They Are ROBIN AND THE HOODS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital Platforms from director Phil Hawkins, Radial Entertainment and Shout! Studios is a fight for a place full of wonder with ROBIN AND THE HOODS.

Robin (Darcey Ewart) is a young girl with a bow and arrow that lives in a mixture of fantasy and friendships while fighting in a world with perceived evil in it. Along with the Hoods, they love the world created behind their homes. In their kingdom, they have vowed to protect the crown that is wanted by Henry (Eddison Burch) who leads the Knights. Keeping an eye out for intruders is Amaya (Gloria Ishikawa) and sorcerer Glen (Bruno Edgington-Gibson).

When Robin isn’t protecting the Kingdom, she is at home with mom Cathy (Morgana Robinson) and dad Nick (Tom Goodman-Hill) who are awaiting the arrival of a new family member. Going to their village in the woods, Robin and the kids notice an adult coming out of the woods. A woman with a Clipboard (Naomie Harris) is gathering up the parents to hear about a redevelopment for their small town with the green light from the Mayor (Mark Williams).

The children are furious that their kingdom is literally under attack. Running into the woods and upset with her parents, Robin wants to find a way to save it all. A bird seen only by Little Dan (Dexter Sol Ansell), a feather and Aura the woody witch (Gwendoline Christie) come together with unexpected help that the bad guys could never see coming!

Ewart as Robin is a young girl who fits in at the Kingdom as other kids look up to her. At home, she feels a distance with her parents and not as happy as she once was. Feeling as if she should be handling everything, it is clear asking for help is difficult. Ewart is tough, charming and so relatable as Robin all while watching her character grow as a person throughout the film. Ishikawa as Amaya is a go-by-the-rules girl but also reminds Robin of the rules and what the Kingdom stands for. She is a strong character and closest to Robin who has no problem saying exactly what she means.

Burch as Henry has his own ideas of who should have the Kingdom and it’s not Robin. In a constant state of planning with his Knights, he wants to rule and more so wants the crown on his head. Edgington-Gibson as Glen is a sorcerer who believes in everything they are doing. So much so that he constantly works on his spells. I just loved watching him portray this character that is so into his art, just fun. Ansell as Little Dan is just so darn cute and at the same time seems to have no fear because the Kingdom means as much to him, maybe more. What a strong personality in a large cast.

Goodman-Hill as Nick is a father conflicted between his daughter’s happiness and helping to prepare for the new arrival. He came to understand that his daughter’s life in the woods was something she couldn’t live without. His performance is one of a dad who just wants to do the right thing. Robinson as Cathy is a mother focused on one thing, and it isn’t Robin. She seems pleased about the development like so many other townspeople.

Williams as the Mayor has a few adult issues and seems to be under the influence of money and the lady known as Clipboard. Recognized as Ronald Weasley’s father from the Harry Potter films, here he gets a chance to do something different and it works so well. Harris as Clipboard wanted to control everyone and everything going on in Robin’s neighborhood. She made is clear that nothing was going to stop her, especially not a girl with a bow. Harris is delightfully wicked and plays right into the story so well.

Christie as Aura is a woman who has issues of her own and lives deep in the woods. Not wanting contact, she sees the kids as an intrusion to her quiet life. Christie gives her character the standoffishness but it comes with a back story about her life. She is still so wonderful to watch and seeing her as part of this kid’s story is truly very cool.

Other cast include Alexa Goodall and Harry Connor as Knights, Marnie Moore, Ali Saleh and Lucas Welbourne, Jessica Whise and Olivia Lomingo as Hoods, Christine Bottomley as Bridget, Jon Chew as Yun-ho and Jessica Blake as Sandra.

SHOUT! Studios have 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.

Radial Entertainment is a global entertainment company operating with FilmRise and Shout! Studios. They have a library of over 70,000 movies and episodes making it the largest independent catalog. Its programming spans a wide range of genre with true crime, reality, animation, action, westerns, classics, horror and so much more. Please visit www.radialentertainment.com.

ROBIN AND THE HOODS is a film that is a mash up of the fantasy life of the kids who protect their woodland Kingdom and the issues of their lives. Ewart as Robin immediately sets up the story by making it clear that she will do anything to protect it all. The cast is so diverse and wonderful to see and brings such life to the film from beginning to end. Each are so relatable and, even at my age, I understand how much the kids wanted to protect something that is good in their life.

The imagination of the story is just delightful and director Hawkins has a vision that plays out perfectly. The cinematography is like another character in the film because if it weren’t for the beautiful forest, the story wouldn’t be the same. ROBIN AND THE HOODS is exactly what a family film should be – fun, full of adventure, friendship, growing pains, changes, imagination and remembering that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but of strength in a groups convictions.

In the end – always stand up for what is right!

 

Each Wanted EDEN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Ron Howard, Noah Pink, Vertical and Imagine Entertainment comes the story of an island and those who want nothing more than to find EDEN.

Dr. Friedrich Ritter (Jude Law) and partner Dora (Vanessa Kirby) have found their bit of solitude on the island of Floreana in the Galapagos. Ritter spends his days writing his meaning of man and Dora gardens and loves her burro, this is the life they want. That is all about to change with the arrival of Heinz (Daniel Bruhl), wife Margaret (Allison Sweeney) along with son Harry (Jonathan Tittel). They have read the works of Dr. Ritter and want to be part of that isolated life.

Upset by the isolated intrusion, Ritter sets them up far away from their home thinking by the looks of them, running home will happen quickly. What Ritter couldn’t have expected is that within months, the new family is adjusting and settling quite well so their presence is tolerated. That tense acceptance is quickly interrupted when Baroness Eloise (Ana de Armas), Felix (Rudolph Lorenz) and Robert (Toby Wallace) land on the beach with plans of their own.

Heinz and Margaret make it work, especially with a child on the way. Ritter, however, is constantly distracted by the madness the Baroness brings with her. There is manipulation and deception constantly swirling around the eight islanders that brings about mistrust and danger. There is a social virus on the island and it is beginning to infect them all!  

Law as Ritter is a man possessed writing a book that he believes will save humanity from itself. Isolation on the island is something he craves in order to do the ‘important’ work. The distraction of new arrivals sets him on a path that can either help his thought process or hurt it. Law is just exceptional in this character with the mystery surrounding him. There are moments of lyrical brilliance followed by madness but who am I to say which is which. I just loved his performance, period.

Kirby as Dora is a woman with her own set of physical issues but believes she is Ritter’s biggest supporter in all things. Keeping herself busy around their makeshift home, she isn’t the warmest human being to be around but they each seem to understand one another and it works for them – well it did for a while. Kirby gives her character the standoffishness that made me want to know so much more about her and why she saw the island as her home.

Bruhl as Heinz is taken with the prospect of making a life on Floreana with the family. Working hard to set it up, he tries to befriend Ritter but realizes its better to focus on their own homestead and let things work out on their own. Bruhl has the uncanny ability to totally own a character role and he has such a wide range of them both good guys and not-so-good guys. Every film he has been in I’m always in line to see where he is going to take the story. In this film, he kept me guessing.

Sweeney as Margaret is a young wife who wants to keep the peace on the island. She does try to befriend Dora and Ritter but finds herself taking small steps to understanding them. When the Baroness enters the pictures, Margaret clearly knows narcissism when she sees it and has not difficulty standing on her own. Sweeney’s character is the timid one and on the watchful side than the other characters, taking it all in before doing whatever it takes to protect her family – and that isn’t always noticeable.

De Armas as the Baroness is an absolute train on flaming tracks and she is the conductor. Every moment she is on the screen I wanted to throw something at it. The character reminded me of an attention seeker who would burn the world down if it would make her feel superior. Charming, well dressed and manipulative are in her bag of tricks. It is an intense role adding another layer to the madness happening on the island. Lorenz and Wallace play the two men who see to her every whim and, like Dora, believes in her and the plan she has made.

Other cast include Ignacio Gasparini as Manuel, Richard Roxburgh as Allan Hancock, Nicholas Denton as Ray, Thiago Moraes as the Captain, and Antonio Alvarez as the Governor of the Galapagos.

Vertical Entertainment is a global independent distributor that offers a unique wealth of experience minus the studio costs. Film such as MY MOTHER’S WEDDING, I DON’T UNDERSTAND YOU, FIGHT OR FLIGHT and IN THE LOST LANDS are only a few of the film the studio has brought forward. For more of what they have to offer, please visit www.vert-ent.com.

The film is loosely based on the real-life story of these characters, living on an island wanting solitude, the Ritters had their life far away from Germany. Even the story of the Wittmer family comes with a respect for the island and the couple living a distance away and again, it worked. Then, Baroness Eloise Wehrborn de Wagner-Bosquet landed on the beach. What comes next is pure speculation and conjecture which is where writer/director Howard and writer Pink comes in.

Howard says of his film, “I am fascinated by stories based on real events. There is no question that in this circumstance, the kinds of the choices these characters feel compelled to make or are forced to make are more complex than anything I’ve done in film. This is what these people leaved through and I found it fascinating, I found it utterly human and surprisingly relatable to the human existence today with all its quirks, all its pain and danger as well. It was exciting every day!”

That is what makes this film so compelling as Howard has chosen to do something out of his directorial character. His memorable films include WILLOW (1988), THE DA VINCI CODE (2006), THIRTEEN LIVES (2022) and in my family, THE GRINCH (2000), which is a yearly holiday happening. EDEN is a different direction bringing such rawness and the horror of human nature when squeezed beyond all sanity. He chose a story that allows for so many levels of lies mixed with truths that I spent some time reading up on this story myself.

EDEN is one of my favorite films of this year because of its unpredictability, its jaw dropping moments, the lives it is based on and the originality of it all. I found myself on the edge just waiting to see what could possibly happen next on this roller coaster ride of a storyline. I love that it is framed around an island forcing the characters to deal with one another because it’s not like they could easily walk away. There is even humor that felt twisted and intriguing at the same time. I am hoping to see awards attached to it very soon.

In the end – where is the truth lie?

 

NE ZHA 2 is a Global Phenomenon

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Jiaozi based on the story Investiture of the Gods by Xu Zhonglin and A24 is the animated NE ZHA 2.

Ne Zha (Crystal Lee) and Ao Bing (Aleks Le) bodies are in the hands of Master Taiyi Zhenren (Rick Zieff) as he tries to prevent their souls dying. Using the Seven-Colored Sacred Lotus to turn them from mush back to their original form, the two have a lot of healing to do. Ao Bing’s father, Ao Guang, is the East Sea’s Dragon King and he believes that his son is gone. Trying to make things right gets interrupted when Master Shen Gongbao is sent to fight for the Chentang Pass and without time to properly heal, Ao Bing falls once again.

Now, Ao Bing and Ne Zha will have to share one body but it will only last seven days. Master Zhenren tells everyone that Ne Zha will have to do the three trials to become immortal to get the elixir that will fix the Sacred Lotus and bring Ao Bing back. Going to the Immortal Wuliang (Robert Clotworthy), there is no time to waste to begin the tests. Believing Shen Gongbao (Aidyn James Ahn) will maintain a ceasefire during the process, Ne Zha’s parents Li Jing (Vincent Rodriguez III) and Lady Yin (Michelle Yeoh) attempt to reach him in understanding that what is happening is wrong.

But things go horribly wrong and Ne Zha turns his anger toward anyone who stands in his way. It is the love he has for his family that makes him realize that his anger should be focused towards one person – and it is shocking when they all find out about the lies, deception, and abuse of power. Ne Zha and Ao Bing realize working together to battle the true evil is worth putting themselves in danger as long as necessary.

Other cast include Damien Haas as Deero, Grace Lu as Crana, and Michael Yurchak as Ao Shun.

A24 is an American company specializing in film and television production. They are best known for distributing such amazing films as EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE, MOONLIGHT, HEREDITARY, THE LIGHTHOUSE, MIDSOMMAR and this years stunning look at WARFARE. For more information, please visit www.a24films.com.

NE ZHA II is a fantastical, thrilling, artistically beautiful, funny and a complex story line that is captivating from start to finish. Using the Chinese mythology, it wraps itself around Ne Zha’s need to find out what he is capable of and Ao Bing trying to return to a form that allows him to help with the turmoil from all sides. There are family bonds that are being stretched to its heavenly limits and bonds being formed from the mostly unlikely places.

The relationship between Ne Zha and Ao Bing is complicated and, at times, frustrating to the little fire bomb. Master Zhenren is wise and at the same time a bundle of nerves and wants fire and water to find their way back to themselves. Ao Guang is a father who has his own anger issues and finds himself in the middle of a battle. Immortal Wuliang lives on his little cloud watching Ne Zha take the trials to become and immortal. Parents Li Jing and Lady Yin want what is best for their son and they have the capability to fight as well as any demon or immortal. Watching the journey of these characters is, shall we say, enlightening.

The animation is crips, clean, and mind blowing all at the same time with a powerful story and a message. A sequel to NE ZHA, the visuals fill the screen with flawless battle scenes and emotional family moments that makes the journey through the film helps it fall into the ‘epic’ category. There are so many characters and how they link test the mind and still manage to be surprising at times.

In the theatre there were families watching and cheering throughout the film. My granddaughter and I had such a stellar time together. Seeing it in IMAX 3D is eye candy completely!

In the end – they will change heaven and earth!

 

 

 

They are in a Twisted RELAY

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director David Mackenzie and Bleecker Street is the story of the chase and those who would stop the RELAY.

Sarah Grant (Lily James) is trying to find help for the problem she finds herself in. When the company she works for sends her into hiding, it is clear that she needs help. Given a phone number, Sarah is told that the person on the other end specializes in the help that she needs. The number she calls leads her to a service that relays messages between callers and help can be had for a price.

Ash (Riz Ahmed) is a fixer, someone who fixes problems that people find themselves dealing with and nowhere to turn which fits Sarah exactly. Explaining that her employee is lying about research that can hurt people, Ash makes it clear that they will never meet and that she must do everything he asks of her to make the problem go away. Right outside her apartment are ‘problems’ in the form of Dawson (Sam Worthington), Rosetti (Willa Fitzgerald), Ryan (Jared Abrahamson) and a few others who want what Sarah has.

That’s when Ash kicks into gear and send Dawson and his cohorts on a wild goose chase in ways they never thought possible. But as the group gets closer and closer, Ash finds himself growing closer to Sarah which can be deadly for them both. The thing is, will being a fixer be enough to get the job done?

Ahmed as Ash is clearly a man who knows how to play the game. Keeping the way he does business clever and undetectable it what has worked for him. Ahmed does an amazing job in this role but then again if you have ever seen THE NIGHT OF, THE OA, and FINGERNAILS it would be clear that this actor is a force whether he has a film full of lines or hardly any. It is his presence and ability to bring a certain mystery to his characters that I enjoy so much. In this film he once again provides that and the steadfast wonderment of which way his character is going to take us.

James as Sarah is a woman clearly looking for a way out of a bad situation. Agreeing to all in order to get help from Ash is taking it step by step to keep the van from coming any closer to her. This is a straight forward role for James but, at the same time, it is as diverse as all the characters that she has played. From iconic roles such as playing Cinderella to the vivacious Rose MacClare in the successful series Downton Abby, James makes it clear that her choices are intentional. Playing Sarah is a chance to dive into mystery, suspense and twists that make for a tension making film.

Worthington as Dawson is a man on a mission and nothing or no one is going to get in his way. Not experiencing anyone like Ash before, it is fun watching his character run around like a chicken with its head cut off. Worthington can play the tough guy with the best of them but as Dawson he adds sarcasm that had me laughing a few times. Nothing like being a problem with a sense of humor.

Shout out to Fitzgerald and Abrahamson add to the problems that seem to be plaguing Sarah. They are equally as on the case as Dawson and follow his lead – not always to the best places.

Other cast include Pun Bandhu as Lee. Eisa Davis as Wash, Matthew Maher as Hoffman, Seth Barrish as Morel, Jamil Haque as Tariq, Victor Garber as McVie

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

Director Mackenzie says of the characters Ash and Sarah, “These two outsiders must work together (never meeting or hearing each other, communicating through an old but still functioning method designed for the deaf) to safely remove the threat and allow a small semblance of Sarah’s old life to return, away from the city, somewhere where she can build a new life. Ash ruefully acknowledges her desire for normality, even though that is no longer an option for him – his own life having been obliterated by the consequences of his past actions and decisions.”

RELAY is a mixture of action, suspense, mystery, and twists that just keep coming. Ahmed, James and Worthington lead the chase. This is not a story that is going to be easy to figure out, oh no, director Mackenzie wasn’t about to make it so. Instead, it’s like his little playground of tension filled fun, daring us all to come along and pick up the clues he leaves but even that isn’t going to be easy. It’s probably clear that I love films that surprise me and RELAY did just that.

Buckle up because this film is going to keep you going until the very end. In the almost two hours running time, there isn’t a moment to take a breath because, like the characters in the film, there also isn’t much time to do anything else but stay one step ahead!

In the end – never break your own rules!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Digital He is the One and Only ELIO

 

Jeri Jacquin

Take your family on an interstellar adventure with Disney and Pixar’s ELIO which arrives to digital retailers (Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home) this week. A great story for the entire family where ever in the universe you might be from with directors Adrian Molina, Madeline Sharafian, and Domee Shi.

Young Elio (voiced by Yonas Kibreab) is living with his Aunt Olga (voiced by Zoe Saldana) since the passing of his parents. It has been a difficult adjustment for them both as Elio isn’t sure where the new normal is coming from and Aunt Olga gives up her dream of being an astronaut. They are both trying to patch their family but Elio finds himself in a bit of trouble. First with schoolmates and then at the at Aunt Olga’s job at a government tracking station.

Both have to do with Elio’s love of space and his desire to be abducted. While at the tracking station, the group is excited that Gunther Melmac (Brendan Hunt) announces that he’s discovered a message. When Olga shoots it down, Elio decides to send a little welcome of his own and the results are more than he could have hoped for.

Taken up to the Communiverse, the aliens believe that Elio is a leader planet Earth and they are excited to have him along with Questa (Jameela Jamil), OOOOO (Shirley Henderson), Tegmen (Matthias Schweighofer, Helix (Brandon Moon), Auva (Naomi Watanabe), Turais (Ana de la Regulera) and Mira (Anissa Borrego). Before he is totally accepted into the Communiverse, Elio witnesses Lord Grigon (Brad Garrett) discovers that he isn’t accepted into the group. Angry, he vows retribution for his rejection.

Worries, Questa and the group worry that things will get worse but Elio volunteers to go to Lord Grigon and make him see reason. Over on the angry leader’s ship, Elio tries to reason with him but discovers it doesn’t work. While going through the ship, he meets Glordon (Remy Edgerly) and they strike up a plan and a friendship. On Earth, Aunt Olga is wondering what is happening to Elio because something has changed. 

Chaos explodes when Lord Grigon figures out the plan and Elio is sent back to earth. Elijo explains to Aunt Olga what has happened when a craft with Glordon inside is at the military base. Now it’s time for Elijo, Glordon and Aunt Olga take on the universe to set things right again.

Kibreab as Elio voices a young boy dealing with deal and feeling alone in a very large world. Reaching out into space to find a connection, no one understands what he is doing. When the one thing that he wants in the universe happens, Kibreab gives voice to Elio finding his happy place and that’s the Communiverse. The problem is his dishonesty with his new friends but he tries to make it right. It is his friendship with Glordon that is charming, sweet and so very memorable.

Saldana as Aunt Olga doesn’t know what to do with Elio and she sees that he is so very sad. It isn’t easy trying to understand a child that has gone from being a nephew to practically being a son. Giving up her dreams to take care of Elijo, he senses that she isn’t happy with the decision she made. Saldana is a strong character in a difficult situation and lending her voice to this role is so warm and loving.

Garret as Lord Grigon is an unhappy alien who feels rejected by Communiverse and he’s going to show what happens to unhappy aliens. Garret is a tough voice lending itself to a tough character who doesn’t listen to his son. Edgerly as Glordon is fun, charming, so very sweet and can’t figure out a way to tell his father that fighting just isn’t his thing. I love the friendship that comes about between Glordon and Elio and Edgerly’s giggle is contagious.

Shout out to all the aliens because they are so diverse, colorful and wanting to keep their world intact. My granddaughter just adored Questa because, “she is smooth with a voice that is very calming when things get crazy”. I love that she felt that about one of the characters. Also, Hunt as Melmac is hilarious even though his moments on screen are brief.

Other cast include Young Dylan as Bruce, Jake Getman as Caleb, Shelby Young as Diplo Ship, Bob Peterson as the Universal Users Manual and Kate Mulgrew as Museum Exhibit Narrator.

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 Inside the Communiverse: The World and Characters of ELIO, Out of This World: An Astro Q&A, Astronomic Art Class: Ooooo and Glordon, Extraterrestrial Easter Eggs and Fun Facts, Galactic Gag Reel and Deleted Scenes.

ELIO is a magical, color and an absolute family film that should have parents making this a movie night. It is a story of love, sadness, friendship, understanding, dreams and how we (on this planet or any other) are not so different that we can’t learn from one another. The story is one of a young boy dealing with the hardest thing a child would ever deal with yet, the adventure teaches him the importance of being in the present and on earth.

I love when Disney Pixar brings such imaginative stories that draw people together and ELIO does just that. It has such profound moments that are made more vivid because of the animation and the imagination it took to not only tell Elijo’s story but the fantastic world of the Communiverse. Pop the corn and snuggle up with the kids and spend a little time in space with ELIO

In the end – the universe came calling!

The Stunning Animated Film THE GLASSWORKER

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Usman Riaz, Mano Animation Studios and Watermelon Pictures comes the intensely beautiful story of THE GLASSWORKER.

Vincent Oliver (voiced by Sacha Dhawan) has always helped his father Tomas (Art Malik) in their glass shop in Waterfront Town. Right on the sea-side, the glasswork pieces they make comes from very special soil making Vincent and his father a very good team. One sunny day while playing outside, Vincent enjoys a visit from his Djinn spirit friend and always seems happy to see it but often wishes he could attend school like other kids.

Then he meets Alliz (Anjli Mohindra), a young girl who is taken with the glassworks shop and befriends Vincent. It wouldn’t be until later that he realizes that her father is Col. Amano (Tony Jayawardena) of whom his own father disapproves of him and the war that surrounds them. He makes it clear to his son that a friendship is ill-advised.  Alliz is immediately accepted in the towns music school for her talent with the violin and she makes friends quickly and catches the attention of Malik (Sham Ali).

When Vincent and Alliz meet again, it is clear that they are going to be good friends. At the beach, he explains about the sand and the Djinn. The more time they spend together, the more fun and adventures they have surrounded by the beauty that Waterfront Town has to offer. While Vincent spends his days in the glassworks, Alliz is working on her music at school. The problems start when the boys in town become part of the junior guard and Col. Amano comes knocking on the glassworks door to make a request. It is for the military and to refuse comes at a high price in many ways.

Even as their relationship grows, Vincent and Alliz cannot avoid the war that lands in their town. Col. Amano and school friend Malik (Sham Ali) now must go do their part while Vince and his father do theirs. Everything has not changed and a series of events brings a test of friendship, tales of war and the beauty of art.

Other cast includes Nila Aalia as Principal Bhatti, Teresa Gallager as young Vincent, Alex Jordan as Professor Ansari, Maya Saroya as Penni and Bex Wood as Mrs. Popalzai.

Watermelon Pictures is an American production company founded in 2024 by Badie and Hamza Ali. The company is responsible for distributing such films as LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL, FROM GROUND ZERO and THE ENCAMPMENTS. For more please visit www.watermelonstudios.com.

Mano Animation Studios is Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animation studio based in Karachi. Founded by Usman Riaz along with co-founder Mariam Paracha and CEO Khizer Riaz. The studio aims to have a seat at the table in the film and animation world telling South Asian stories through its own unique perspective. To see more of what they have to offer please visit www.manoanimationstudios.com.

The film was the Official Selection for Best International Feature at the 07^th Academy Awards. Annecy International Animated Film Festival nominated THE GLASSWORKER for Best Film, the Shanghai International Film Festival gave a nomination for Best Animation Film, a nomination for Best Fiction from the Sao Paulo International Film festival and Best Feature Film from the Valladolid International Film Festival. The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival awarded Best First Feature Award to Usman Riaz and winner of the Asian World Film Festival for the Audience Award.

THE GLASSWORKER is a stunning piece of animation with a story that touches on so many themes that include love, family, war, art, survival and the missteps of life. From the opening moments of the film, it becomes clear that the story is going to take us on an epic adventure but it is so much more than that. Usman Riaz, has taken the animation and storytelling up another notch and it is visually perfect.

The characters are dealing with the stressors of war from participating to being affected and the emotions are palpable. In the midst of the chaos, two young people with talent beyond measure, find each other. Even when the adults around them are at constant odds, even when classmates try to stir up trouble treating Vincent poorly, these two young people find moments of happiness. All of this surrounded by such richness of color on the screen that it just takes the senses on an epic journey.

The cast adds another layer to the story lending their vocals to bring the characters to life. Vincent is a charming young man but holds back his feelings where as Alliz has no problem speaking up. The voice actors brought that and the characters become more believable and relatable. What Mano Animations Studios and Riaz have created is brilliance and a pure magical experience.

Words like endearing, relevant, humane, passionate and so many more express the emotions that the viewer is going to experience and it all is a marvelous thing. The animation is nothing short of superb and breathtaking!

In the end – it is a love that cannot be broken!  

Their Story is EAST OF WALL

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Kate Beecroft and Sony Pictures Classics is the story of the wide-open plains and a family EAST OF WALL.

Tabby (Tabatha Zimiga) has a 3,000-acre horse ranch in the Badlands of South Dakota and is running it since the death of John Quint. Keeping busy, she is surrounded by kids Brynn (Brynn Darling), Porshia (Porshia Zimiga) and 3-year-old Stetson (Stetson Neumann) along with kids Jesse (Jesse Thorson), Skylar (Wyatt Mansfield), Leanne (Leanne Shumpert) and Ryder (Chancey Witt) who live there as well. The days are spent training horses so that Tabby can earn money to take care of everything. The family heads toward the horse auction and rodeo as Brynn and Portia do their best to show off the well-trained horses.

Porshia and mom Tabby seem to be at odds and find themselves being angry and sad without explaining themselves. It is the slightly offbeat grandmother Tracey (Jennifer Ehle) who knows what to say to make things right for the young girl. Another day at the auction and a mysterious buyer spends a large sum on a horse ridden by Portia. Tabby’s trainer Clay (Clay Pateneaude) notices that the buyer has an expensive trailer and truck but is happy about the money coming in. Roy Waters (Scoot McNairy) meets Tabby to come to the ranch and see more horses.

He makes Tabby an offer after seeing the potential of the ranch and those working on it feeling there is something special to be had. Tabby doesn’t want to lose the land nor the family that has come to mean everything to her. Trying to hold on under all the stress, she knows that the past and what is happening right now are about to collide and each person in the family is feeling it and it runs deep. The land is in their soul but can it be sold at a price?

Zimiga as Tabby is a woman who looks tough on the outside with tattoos, piercings and shaved head. Dealing with the death of a loved one and trying to hang on to those who rely on her, there are things deeply hidden that she can’t let anyone know about. All of these make for a powerful character and watching Zimiga bring the character to fruition is an incredible journey in itself. I was completely drawn into not what she said, but what she didn’t say and that makes for a stunning portrayal.

Porshia Zimiga as Porshia is a young woman who is dealing with her own struggles. Finding release and escape in horse riding, everyone around notices that she is an exceptional horsewoman. At home, it is clear that mother and daughter have unresolved issues and the tension builds daily and noticeable to everyone in the family. She is a very talented young actress to take on such a complex role. The only person that seems to understand her is grandmother Tracey played by Ehle. She recognizes Porshia’s reaction to things and it brings about a connection between the two. Ehle gets a chance to shed anything glamorous and becomes a moonshine making, no nonsense granny and I loved it.

McNairy as Roy is a man who sees potential in the ranch and mainly because it is something he doesn’t seem to be able to do. Knowing that coming together could do so much for Tabby and the kids, his reasonings for wanting it all are not the same reasons that Tabby wants to keep it. It is as if he tries to insert himself where he doesn’t actually fit. I quite enjoyed McNairy’s role even with its duality. Pateneaude as Clay has an emotional claim to the ranch past being a horse trainer. His attachment is strong and wants to be there for them all even if, at times, it can be equally stressful for him to watch. 

Other cast include Traden Lockwood as Traden, Don Garnier as Gummer, Rene Mousseaux as Rene, Brett Fly Sr. as Brett, Ryan Caraway as Wes, Haley Strode as Laura, Lori Ann Reed as Lori, Amy Shedeed as Amy, Angela Heinze as Angela, Tracey Osmotherly as Janette and Janis Schell as Janis.

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.

EAST OF WALL is such a mixture of emotions from start to finish. The story of mothers and daughters, of truths and misunderstandings, of miscommunication and straight forwardness, of wanting something unattainable and wanting simplicity, and of family even if you were not born into one. Each character has their own story to tell and each does exactly that, by finding their own way of expressing it on the ranch. 

The cinematography is so wonderfully beautiful, simple and uncomplicated just as it needed to be to let the cast shine like wild horses. The vast land is actually another character in the story that writer/director Beecroft put to film and makes look effortless. Also, as a lover of horses, watching everyone embrace them so lovingly brought joy. The running time of an hour and a half leaves no second wasted.

EAST OF WALL won the Adrienne Shelley Excellence in Filmmaking Award at the 2025 Nantucket Film Festival for writer/director Beecroft. The film was also nominated for NEXT Innovator Award and winner of the Audience Award at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.

In the end – welcome to the new west!

 

Toothless and Hiccup Land Home on 4K Ultra HD

 

Jeri Jacquin

This week on 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital in a Collector’s Edition from writer/director Dean DeBlois, DreamWorks and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the returning tale of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON.

On the island of Berg, Hiccup (Mason Thames) is a young man that doesn’t quite fit in, especially when it comes to fighting the one thing that plagues his village – dragons! It is even more difficult to fit in when your father is Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler) the chieftain of Berk. Hiccup mainly spends his time in the workshop of Gobber (Nick Frost) the blacksmith and being pushed out of the way when dragons attack. Except during the most recent attack, Hiccup hears something and knows if he can bring down a Night Fury, his life will get better yet, when he does, no one believes him.

Stoick is dead set on finding the dragons lair and getting rid of their dragon problem once and for all. Before leaving on that journey, Gobber talks him into letting Hiccup go into dragon training as a way of giving him something useful to do and staying under the watchful eye of Gobber. When he arrives for training, Hiccup is met with the groans of Astrid (Nico Parker), Fishlegs (Julian Dennison), Snotlout (Gabriel Howell), Ruffnut (Bronwyn James) and Tuffnut (Harry Trevaldwyn) who see him as a hinderance and not a help to the village.

In between training, Hiccup decides to go look for signs that he caught a dragon. There, in a small opening in the woods, he sees the Night Fury struggling and shortly realizes his tail is damaged. When a friendship is struck and he discovers a way to help the Night Fury, Hiccup realizes that he can’t and won’t hurt other dragons. As the two become inseparable and he learns from the dragon named Toothless – Hiccup also becomes a surprise during training much to the suspicion of Astrid.

She learns Hiccups secret but also realizes that the villagers truly don’t understand dragons. When Stoick returns, everything comes out and now Hiccup and Toothless are separated while finding the dragon’s lair. Hiccup enlists the help of Astrid and the others to do what needs to be done – saving his father and the other Vikings!

Thames as Hiccup is a young man trying to find his place in the Viking village of Berk. Keeping himself busy with making inventions that no one really pays attention to, he thinks it’s time to get a dragon. The one thing Hiccup doesn’t count on is realizing that getting to know dragons is the answer to the villages’ problem. It’s unfortunate that Stoick isn’t interested in hearing about it. Thames is charming and captures a bit of the animated Hiccup but it works smoothly and that’s what is important.

Butler as Stoick is the only person that returns from animation to live-action. The fact is that nobody could voice the chieftain better than Butler and he is fun to watch in full Viking regalia. That makes playing the role much easier since he pretty much already knows the lines. The challenge I think would be going from being only a voice to a full-fledged Stoick on screen. He is funny, challenging, and the scene where he gives Hiccup his mother’s helmet is awkward and lovely at the same time.

Frost as Gobber is the peg-legged, one arm blacksmith who understands Hiccup’s predicament referring to him as “all this” of problems with a mixture of loyalty to Stoick as well as a trusted friend. Frost gives his character sarcasm and wit that I secretly enjoy and delivers. Parker as Astrid giving the strong minded and strong-willed Viking who believes she must beat everyone and everything in order to be seen as a leader. Hiccup is an obstacle to all that as she feels that being the son of the chieftain is a point she cannot get over. Parker delivers on the right bad attitude of her character until she begins to see the other side of the story. Well done.

Dennison, James, Trevaldwyn, and Codd round out the added cast as the other trainees of dragon camp. They might see Hiccup as a problem-child in the beginning but, like Astrid, learn that there is more to their small world than they could ever imagine. Each of these actors are a sweet addition to the live action story.

Other cast include Peter Serafinowicz as Spitelout, Naomi Wirthner as Gothi, Ruth Codd as Phlegma, Andrea Ware as Burnheart, Anna Brophy as Retcha, Marcus Onilude as Snorti, Peter Selwood as Drul, Daniel Williams as Fungi, Kate Kennedy as Flatula and Murray McArthur as Hoark.

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 brings amazing, film and animated entertainment, 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.

Bonus Features include Deleted Scenes, Gag Reel, Love and Legacy: Making HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, Building Berk, Dreaming Up the Dragons, Fit for a King, Forbidden Friendship, Exploring the Isle of Berk at Epic Universe and Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Dean DeBlois and more!

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON is, of course, the live action version of the 2010 version of the same name. The cast brings together that version of the story nicely with a few changes here and there but most following the formula that made the animated film such a success. That is important for the success of the film because, and let’s be honest here, when a story changes drastically, fans get a little edgy.

Toothless remains animated and everything my family loves about the Night Fury. Needless to say, there are plenty of Toothless items around our house because that is the amazing impression this character has made. He is a combination of a strong willed, free spirited, protector of a black cat and its absolutely wonderful. That’s how I’ve always seen Toothless and this film doesn’t change that about him one bit.

The film is fun, lots of laughs, and exactly the summer feature that families can have an amazing time at the theatre with. There is something for everyone bringing some of us back to 2010 and introducing a new generation to the same fun in a different way with the story of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON.

In the end – the legend is real!

Family Gets Together for MY MOTHER’S WEDDING

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Kristin Scott Thomas, John Micklethwait and Vertical comes a story of women with connected history at MY MOTHER’S WEDDING.

Royal Navy Captain Katherine Frost (Scarlett Johansson) is about to head home for Mom Diana’s (Kristin Scott Thomas) wedding, well her third. Katherine’s father was Navy pilot John Frost who died when she was young leaving Diana, Katherine and sister Georgina (Emily Beecham) on their own. Frost’s best friend Johnny Monson becomes Diana’s second husband and they have daughter Victoria (Sienna Miller) who is an actress. Follow so far?

Well, now Diana is set to marry Geoff Loveglove (James Fleet) and the daughters have come together to witness and celebrate as only this family can. That doesn’t mean the get-together does come with extra baggage as Katherine deals with partner Jack (Freida Pinto) and son Marcus (Fflyn Edwards), Victoria deals with her love life as an actress and Georgina just tries to find answers with her own family and husband Jeremy (Joshua McGuire).

As the wedding approaches, there are memories all around the women but the questions become who remembers what, how much of it do they really understand and are the answers going to be what they hoped for? That’s what family gatherings are all about and sometimes there are tears for a different reason all together. Gotta love getting together to celebrate right?

Johansson as Frost is a woman trying to move up the military ladder knowing that it all comes at a price. Returning for her mother’s wedding, the family home brings up memories of her father and the time they had together. That’s a difficult thing to share as sister Georgina doesn’t remember much and Victoria wasn’t born. Feeling alone in it all, it seeps into her relationships and the cracks are showing. Johansson does such a beautiful job portraying a woman wearing many, pardon the pun, hats in all her relationships.  

Beecham as sister Georgina has very few memories of her father but is too busy dealing with her own family problems and her marriage. I loved watching Beecham’s character literally bloom before our very eyes. Admittedly, I went from rolling my eyes at Georgina to yelling and cheering for her. That’s the sign of an amazing character and Beecham brings it all to the screen. Miller as Victoria is the sister that manages to annoy just a tad with her actress ways. Always trying to solve problems in her own unique way, Miller captures her sister issues while wondering where her own love life may be headed. I loved watching Miller be the flighty sister but with a heart.                                     

Thomas as Diana is happy to be marrying once again, finding love a third time and all the fun that comes with it. She is well aware of her daughters and their differences but that isn’t going to stop her from having a wonderful wedding day. Thomas gives us a look at a mother who has clearly seen it all and wants what’s best for her daughters by allowing them their memories without her input – until she has to. A bit flighty like Victoria, it proves the casting is pure perfection.

Pinto as Jack wants more from Katherine making it clear that everything isn’t about her career. Being the homebody, for Jack, means her needs need to be equally as important. Pinto is charming and absolutely lovely in this role and I’m so pleased to see her again on the screen. Edwards as Marcus knows of his mother’s career, now it is time to actually understand it, but not before having wedding cake. McGuire as Jeremy has problems of his own to deal with but is more interested in what he wants than what his family wants. Fleet as Geoff clearly is in love with Diana and even though the women can get a little testy at times when they are together, he is supportive and so darn charming.

Other cast include Mark Stanley as Charlie, Jamie Schneider as Tom, Josephine Jones as Daisey, Ziggy Gardner as Skylar, Lydia Jones as Clara, Samson Kayo as Steve and Michael Spicer as Ted.

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

Director Thomas says of her film, “At its heart, MY MOTHER’S WEDDING is about allowing characters to breathe-to be imperfect, humorous, and heartbreakingly genuine. As an actress, I’ve forever sought roles that empower and celebrate the complexities of female characters. In MY MOTHER’S WEDDING, I endeavor to do just that. I hope my film leaves audiences debating the complexities in a family, marriage, motherhood and fate.”

Adding thoughts is producer Finola Dwyer, “Three sisters come back to the family home for their mother’s third wedding. You can tell from the start that it’s a fractious relationship. So, you’re going to be in for fireworks! The house is full of memories and the three of them have never really come to terms with the deaths of their fathers.”

Anyone who has been to a wedding knows that although it is a time for celebrations, it is also a time for dysfunction in the families to eek out. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a wedding where I learned something about the inner workings of unresolved tensions. Here are three sisters who have three very different memories of growing up but need to learn that everyone sees things differently, especially children. Where these three have gone wrong is acknowledging that they love one another despite seeing things differently.

The whole story is engaging and it feels like family while we, the viewers, are sort of eavesdropping on their conversations and memories. The twists and turns provide us with nods of “yep, I get it”, “are you kidding me?” and finally, “I need to call me sister!”. I was pulled in immediately and went for the ride that Thomas, Johannson, Beechum and Miller took me on without hesitation. The next family wedding is in two weeks, I’m ready!

In the end – celebrate love all over again!

MASTER AND COMMANDER: The Far Side of the World

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Digital and Bluray for the first time ever from director Peter Weir and 20^th Century Studios is the epic ocean story of MASTER AND COMMANDER: The Far Side of the World.

It is 1905 and Captain Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe) is heading his ship HMS Surprise. After an attack by the French ship Acheron, Captain Aubrey is making repairs at sea but not before being attacked again. The race is on to keep the enemy away from British ships so the captain heads for the Galapagos Islands. The ships surgeon Stephen Maturin (Paul Bettany) is thrilled at the prospect to be able to collect specimens from the island to study and record along with the young Lord Blakeney (Max Pirkis).

Reaching the islands, Captain Aubrey, First Lt. Pullings (James D’Arcy) and crew are surprised to see a dingy of men who were attacked by Acheron and managed to escape. Ready to go after the enemy again, the seas aren’t on their side as the crew begins to grumble about their predicament. After an accident, Aubrey returns to the island giving the men a brief respite. What the captain and crew could have never expected was what comes next. What the enemy never saw coming was an experienced captain and crew who never gave up!

Crowe as Captain Aubrey has a reputation on the high seas as a man who knows how to sail, even in dangerous waters and being chased enemies. The crew hold him in high esteem and follow his orders because they trust him completely. Now that they are chasing the French enemy ship, Crowe gives his character of Aubrey intelligence to outwit his enemy one moment while still being able to care for his crew with equal intensity. It is hard for some members of his crew to understand him, but Crowe’s performance had me raising an eyebrow whenever a crew member stepped a toe out of line. I just love this film period but Crowe’s performance always brings me back to the film again and again.

Bettany as Maturin is the ships surgeon that sees more of the effects of fighting side of war on the high seas. Caring for the men is most important to him but in his off hours he dives into the world of flora, fauna and animals he is excited to see in the Galapagos. He takes Lord Blakeney under his wing when he discovers that they share a curiosity for all things nature and science but also has the respect of the crew. He tells Aubrey straight, even if it causes tension between friends and I liked that about his character. Bettany has comes such a long way in his career but I have to say I enjoy characters he portrays with a bit of spunk.  

D’Arcy as Pullings keeps a close watch on Aubrey and learns everything he can. He wants one day to captain a ship of his own but learns how difficult, challenging and frightening it can be. What I enjoyed about Pullings character is that in the beginning there is such hesitation but man, when he gets an emotional rush from the captains’ speeches and actions, he just comes out cannons blazing. Pirkis as Blakeney is a kid doing grown up things in a time of war where there are thing happening that a child shouldn’t see in the form of wounded and death. Yet, I can imagine that this is how Captain Aubrey was at that age – wise, strong and curious.

Other cast include Edward Woodall as 2^nd Lt. Mowett, Chris Larkin as Captain Howard, Robert Pugh as John Allen, Lee Ingleby as Holom, Max Benitz as 3^rd Lt. Calamy, Richard McCabe as Mr, Higgins, Ian Mercer as Mr. Hollar, David Threlfall as Killick, Bryan Dick as Nagle, Mark Lewis Jones as Mr. Hogg and Billy Boyd as Barrett Bronden.

Twentieth Century Home Entertainment brings award-winning global product and new entertainment to DVD, Bluray, and Digital HD. There amazing collection offers fans an opportunity to expand their own home libraries with the best films. To discover what other titles they have please visit www.20thcenturystudios.com.

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

Bonus Features include Delete Scenes, Historical and Geographical Trivia Track and Pop-Up Map.

MASTER AND COMMANDER: The Far Side of the World 4K Ultra HD Bluray release is housed in a collectible two-disc SteelBook set, featuring striking, navy-and-gold nautical artwork that reflects the film’s epic scale and maritime themes. The exterior showcases a richly detailed compass rose and a bold illustration of Captain “Lucky Jack” Aubrey, while the interior reveals a sweeping ocean vista with Russell Crowe poised against story seas – offering fans the ultimate collector’s edition.

Newly restored and remastered from the original elements, this stunning 4K release is presented with Dolby Vision HDR and Atmos audio delivering breathtaking pictures and immersive sound offering fans the definitive home viewing experience of the acclaimed epic.

Crowe, Bettany, D’Arcy, Pirkis and the entire cast made this film the epic memorable film that it is. Bringing the intensity of war on the seas, away from home and limited in help if anything were to go wrong, everything falls to the Captain and Crowe carries that weight to perfection. The cinematography is equally brilliant and director Weir knew exactly how he wanted the film to look and made it come to life. Twenty-two years ago, MASTER AND COMMANDER The Far Side of the World hit theatres and today the film is still as epic.

In the end – Captain and crew are ready for battle!