done story and well-done action and adventure. That’s why we go to the movies in the first place right? We want to be swept away into a suspension of disbelief and Cruise and cast does exactly that with the words ‘our lives are the sum of our choices’. Every choice, every mission, has all led to this. Experience the most epic chapter yet of Ethan Hunt’s journey, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, on the largest screen in @IMAX for the ultimate adrenaline rush.

In the end – trust him one last time!

He is the STRIKING RESCUE

 

Jeri Jacquins

On Bluray from director Siyu Cheng, writer Guo Haiwen and Well Go USA is an intense story of revenge and action with STRIKING RESCUE.

Bai An (Tony Jaa) is a man grieving and angry at the loss of his family that he is being blamed for. The anger is aimed at He Yinghao (Philip Keung) believing that he is not only responsible but part of underhanded dealings. He decides to go after him through his daughter He Ting (Chen Duo-Yi). It begins by learning where she goes to school and learning about the driver Wu Zheng (Eason Hung). Making his move, he assesses the situation discovering that is a little friction between He Ting and Wu Zheng.

At home, Ting is not happy with her father who she believes doesn’t understand her. Trying to help is Lu Ping (Peng Bo) who is Yinghao’s right hand person in the company and has compassion for the young girl. The next day, on their way out, their cars are attached and Yinghao is captured almost immediately, the assailants now attack the car with Tingting in it and Wu Zheng is fighting anyone coming near. Bai An sees what is happening and intervenes swiftly taking Tingting away.

Out of control bad guy Clay (Michael Mao) wants Yinghao to sign a control giving up control of shipping for his own nefarious purposes. He knows the only way that will happen is by finding Tingting. Now, the word is out on every corner that there is a bounty for Tingting and it wouldn’t hurt if they took out Bai An either. What they don’t know is who they are up against as Bai An become close feeling the need to protect the young girl from anyone who might hurt her.

Against his anger, Bai An must make a decision on who to trust and protecting the daughter of that man he considers his enemy.

Jaa as Bai An is remarkable in this film. He comes in as a man bereft at the death of his family with a plan that is aimed at one person. In the process, he is put in the middle of something he hasn’t had time to figure out because he is running for two lives. Jaa gives his character everything one would expect but so much more. There is even a bit of a joke in the film by Tingting, but listen carefully because it goes by pretty quick. Jaa truly does make the film a ride to watch from start to finish and I was in it every minute.

Duo-Yi as Tingting is a teenage girl who has issues with her father. Of course, the moods and feeling unheard are par for the course. When Bai An comes into her life, it is something she would never have expected. Violence, stories of her father and trusting a stranger are something that she can not avoid. Duo-Yi plays of Jaa extremely well and makes her presence clear when she gets the chance to be a bit tough herself. Keung as Yinghao is a father determined to figure out how to fix the relationship with his daughter which might prove to be difficult. His dealings in business are what started everything and it has the possibility of ending badly for all.

Hung as Wu Zheng has had it up to his eyeballs with Tingting’s attitude but knows his place with Yinghao. When things start going badly, he goes on the hunt for Bai An as he also needs to understand what is happening and who is responsible. Hung gives us sly and resourceful but is he a good guy or not? Find out for yourself. Mao as Clay is just as vicious of a character as he wants to be. I mean out and out vicious! He has a plan and no one, and I mean no one is going to stand in his way. I’ve seen bad guys in film but this one is bad to the bone and Mao will give anyone watching – chills!

Other cast include Junjia Hong, Tianqi Zhang, Bolin Yu and Zing Yu. The film is in a mixture of English and Mandarin.

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.

STRIKING RESCUE is a fast paced (which is surprising since its running time is 111 minutes) and doesn’t have a second of downtime. The game becomes who do you trust and who do you know to be lying with every word that comes out of their mouth. It seems the person who is wanted by the cops may be the only one any of them can trust and that’s saying a lot. The characters are so well played by each actor as Jaa leads them down the path of destruction to get to the truth.

There are fantastic martial arts from both men and women which I enjoyed very much as well. I mean why should the guys have all the fun. This film has so much intensity and action, it is an assault on the senses in the best way for fans of this genre. Director Cheng makes quick work of what writer Haiwen put in the script and these two have brought a visual and story high of a film and they should be extremely proud of it. The action sequences are fast and pretty darn fantastic to watch as the pace of the film might have you holding your breath so make sure to exhale!

In the end – a father’s fury in unleashed!

 

 

 

Friendship Begins with A TOOTH FAIRY TALE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital platforms from director Michael Johnson, Automatic Entertainment and Shout! Kids is the animated story and A TOOTH FAIRY TALE.

Young Van (voiced by Booboo Stewart) is a young fairy who is learning the ways of being a fairy which his father doesn’t really see. His Mom on the other hand wants her song to succeed and is willing to help. She explains that his magic just needs time and patience. On the first night out to deliver coins to the children who have lost teeth, his dad presents him with a very special wand. He soon discovers that someone has beat him too it!

Getting back to the other fairy’s, he explains what he found but no one seems to believe him. On the second night out, he meets Rupee, a small troll who is more than happy to help Van. Going through a secret space in the rocks, Van finds another world that is far from his home. There he finds Gemma (Larkin Bell), a goblin who warns him that fairies are forbidden there yet they learn from one another.

Quickly, Van and Gemma discover they have something in common – parents! Gemma takes Van around her world and shows him how they live. They also discover that the stereotypes on both sides are not correct. When Gemma discovers that fairy dust in her invention will allow her to go out into the daylight, she and Van feel like they are free to enjoy each other’s company in the sky. Someone who wants either fairy or goblin a certain widow, Queen Mortina, (Fran Drescher) in the dark.

Now, Van and Gemma have to find a way to be together before what lies in the dark ruins everything!

Stewart lends his voice to Van, a young fairy who is learning the ropes of getting a tooth and leaving a coin. His parents are trying to understand his difficulties and its even made more difficult when Dad is the trainer of the new fairy’s. Van is different, he sees the world as something to be explored, learned about and discovered. That might be his biggest problem that even his friends don’t understand. Bell as Gemma has the same problem. She is a smart goblin who examines and learns about everything and is creative enough to invent things but doesn’t always fit in. She and Van realize fairly quickly that they both are on the outside but with each other they get it.

There only problem happens to be a very dark Queen and Drescher gets to be that eight-legged fright in the night. Her character is one that both the fairies and the goblins have fear of and that would be the one thing that they need to come together on for the sake of their children. That doesn’t stop Drescher from giving us a wicked and snappy character that made me giggle.

Other cast include Jailen Bates, Mary Deaton, Maz Jobrani, Paty Lombard, Jon Lovitz, Tony Nation, Zachary Rice, Presley Ryan and Vivica A. Fox.

SHOUT! Studios has grown into a tremendous multi-platform media company. Releasing new animated features such as the exquisite LONG WAY NORTH, and the epic fantasy BEAUTY AND THE BEAST along with releases such as WALLACE & GROMIT, FERNFULLY, SHAUN THE SHEEP and so many more. For more of what SHOUT! Kids has to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

Automatic Entertainment is a Los Angeles based independent motion picture distribution management company. Collaborating with content creators to develop and produce movies that appeal to a global audience, they work closely with theatrical distributors, television networks and film festivals around the world to secure distribution that promotes movies and series to the widest possible audience.

A TOOTH FAIRY TALE is really a wonderful film all around. The animation is so well done, colorful and dark at the same time. It gives us three different worlds which means three ways to use animation skills to show it to us all. I loved all three worlds as it shows the ways that one side misunderstands the other through outdate beliefs and stereotypes. That’s what I found most interesting, the stereotypes that Van and Gemma talk about made them both willing to be understanding. That is an important issue that kids can truly relate to and apply to their own life.

The story is so well done I just love Van and Gemma. This is a film that families can enjoy together, have some laughs, learn from and truly embrace from start to finish. I really do love when a film can be shared and the subject offers teachable moments. Films are so powerful in general but when you can tell a story such as this through animation and a good story, I can’t help but recommend it to anyone I meet – especially those with children.

Characters such as fairy’s, trolls and goblins are always of interested because they hold such mystery. Bringing them all together in a film with their own story to tell is so beautiful and worth the time to view again and again. So, cuddle up, grab some popcorn and spend a night at the movies with A TOOTH FAIRY TALE!

In the end – their friendship can save them all!

PANDA BEAR IN AFRICA

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from directors Richard Claus, Karsten Kiilerich and Shout! Factory Kids is a tale of friendship and loyalty with PANDA BEAR IN AFRICA.

Pang the Panda (Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing) and best friend Jielong (Georgina Verbaan) the dragon are the best of friends. Spending their days playing games and waiting for Jielong to learn to fly, they are living the hometown life. When the two get to spend the season together, there is so much more to do! That is until an unexpected visitor reaches their shores and takes Jielong away.

Where? In Africa, the young prince lion Ade (Namisa Mdalose) is told by his uncle Malume (Silas Lekgoathi) that a special present its way. Pang is not about to let his best friend disappear and finds Xing-Xing (Thom Hoffman) the orangutan to take him across the sea where he meets Jojo (Maurits Delchot) the talapoin. The goal is to have Jojo lead him to where the lions are and get Jielong back.

Ade is surprised when he learns Jielong What Pang doesn’t expect is to meet the very sweet Niala (Candice Modiselle), the spotted hyena who has a history with Ade. There is a secret that is keeping the lions and hyena’s from sharing the same space. Now Pang and Jielong each do what they must to get free, save Niala’s family, Ade’s kingdom and get back home. That’s a lot for Pang and Jielong but they will not stop until they are home.

Other cast include Sthandile Nkosi as Kabora, Thulani Nzonzo as Mpho, James Weebo as Darius, Charles Ouda as Abu, Angel Orugbo as Camel, Joyce W. Musoke as Mrs. Python, and Adriana Pang as Kang.

SHOUT! Studios has grown into a tremendous multi-platform media company. Releasing new animated features such as the exquisite Long Way North, and the epic fantasy Beauty and The Beast. Also, their own original horror film, Fender Bender gives fans a good scare. For more of what SHOUT! Studios has to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

The DVD includes the Special Features of a Featurette, Selected Scenes from PANDA BEAR IN AFRICA and Theatrical Trailer.

PANDA BEAR IN AFRICA is the very charming animated film that any family who loves a little sofa cuddle time are going to enjoy. There is so much to offer here with a story of friendship between the young Pang the Panda and Jielong the dragon. They have an amazing friendship of fun, adventure and loyalty to one another. When someone scary happens to one, the other jumps in and does everything possible to help. That would be an amazing story in itself.

Yet, in this film, there is also the story of the animals in Africa and the dilemma they find themselves in. Jielong sees what is happening in the lion kingdom and Pang learns about the secrets in the hyena world. There is a conflict on both sides and little do they realize that two animals from another place on earth can help in the most heart-warming way possible. That makes the story even more wonderful to watch with the family. As a family, it is a chance to talk about everything the film offers and that is so important.

The animation of the film is colorful, fun, lively and brings about so much joy. The cast bringing their voices to each of the characters had me and my family laughing so much. What I love about such films like PANDA BEAR IN AFRICA is that it is also a bit of a teaching tool about animals around the world. My granddaughter was thrilled to learn about them and is now interested in researching them even more.

This is a story of wildlife with lions, pandas, hippos, lions, dragons, gorillas and meerkats. So, grab the family, cuddle up on the sofa and prepare to take a trip into friendship!

In the end – bravery knows no size!

SNOW WHITE Comes to Digital

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital this week and coming to Bluray from director Marc Webb and Walt Disney Home Entertainment is the live-action story of SNOW WHITE.

Snow White (Rachel Zegler) is a young girl who has spent years at the hands of her evil step-mother the Evil Queen (Gal Gadot). One day while scrubbing her usual floor, she hears a noise coming from the kitchen and meets Jonathan (Andrew Burnap) who happens to be stealing potatoes. Letting him go, the castle is alerted and the next time she sees him, Jonathan is in the presence of the queen.

Realizing that the people outside the palace need help, Snow White decides to have a talk with the Queen. After that doesn’t go well, the Queen has a nice little chat with her Magic Mirror (Patrick Page) who lets her know that her “fairest of them all” status is in serious jeopardy. Deciding to fix that immediately, she orders the Huntsman (Ansu Kabia) to take Snow White out into the forest, kill her and bring back proof in a box.

Making his choice, Snow White runs away and finds herself in the house of the Seven Dwarfs. Some are not happy about her presence and other want to help her all they can but she believes that looking for her father is best. Making her way through the forest, she meets Jonathan once again and his band of followers but their meeting is cut short as palace guards are looking for her.

The Queen decides to take matters into her own hands with an apple but Snow White and her new friends aren’t about to take it lying down!

Zegler as Snow White offers up her take on the 1937 classic animated film. She is outspoken and has no issue with make dwarfs clean their own house. She vamps up the film with song and taking on a Queen so she has that going for her. Burnap as Jonathan is a bit of a cross between Kristoff (FROZEN) and Ken (BARBIE). He starts out as a thief with his own goals and finds himself entranced by a girl and her dwarves. Kabia as the Huntsman is a good man being asked to do a bad thing. Page as the voice of the Magic Mirror is so cool with his deep voice and only one answer to the same question.

Gadot as the Evil Queen made me laugh. Her wickedness is on point and Gadot may not be a singer but she took control and it was hilarious. It reminded me of Melissa McCarthy playing Ursula in another meh live-action remake of THE LITTLE MERMAID. Gadot looks like she is having a blast and doesn’t care one flick of her pointy nails what anyone thinks and I’m all for it.

As for the Seven Dwarfs, it seemed only three got the top roles and that’s Doc, Grumpy and Dopey. They are the three that fall into Snow Whites charm and find that they want to protect her from anyone who has other ideas. Dopey is a cutie and I don’t think anyone would dispute that.

Other cast includes Hadley Fraser as the King, Lorena Andrea as the Queen, George Appleby as Quigg, Colin Carmichael as Farno, Samuel Baxter as Scythe, Idriss Kargbo as Bingley, Jaih Betote as Norwich, Dujonna Figt as Maple and Jimmy Johnston as Finch.

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 Sing Along with the Movie: Sing along with your favorite songs while watching the movie with onscreen lyrics, Deleted Scenes: Anguish and Opportunity, Danger in the Woods and Hunt for Snow White, Fearless, Fair, Brave, and True: Making Snow White – Take a look behind the scenes with director Marc Webb, cast and crew as they share their vision for this live-action reimagining of Snow White, highlighting how they honor the legacy of the original story, including the characters, set design and more.

Also, Merry Tunes – Go behind the songs with filmmakers and songwriting duo, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Hear about their new songs and how they beautifully intertwine with the classics, Fairy Tale Fashion – Get an in-depth look at the fashion and costuming for the film, featuring legendary costume designer Sandy Powell. Along with filmmakers and cast, Sandy provides insight into how she brought iconic looks to life for Snow White, the Evil Queen and more and Bloopers – Discover all the fun and laugh along with the cast as they have the time of their lives making Snow White.

The Seven Dwarfs voices include Jeremy Swift as Doc, Tituss Burgess as Bashful, Andrew Feldman as Dopey, Martin Klebba as Grumpy, Jason Kravits as Sneezy, George Salazar as Happy and Andy Grotelueschen as Sleepy.

SNOW WHITE is very colorful and there are new songs for the kids to learn but, let’s be honest here, everyone has to “hiiiiiiii hoooooooooo” right? The dwarves have always had a place in people’s hearts, yes even Grumpy, and those two words have been synonymous with all seven of them. I’ll say it again that Gadot just looks like she is having so much fun being bad that I almost forgot how evil she is supposed to be but, she quickly reminds us all that she is a Queen and a force for not good.

Having the film on Digital now allows those who didn’t see the film in theatres to have their opportunity to enjoy at home. It’s a chance to sing, dance and see what Disney has done to bring audiences together because everyone in the family can make it a night of fun and adventure. All the extras make it fun as well because nothing beats a bunch of bloopers at the end of a film.

In the end – the fairest of them all?

DUNE: Prophecy Brings Season on to 4K Ultra HD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray, DVD and currently on Digital from Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment, Legendary, HBO and creators Diane Ademu-John and Alison Schapker is DUNE: Prophecy.

It is ten thousand years before the Kwisatz Haderach when sisters Valya (Jessica Barden) and Tula (Emma Canning) Harkonnen join the Sisterhood. The women are trained to be Truthsayers to the Great Houses of the Imperium. Valya (Emily Watson) eventually becomes Mother Superior and works to solidify Emperor Javicco Corrino’s (Mark Strong) bloodline while at the same time dealing with Arrakis and spice. Soldier Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel) has caused a disturbance for Truthsayer Kasha Jinjo (Jihae) while Princess Ynez (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina) is being rebellious in her own way.

Empress Natalya (Jodhi May) is making claims against Duke Ferdinand (Brendan Cowell) and Valya uses Sister Lila (Chloe Lea) to reach out to a deceased Mother Superior. Constantine tells Richese (Laura Howard) the truth about Ynez husband and it is clear that Desmond is a force that no one can control as he moves like a ninja through the politics. Valya realizes that he wants to totally destroy the Sisterhood and attempts to subdue him. Valya’s past has much to do with her history with the Atredies and her sister Tula (Olivia Williams) but both are dealing with it still in the present with Lila.

Valya is now the truthsayer to the Harkonnens yet Desmond tells Javicco to remove them from the Landraad. Tula uses acolytes and their dreams to learn about Shai-Hulud but also, Lila wakes from her deep sleep. Using Theodosia’s (Jade Anouka) ability to shapeshift, Valya tries something unusual. Once Javicco makes Desmond a Bashar, he wants to find a way to catch Valya for her hand in the spice and after a raid, she gets Mikaela (Shalom Burne-Franklin) to Arrakis. Javicco decides to send Constantine (Josh Heuston) to Arrakis to quell problems.

The shock becomes who Desmond is and each of the pieces in the game change up but not before Valya, Keiran (Chris Mason) and Ynez arrive on Arrakis!

Watson as Valya is just perfection in that she is exactly how I would see a Bene Gesserit looking. She has the amazing ability to do the most underhanded things with a straight face and a glare in her eye. Her performance is intense, and adds to the mystery of the story that is constantly in flux. Williams as Tula and Valya’s sister means there is a lot of family drama to unfold in the package. Learning what she has done and what she plans to do is equally as intense as Watson and Williams make the perfect pair.

Strong as Javicco is an actor that I have followed for so many years. Each performance and character he brings to life will either be full of sympathy or wrath, Javicco is a hard package to unwrap but I am here for every second of it. Lea as Sister Lila doesn’t realize what she is in for with the Harkonnen sisters who seem to be on their own path. Then again that is true for any of the characters that get in their way.

Fimmel as Desmond, oh my gosh have I missed him on screen. He left us all emotionally stranded after the A&E series VIKINGS and he did television series work with RAISED BY WOLVES and BLACK SNOW. When I learned he was to be in this serious, I have to admit that it pushed me toward the show even more. As Desmond, he is a man on a mission even if others don’t know what that is or why. I am thrilled to see what his character is capable of next, as are the 15+ million viewers.

Other cast include Edward Davis as Harrow Harkonnen, Faoileann Cunningham as Sister Jen, Aoife Hinds as Sister Emeline, Barbara Marten as Sister Avila, Camilla Beeput as Reverend Mother Dorotea, Cathy Tyson as Mother Superior Raquella Berto-Anirul, Hannah Khalique-Brown as Sister Farouz, Tessa Bonham Jones as Lady Richese, Charlie Hodson-Prior as Pruwet Richese, Sam Spruell as Horace, Karima McAdams as Sister Nazir, Mark Addy as Evgeny Harkonnen, Polly Walker as Sonia Harkonnen, Earl Cave as Griffin Harkonnen, Milo Callaghan as Orry Atredies, David Bark Jones as Vergyl Harkonnen, Archie Barnes as Albert, Tabu as Sister Francesca.

The episodes include The Hidden Hand, Two Wolves, Sisterhood Above All, Twice Born, In Blood Truty, and The High-Handed Enemy. Also included are over an hour of bonus content, five extended featurettes including Building Worlds and Behind the Veil, and one all-new-bonus features exclusive to the 4K UHD, Bluray and DVD.

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

Legendary Entertainment is a leading media company with Legendary Pictures, Legendary Television and Digital Media and Legendary Comics divisions dedicated to owning, producing and delivering content to worldwide audiences. Legendary has built a library of marquee media properties and has established itself as a trusted brand which consistently delivers high-quality, commercial entertainment including some of the world’s most popular intellectual property. For more please visit www.legendary.com.

HBO Home Entertainment brings critically acclaimed and groundbreaking programming throughout the world. Releases include the global hit Game of Thrones, True Detective, Girls, The Sopranos, Sex and the City, True Blood, The Wire and Entourage. The company's catalog contains hundreds of titles including Big Little Lies and Band of Brothers. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.hbo.com.

DUNE: Prophecy is inspired by the novel Sisterhood of Dune written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. The series is a stunner or “fire” as the kids say now. As a fan of the original 1984 film, it was always a question of history for me. How and why did the Bene Gesserit start, what was their goal and why? These are just very basic questions because I actually have two sheets of paper with more. For fans of the story, they also have questions about the Bene Gesserit that I probably haven’t even thought of.

Not to mention, there are lines from the film that have found their way into every day life, like when someone says to you, “who does the/she think he/she is?” the reply would be, “he is the Kwisarts Hatarak!” and DUNE: Prophecy is well on its way. When someone asks you about today’s political climate, the response is “The Imperium is a circus of fear and rumor”. That is one way to know that your audience is being reached effectively!

DUNE: Prophecy has amazing cinematography that is absolutely part of the story. This is a world put together with the brushstrokes of a masterpiece and details that are unforgettable. To say it is a dark tale is pretty much an understatement as every character is twisting and turning the story at their own whim. As a fan of intrigue and the war of houses vying for supremacy, this series needs, honestly, more than six episodes for a season. You listening HBO?

The patriarchy thinks they are in charge and the sisterhood is fine with letting them think so because it offers them a chance to do what they want in shuffling their world. It brings about the supernatural world that each character is trying to control and bend for their own reasons. Each step is choreographed by one of the characters and in lies the intrigue and juicy scheming that audiences crave in their series viewing. The bonus to all this is the excellent casting choices that bringing all of this together in a bow of perfection. Congratulations all around and with a second season coming, DUNE: Prophecy on 4K UHD, Bluray and DVD is a great way to rewatch and catch things you might have missed!

In the end – power lies in the shadows!

 

 

Prime Asks for ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Prime Video from director Paul Feig is the return of two women who have a history but not afraid to ask for ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR.

It has been five years since Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) brought down the sly Emily Nelson (Blake Lively). Since then, she has written a book about what happened and is at a book signing when in walks a haute-couture laden Emily. Stephanie is surprised to see her and is informed that her case is on appeal. What does she want you might ask? Well, Emily wants Stephanie to be her maid of honor with upcoming nuptials in Capri. Her intended is Dante Versano (Michele Morrone) a very tall, handsome and mysterious man that Stephanie is suspicious of.

Hopping a private plan to Capri, Stephanie brings Vicky (Alex Newell) along just to make sure that Emily doesn’t decide to take revenge on her. On the trip, Emily tries to convince Stephanie that she has no ulterior motive for wanting her to be there, just that she is someone Emily can trust. Arriving, the first uncomfortable guest they meet is Sean (Henry Golding), as the two women realize that a drunk Sean is a troublesome Sean. The first event is a lunch as Stephanie meets Dantes disapproving mother Portia (Elena Sofia Ricci) who has a surprise of her own for Emily. Her Aunt Linda (Allison Janney) and mother Margaret (Elizabeth Perkins) have arrived and so is the trouble that they can cause.

That’s when things begin to go horribly wrong but, as shocking as that is, Emily and Dante are not about to stop the wedding for anything. That also doesn’t stop more horrible thing from happening and now Stephanie is once again in the middle of it all. Being held, Stephanie knows that its time to kick into true-crime solving mode in order to get herself out of the mess she is in. She believes that her mother might hold the keys to some of the answers and its time to do her best sleuthing before she ends up behind bars.

Being friends with Emily has its moments!

Kendrick as Stephanie is dealing with the low end of success from the book she wrote about the mess with Emily. Everyone has an opinion about what happened and Kendrick’s Stephanie does her very best to live with all the mess. When Emily reenters her life, Stephanie makes it clear that she ‘isn’t as nice” as she used to be. Her wit is sharper and her mistrust is on high alert. That’s what makes watching her this time around so much fun – the fact that she’s onto Emily. Wit for wit, watching Kendrick with the comebacks is like watching a ping-pong tournament, take your eye off the ball once and you might miss the good stuff.  

Lively as Emily makes a huge comeback and, as with the five years earlier, does everything big – big entrance, big hates, big presence – and makes it look good. I just love how Lively handles the back and forth with Kendrick and makes it clear to all of us watching that we will never know for sure if she’s serious or not. She is full of mystery and sly fun and I am absolutely here for every bit of it. Casting Lively along side Kendrick was a stroke of genius in 2018 and bringing them back together to do it again with a script that works is brilliant once again.

Morrone as Dante is the mysterious man Emily is marrying and it is clear that they are close. Protecting his lady against ex-husbands and irate mothers, Morrone does a grand job until he doesn’t. Well done. Ricci as Portia is the mother-in-law from hell who is not happy about her son’s marriage and isn’t about to go down without a fight – and she has the weapons to make that happen. I just loved her to pieces because she is a spectacularly dressed crazy mom.

Janney as Aunt Linda is another crazy lady who happens to be in charge of her sister who also falls into the category of a crazy lady. She is sharp and I just love the fact that Janney’s career has brought so many different characters and she has performed each one superbly, if you can’t tell, Janney is one of my favorite actresses. Perkins as Margaret has spent most of her life swimming in a bottle and it is clear that Emily is not happy about either family member being at her wedding. Perkins is funny and full of information.

Golding as Sean returns as a man who has found the bottle as well and being in the same room with both Stephanie and Emily just brings out his own warped humor. He did enjoy the luncheon show so that’s something. I just love that he returned to his role of Sean. Newell as Vicky is just happy to be vacationing in Capri and being ringside to all the insanity of it. She sees another book and her career improving with the madness that happens when Stephanie and Emily get together.

Other cast include Joshua Satine as Miles, Aparna Nancherla as Sona, Kelly McCormack as Stacy, Diletta Jayne as Lulu, Ian Ho as Nicky, Lorenzo de Moor as Matteo Bartolo, Bashir Salahuddin as Detective Summerville and Andrew Rannells as Darren.

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

ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR is a fun, twisted, mysterious, and sharp-witted film that doesn’t have a moment of boredom. I will admit to being hesitant to watch the film as sequels don’t have a wonderful track record but I can honestly say this film is completely outrageous in the best way possible. The story is so well written, the snappy one-liners are going to be used by me no question, the setting is lavishly big like Emily’s personality and full of who-dun-it that Stephanie loves.

This is exactly the type of film you want to sit back with a good glass of wine, a charcuterie board and some pals who are looking for a night of laughs. Expect the unexpected, prepare for jaw drops and figure out the mystery because there is more to the story than meets the eye.

In the end – every friendship has its twists!