It is our Love for EDWARD SCISSORHANDS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Celebrating the 35^th Anniversary on 4K Ultra HD Steelbook from director Tim Burton and Walt Disney Home Entertainment is the full restored with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio is the release of the iconic EDWARD SCISSORHANDS.

Living up on the hill in a mysterious mansion lives Edward (Johnny Depp) and one day sales lady Peg (Dianne West) decides it’s time to expand her client base. Arriving at the home, she finds Edward living by himself and invited him to come home to her suburban neighborhood. Of course, this comes as a surprise to husband Bill (Alan Arkin) and kids Kevin (Robert Oliveri) and teen daughter Kim (Winona Ryder) with unimpressed boyfriend Jim (Athony Michael Hall). Understandably they are curious about the one thing that stands out about Edward, and that is his scissor hands.

Also curious are the neighbors, especially the very religious Esmerelda (O-Lan Jones) and the town flirt Joyce (Kathy Baker) each for their own reasons. Slowly, as the town sees what Edward can do, they embrace him and his beautifully creative talents. Keeping to himself, he begins to have feelings for the lovely Kim with an angry eye watching from Jim. From neighborhood trees to the ladies of the town, it is one creation after another until one neighbor decides its time to put fear in the hearts of the town.

That causes one horrible mishap after another as those who once embraced him, turn quickly into something more vicious than Edward could ever be. The end is devastating as a beautiful love is turned into something heartbreaking – but one can always dance in the snowfall.

Depp as Edward portrays a soul that is so deep and beautiful that it is almost impossible to believe that people could be so cruel to him – almost impossible. Depp’s performance is filled with such unspoken feeling that it oozes from every expression on Edward’s face and it is stunning. The character of Edward is iconic for so many reasons but the most important is because he is relatable in wanting to fit in and wanting to be loved, not used. I never miss a chance to watch this film and have shared it with kids and grandkids discovering they see exactly what I do.

West as Peg matches Depp’s endearing qualities as a generous lady who tries to see the good in people and sees beyond the surface which she does with Edward. West has always been an actress I have admired for her character choices but in this film, she is just the emotional match for Edward’s character in wanting to feel appreciated by her family and loved. Arkin as Bill believes in “happy wife-happy life” and goes along with her Edward-project. He treats the young man so well and learns to see beyond the scissors.

Ryder as Kim is a teen girl just going about her life doing all things teen, even having the wrong boyfriend as another relatable moment. Once past the obvious issue with his hands, the character of Kim follows along with her mother seeing something magical about what Edward can do and, discovering about herself, that she is worthy of someone who sees how special she truly is. This is such a wonderful role for the young Ryder and it stands the test of time. Baker as Joyce is that neighbor, we also can all relate too, narcissistic, gossiper and trouble maker to the point of destruction. She plays this role to the hilt and setting off a chain reaction that makes her character completely unlikeable – a sign of a performance well done!

Shout out to Hall as Jim, the boyfriend who needs to be thrown out of a window, I’ll let Edward take care of that for us all. I do love Hall being an 80s film lover and this was the next step up in his career.

Other cast include Conchata Ferrell as Helen, Susan Blommaert as Tinka, Caroline Aaron as Marge, Dick Williams as Officer Allen, Peter Palmer as the paper editor, John Davidson as the TV host and Vincent Price as The Inventor.

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 a New Featurette: A Behind-the-Scenes Look with Cast and Crew and Audio Commentary: Two Separate Commentary Tracks, One from Director Tim Burton, One from Composer Danny Elfman and Trailers: High-Definition Versions of the Original Theatrical Trailers.

EDWARD SCISSORHAND is being released on Steelbook, which I love because it looks so awesome on the home entertainment library bookshelf! This is a film that has stayed in the hearts of everyone who first saw it in the 90s and is being seen by two more generations since in my family. It has actually on the list of Christmas films because it is so magical from Edward’s innocent look at the world to an ending that reminds us all that beauty can be found in the falling of snow, no matter where it comes from.

Director Burton continued after this film to bring such memorable stories as BEETLEJUICE, THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, joining Depp again for ED WOOD, MARS ATTACKS!, CORPSE BRIDE, 9, FRANKENWEENIE, and ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS, and many more. What all of these films have in common live in the mind of Burton and his ability to bring so many elements that have made this film so worthy of admiration.

From set designs, to special effects, costumes and animation, it is clear that families know what they like and it is what lives in Burton’s imagination. EDWARD SCISSORHANDS will always have a place in our hearts because he reinforces that it is about what is in our hearts and not on our hands.

In the end – his scars run deep!

Revisit the Goodbye with DOWNTON ABBEY: The Grand Finale

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K UHD, Bluray and currently on Digital from director Simon Curtis, Focus Features and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment based on the story created by Julian Fellowes is the ending of an era with DOWNTON ABBEY: The Grand Finale.

It is the 1930’s and the Crawley family is learning to literally change with the times. Beginning with the visiting the London stage show with Guy Dexter (Dominic West) and assistant Barrow (Robert James Collier). Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville), Countess Cora (Elizabeth McGovern), Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael) and husband Bertie (Harry Hadden-Paton) go backstage and meet the ever-popular Noel Coward (Arty Froushan). It is the height of the season and the next evening Lady Petersfield (Joely Richardson) has a ball and Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) is dressed to the nines. That is when Mary’s world comes once again crashing as news of her marriage changes her social status.

Coming back to England is brother Harold (Paul Giamatti) who is visiting to update Cora on their late mother’s estate bringing advisor Gus Sambrook (Alessandro Nivola). The family happily returns to Downton welcomed by butler Carson (Jim Carter) who is turning over the reins to Andy (Michael Fox) under the watchful eye of Mrs. Hughes (Phyllis Logan). He is not the only one retiring as Mrs. Patmore (Lesley Nicol) is also preparing to depart Downton and leaving it in the hands of Daisy (Sophie McShera). Anna (Joanne Froggatt) is still by Mary’s side as is husband Bates (Brendan Coyle) caring for his Lordship. Baxter (Raquel Cassidy) and Mr. Molesley (Kevin Doyle) are still part of the downstairs staff as well. They all know what is happening with Lady Mary and, as always, keep their knowing to themselves.

Arriving at Downton as well is Tom Branson (Allen Leech) bringing daughter Sybbie (Fifi Hart) to visit and be a support to the family and Lady Mary. Isobel (Penelope Wilton) also comes to the family to talk about the upcoming family-community event asking Daisy and Mr. Carson to be part of committee much to the dismay of Sir Moreland (Simon Beale). If all of this wasn’t enough on the Crawley calendar, decisions on changes that have Lord Grantham must now make in order to keep their legacy growing.

Each come to terms with where they have been in their time at Downton Abbey and know that change is not always something to fear.

Other cast include Paul Copley as Albert Mason, Douglas Reith as Lord Merton, Lisa Dillon as Princess Arthur, Sarah Crowden as Lady Manville, Oliver Barker as George, Eva Samms as Marigold, and Rose Galbraith as Lady Gwendoline.

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.

Focus Features’ mission is to make a lasting impact on global audiences by creating the home for artists to share diverse, distinctive stories that inspire human connection. Focus Features is part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies that brings entertainment and news to a global audience. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.focusfeatures.com.

Bonus Features include Changing Times, Society Season – Lady Petersfield’s Ball, Ascot Race and the Country Show, Authentic to the Core, A Farewell to Fans, DOWNTON ABBEY Celebrates The Grand Finale and Feature Commentary with Director Simon Curtis and Actress Elizabeth McGovern.

Now, let me get my Downton Abbey teapot of Earl Grey, teacup/saucer and my delicate plate of madeleines and box of tissues before I start this. Okay, here we go –

I accidentally discovered DOWNTON ABBEY in 2011 while watching another success story with The Great British Baking Show. For year, those shows were my Sunday night back-to-back fun that I could not get enough of. The cast of DOWNTON ABBEY drew me in immediately (as I am a huge fan of period pieces in television and film) and the storyline was riveting, powerful and thought provoking. The Crawley family, being led by Lord Grantham, are important to the community providing positions in the household as well as farming. From the beginning, the family dynamics were so interesting with Cora being the American wife and three daughters who were clearly so very different. Navigating their world from two different perspectives and finding themselves lost occasionally, Robert and Cora were the stabilizing force of Downton. All of it played beautifully by Bonneville and McGovern with an ending that they deserved that was graceful and loving.

Mary, Edith and Sybil were headstrong, insecure, lovely and met the challenges that the world brought them. Mary found Matthew, Edith found Bertie and Sybil found her prince charming in Tom Branson. Dockery as Mary saw more than her fair share of difficulties but the fact is, when the time came, she knew how to stand tall no matter who tries to knock her down in a time where women scratched harder than we, today, could have imagined. Carmichael as Edith began as a shrinking violet in life, love and an older sister who, at times, was not very nice. Yet, the more she experienced, the more she literally grew and deserved a loving and happily ever after. Findlay played Sybil for years and has never been forgotten season after season up until the last.

Stevenson played Matthew and he, as well, was not forgotten for Mary and I adored that about her. Patton as Bertie gave us a man who was content in his life and when it turned around, he became secure in who he was to become with Edith at his side. Now let’s talk Branson, Leech gave us a bit of Irish rebellion while wearing a chauffer’s uniform. He loved Sybil, lost himself in trying to mix working class with Downtown Abbey and it was a story within itself. I loved watching Leech grow and it was so well done.

Downton could not have been without the staff who kept the household together beginning with Mr. Carson. His story began as a young man working in the Crawley household working his way up to butler and always keeping an eye on Lady Mary. He was tough, secretly gentle but always, always put Downton first! That caused a few eyerolls from Mrs. Hughes, played by Logan, who was a woman of straight talk, a shoulder to cry on and believed that every person in service could be more than they could ever have imagined. Sharing the downstairs was the woman behind the dinners as Mrs. Patmore, played by Nicole, who made the kitchen her place of creation with pride in those she cooked for. Keeping her company was McShera as Daisy, a wide eyed, questioning and sometimes moody “sous chef” who often wondered if she’d ever be as good as her mentor. She does finally find a life with Andy, played by Fox, who shares his story of climbing the ladder of service but with a subdued character that made him instantly likeable.

Taking care of Mary’s needs was Froggat’s Anna, a woman with heart, soul and a person that trouble seems to follow on the regular. I just adored the character of Anna as such a stable force among the downstairs and even when her life was just in shambles, she found her way back. Mr. Bates might have had something to do with that strength; Coyle is a man wounded by war but finds a safe space and a kinship with Lord Grantham while also being the man who takes care of the head of house. When his life becomes a roadmap of chaos, it is Anna that helps him consistently so watching their ending in this film was everything anyone could have hoped for.

Mr. Moseley, played by Doyle, is the insecure bumbler of a footman who always seems to find himself on the ins and then the outs of Downton until he accidentally stumbles into a line of work that he enjoys and provides. It also gives him a chance at love with Miss Baxter; Cassidy portrays her as a woman who is used for his back history until the day she stood tall and made a new life for herself. Who was using that back history? Well, that would be Mr. Barrow played brilliantly by James Collier. This actor spent years perfecting the man who we all loved to hate and then love again. A mixture of complexities had everyone guessing every episode whether we all wanted to shake him or hug him. In the finale, Barrow finds the missing piece of his life in silent film actor Guy Dexter played by West.

Wilton as Isobel takes the center controls with the absence of Maggie Smith as the Dowager Violet Crawley. Taking the lead in representing the family for the township, I adore her ability to remain steadfast and even cutting when she needed to be and what a relationship between Isobel and Violet that can never be matched or repeated ever again. In the final film, West returns as Dexter to say his final farewells to the Crawley’s and brings along Noel Coward in the form of Froushan and I loved every moment he was on screen. Giamatti returns as Cora’s brother Harold and is taught a lesson in sisterly tough love but knows he can always come ‘home’.

The film is stunningly beautiful with the costuming, the score is everything we have come to know and memorable and, of course, Downton Abbey itself in the form of Highclere Castle. Every time a vintage car pulled in it was the light sound of pebbles below the tires, the front door castes and the sound of the click of the latch, the library that held so many teas, the staircase that is surrounded by stunning artwork, the gallery that overlooked so many events, the lush green vast lawn that anyone would be happy to stroll along – all of it, breathtaking. There are many castles in Europe but to Downton Abbey fans, there is only one that stole our hearts. Not stolen really, more like held onto it until the saga came to its conclusion, then returned it to us with a bow and a ‘thank you’ for the years of dedication we also had to the show.

Finally, to creator Julian Fellowes, how can this woman ever thank you for your thoughtfulness, your ability to tell an amazing story that has kept the world captivated and talking, the time it took for your imagination to find its way onto paper then screen and for taking us all year after year on a journey as the world changed in so many ways for Downton and its inhabitants. These characters grew, changed, felt their worlds collapse only to be rebuilt into something stronger, found amazing joy, unexpected friendships, death of beloved characters and birth of new additions to the family. Thank you for giving me Violate Crawley in the body of Maggie Smith, the woman who had my heart and spoke the words I always wanted to on so many occasions. You kept her front and center even after we all had to say goodbye. It was all you sir, and the words ‘thank you’ feel not enough to express what you have brought to us all.

As I sit here and sit the last drop of my tea, I am comforted in the knowledge that right behind me is a Blu-ray of every season of DOWNTON ABBEY as well as the films that followed. Anytime I wish, I can return to the characters that I have loved so much. DOWNTON ABBEY: The Grand Finale was a hard watch, yes. Kleenex worthy? Absolutely. There are moments that just wrecked me and when the credits rolled on my television screen. It was an extraordinary experience and, I will remember it. Or, in the words of the beloved and iconic Dowager, “My dear, a lack of compassion can be as vulgar as an excess of tears”.

In the end – the time has come to say goodbye!

Torches are Chasing STITCH HEAD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres for the thriller season from writer/director Steve Hudson and Briarcliff Entertainment comes the animated story of monsters and friendship led by STITCH HEAD.

In the small town of Grubbers Nubbin, very high on the hill is a castle that the towns folk are afraid to even speak about. In the castle is a mad professor (Rob Brydon) who creates monsters. His first is a young lad named Stitch Head (Asa Butterfield), an assistant in the lab and caring friend to the others in the castle. He keeps things running smoothly and efficiently. Down in the village, a circus show arrives in town and leader Fulbert Freakfinder (Seth Usdenov) promising to frighten the people for a mere coin. It is the young Arabella (Tia Bannon) who explains that the creatures aren’t scary at all and only what’s on the hill scares them.

Back in the castle, a new monster that Stitch Head names Creature (Joel Fry), is introduced to the others in the castle and he explains that they must be quiet to keep the villagers away. Soon, the doorbell, literally, rings and the castle is on high alert. Freakfinder reaches out to Stitch Head to convince him that there is a better life outside the castle. Thinking about it more and not feeling loved, Stitch Head decides it’s time to see the real world and do what other kids would do – join the circus.

Almost immediately Stitch Head is a hit with the village but Arabella sees him more as a friend even though her Nan (Alison Steadman) tries to keep her at bay. Someone else who is keeping an eye on him from a distance is Creature. When things begin to go wrong and Freakfinder turns on Stitch Head by using the villagers to become what monsters fear the most, but Stitch Head, Arabella and Creature have other plans.

Sometimes monsters are exactly what you need!

Butterfield as Stitch Head is such a charming boy who believes that working with the professor and taking care of monsters is fulfilling. That may be true but it makes him feel unloved which is what sends him to the Freakfinder circus. It is his castle friendship with Creature and his new friendship with villager Arabella that makes him truly understand where he belongs. This isn’t the first animated character that Butterfield has done voice for as he has also done the voice of Icarus in the video game HADES II and the series THE PROPHECY. His voice is perfection for Stitch Head and I loved it.

Bannon as Arabella lends her voice to a young girl who clearly knows what scary is but she hasn’t quite found it yet. I just love how she was so not impressed with the circus or anything else but instead was more interested in friendships made. Usdenov as Freakfinder is a charismatic character, musically fun and outlandishly flamboyant which is why Stitch Head was so easily swayed. Of course, as with most characters like Freakfinder, there is a darker side and when push comes to shove, Usdenov gets to flick the switch and it works so darn well.

Fry as the Creature is endearing, loveable, caring and is thrilled to have found his best friend for life. In protective mode, he believes that Stitch Head is worthy of everything he has to give, including love. What a marvelous character to be the voice of and if we all could have one friend like that in our lives, we’d all be so much better in all things. Brydon as the Professor is a character so wrapped up in his work that he fails to see the joy of what is in front of him. Steadman as Nan tries hard to keep Arabella away from Stitch Head but the little girl is just to fast.

Other cast includes Fern Brady as Madame Miranda, Jamali Maddix as Taj & Tej, Ryan Sampson as Doctor Dislocation, Rasmus Hardiker as Geoff, Sway Clarke as Tiny Monster, Gemma Saunders as Pigbutt, Paul Tylak as Owggagoffakkookk (yes, that’s his name), Steve Hudson as Woodlouse and Ruth Gibson as the Old Lady.

Briarcliff Entertainment is an independent film production company launched in 2018 and responsible for such films as FAHRENHEIT 11/9, action films such as Liam Neeson’s BLACK LIGHT and COPSHOP with Gerard Butler. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.briarcliffentertainment.com

STITCH HEAD is a wonderfully animated film based on the books by writer Guy Bass. He is an award-winning author who has written more than 30 books. They include Dinkin Dings, Spynosaurs and Skeleton Keys. Dinkin Dings and the Frightening Things won Bass the Blue Peter Award for Most Fun Book with Pictures.

The story brings so many lively and totally creative characters and monsters, each with unique personalities and a bit of a mish mash of parts, and childlike qualities that makes me instantly want a stuff plushie of each. Watching with my family was such a joy that by the end of the film we spent so much time talking about our favorite parts of the film and which character we loved the most, after Stitch Head that is. Director Hudson had a vision for the film and wasted no time in putting it together (pardon the pun) in such a way as to make STITCH HEAD an instant classic that will be enjoyed for a very, very long time.

This is seriously one of the most beautiful animated films this year. It brings horror (not in a gruesome way), comedy, adventure, drama and love all wrapped up into a colorful piece of filmmaking. There isn’t a moment that does bring out some emotion that is going to include laughter, ‘awwwwws’, cheering and fun. It is amazing animated films such as this that bring families to the theatre to celebrate the joy of being together and comes out to time with the Halloween season.

In the end – he is frighteningly friendly!

 

 

 

The Fight is ON THE END

 

Jeri Jacquin

Making resounding rounds on the film festival circuit from writer/director Ari Selinger, Moontown Productions and Wise Child Studios based on a true story is the house ON THE END.

Living on an end road called Navy Beach in Montauk is auto mechanic Tom Ferriera (Tim Blake Nelson) and his brother Milton (Matthew Maher). Spending his day fixing cars, at night he deflects loneliness by going on internet chat rooms. A moment of happiness comes when Freckles (Mireille Enos), an internet interest, decide to come to Montauk to meet him. Next door is Aunt Trudie (Lois Smith), or “Crusty” as Tom calls her, who recently lost her husband and one sunny day a knock at her door is Jessica Finch (Anna Chlumsky), a realtor who convinces Trudie that she can make a large sum of money by selling. Excited, she takes the listing but knows that there is one problem – Tom.

His front yard looks like what you’d expect a mechanics to look like but it does nothing for the property value. Venting to police officer husband John (James Badge Dale), he comes up with an idea of how to help her along and legal issues begin. A court day is upcoming but it is not about to stop Tom from meeting up with Freckles – not even a diabetic incident. After a brief hello, he is absolutely enchanted by the outspoken and fiery woman. Having dinner together face to face, there is no place to hide their stories about each other’s lives, or Tom’s living situation. Yet, getting past that quickly, they manage to find a bit of happiness together. That is not going to slow Jessica or her husband down or stop tormenting Tom and his business.

It is Tom who decides that he has had enough of being pushed around and that feeling is pushed by love and loyalty to promises made to his father. Now, it’s time to put it all on the line and even get help from the most surprising person of all.

Nelson as Tom is a mechanic who loves where he lives, no matter how it looks on the outside. Taking care of his brother is important and even the tension between he and Aunty next door is family ridiculousness we all live with. Finding Freckles is the most joy he has found in a very long time and Nelson portrays that so beautifully. Gruffy on the outside but heartfelt on the inside, what people mistake for being standoffish is Nelson’s character being protective of his world and those he wants in it. What an astounding role and just tender from beginning to end.

Enos as Freckles comes right on into the film with a bright smile, shining eyes, and an attitude that can’t be hidden by any look on her face. I loved that about her character instantly. Although she may be surprised by Tom’s surroundings, once she accepts it is what it is, it is almost as if Freckles just doesn’t see it anymore. Of course, it could be said she did that for a place to stay but I took a Freckles attitude and didn’t care about that reasoning anymore. The ease of her fitting in even with Milton was so charming. I have to admit, Enos’s character taking on Aunt Crusty had me in stitches.

Chlumsky as Jessica is a desperate realtor looking for a big win and seeing an opportunity to coach Aunty into what she wants is ruthless and hard core. Her backhandedness had me throwing styrofoam bricks at the screen in protest of her behavior. Now, let us remember the cute little Vada Sultenfuss from MY GIRL in 1991, the character of Jessica is NOT her but quite the opposite. Nice to see her on the screen again taking on the role of an underhanded person giving real estate people a bad name – well done. Dale as husband John is equally shady and he’s a cop for goodness sake. Believing he can help his wife score a sale, he shows her how to bob and weave through the law to make Tom go away. Dale’s character seems to get a lot of satisfaction making Tom’s life miserable by using a badge, not cool dude.

Shout out to Lois Smith as Aunt “Crusty” Trudie for continuing to be such an amazing actress who I’ve followed for years. Here she portrays a woman who has a complex relationship with Tom and is motivated by anything that keeps him at bay from her. Also, Maher as the brother who hears and sees all knowing when its time to have a say and Desmin Borges as lawyer Austin who has Tom’s best interest at heart but small-town lawyer against big town lawyer can be difficult.

Other cast include Michelle Hurd as Violetta, Glenn Fleshler as Ray, Marcia DeBonis as Judge Malfo, Negin Farsad as Marge Lundie, Raymond Thomas as Rusty, Gabriel Rysdahl as Elias and Sawyer Spielberg as officer Brent Sherman.

Wise Child Studios is dedicated to finding success at the intersection of compelling and commercial with an innovative new production company. Wise Child is also dedicated to producing compelling, thought-provoking and character-driven stories with just the right amount of wit, irreverence, and charm to resonate with a wide audience.

Director Selinger says, “I’ve been making films on the East End of Long Island for over a decade. Beyond the beautiful rural landscapes, the plum-colored skies, the dusty clam shacks, and high-end beach houses, there is something happening under the deeper and more shared American surface, something connected to our mythology. Like some cosmic coincidence, somehow my path crossed with Tom’s…our friendship blossomed. I learned of Tom’s devastating legal battle. I was able to witness first-hand the ordeal and trauma that both Tom and Freckles suffered through.”

“His love for Freckles was abundant and I could see, even in the first moments, that they were inseparable, one and the same, and they would go to the end of the earth to find the pace and happiness they deserved. Tom is a typical hard-working American aggrieved by a society that judges and rejects him. To me he is a blue-collar hero, misunderstood and overlooked. If you give him a fair shake, extend your hand to him as a friend, there is no question he will invite you into his world, which is just a piece of what I hope to share on screen about the world of Tom, my friend.”

It is extremely difficult to follow up after that because it is everything I would want to say about the situation in the film. Tom may be messy on the outside but his gruff is charming and Freckles sees him for what he is. The two of them together make up the most loving yin and yang. Tom is the one who doesn’t say boo and Freckles has no problem shouting it from the rafters and, it works for them. She is the light of his life and he is the protector of her life and I could not get enough of watching them together on screen. Nelson and Enos are stunning portraying these characters and it becomes difficult to not be angry for them when the town beatdown comes. Coming from a small beach town myself, I absolutely understand how it is possible to be overlooked when it comes to what is right. ON THE END is a film that definitely needs to be experienced for its frustrations, love, unexpected surprises and joy.

ON THE END is the Official Selection of the Hamptons International Film Festival, the Woodstock Film Festival, Newport Beach Film Festival and the TIFF Industry Selects 2025.

In the end – sometimes the little guy can stand tall with love!

 

 

 

 

They Are Right OUT OF THE NEST

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming soon to Bluray, DVD and Digital from directors Andrew Gordon, Arturo A. Hernandez, Veerapatra Jinanavin and Well Go USA is a lesson on loyalty and love when you are right OUT OF THE NEST.

Arthur (Cory Yee) is a 17-year-old goat of many jobs and one of them is a delivery boy in the Kingdom of Castilia but also studying to be a barber that will one day cut the hair of the prince. The New Year Festival is being prepared for and Prince Damian (Duc Luu) must be readied for it, which includes a haircut. Master Toad (Sean Burgos) makes it clear to Arthur that he is not ready for many things, most importantly not ready to cut the hair of the prince which is considered the highest honor.

The coronation ceremony is being coordinated by the princes Uncle Cronus (Nick Atkinson) but the royal household has more reason to celebrate as the couple is waiting for their children to hatch. Yet, deep in the forest, a chase is happening with Canis (Lily Poon) landing at Arthur’s feet. In her bag are the princes unhatched children. Master Toad must help the school and village escape from the Order of the Claw. Arthur is given the task of saving the royal children and he finds help from a silent hero in Jacobus (Luis Bermudez) who helps him keep the eggs safe. Down the river to a secure place, Arthur begins to learn of magic, wizardry and who he truly is. Now he begins to understand his relationship with Master Toad.

But that will have to wait as the Order of the Claw want what Arthur now has – the royal chicks. In the middle of the rapids, he welcomes Terra, Puddle, Leaf, Spark, Twig, Tin and Puff. Along the way back to the prince, Arthur learns so much about the world around him and lessons, compliments of his small feathered travel companions. Now, Arthur is going to let nothing or no one hurt the little ones in his charge and he will do anything to get them home safely.

Yee voicing Arthur brings such life into this animated character. Carrying the load of the film, since babies only make little noises, Arthur has the chance to show all those around that he begins to understand his world better. I enjoyed watching Arthur and listening to Yee bring it all together so well to the point one almost forgets it’s an animated film. Burgos as Master Toad is very patient with Arthur and wants him to do well but there is a reason for their strong bond.

Bermudez as Jacobus is the silent warrior type but when Master Toad calls, he comes to help Arthur sharing a little of the history he knew knowing about. Poon as Canis lends her voice to a strong warrior also ready to help the royal family no matter the cost. Atkinson as Uncle Cronus has a few secrets of his own and is working with the royal family before the coronation.  Finally, Luu as Prince, and soon to be King Damian, is not only preparing for the big day but is more concerned with his new arrivals than anything else in the world. 

Other cast include Ankie Beilke as the Queen, Wong Man Wai as the General, Debra Wilson as Mrs. Porcupine, Jack Murphy as Mr. Porcupine, Jimmy So as the Owl, Zheng Xia as Terra, Libin Huang as Puddle, Dylan Wang as Puff, Sun Xiaoniu as Spark, Cola Jia as Twig, Shuchen Zhang as Tin, So Pak Lai as Leaf, and Gillian Berrow as Mei.

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.

This is the debut feature film of Pixar mainstay Andrew Gordon (MONSTERS INC, RATATOUILLE, FINDING NEMO) and Disney alumnus Arturo A. Hernandez (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, TARZAN, HERCULES), as well as Veerapatra Jinanavin who says about his approach to the film, “It was heavily focused on making sure the story had universal appeal, while also maintaining its unique charm. OUT OF THE NEST is truly a Thai animated film, both in its origin and development. I hope that OUT OF THE NEST will continue to inspire audiences across the world.”

OUT OF THE NEST is everything families want in a film they can watch together. It has themes of family and extended family, being watched over without knowing it, love of community and adoration of small creatures that see the best in everything. Truly good family entertainment is so special and this film is one that absolutely falls into that category. This is the film that means popcorn and cuddle time because it can be enjoyed by the family no matter what the age. I so love time with the family and this film brought that to a new level.

The animation is absolutely fantastic with brilliant colors and stellar production provided by Base FX. I always try to make sure to mention that because it can make or break a film, in this case is makes it into the stratosphere. Having the chicks be different colors is charming on so many levels and I adored it. The characters are all different types of animals but they have one thing in common, wanting what is best for each other (with the exception of the Order of the Claw of course) and that makes all the difference. Having a goat, toad, chicken, porcupine and so many more animals would bring such great entertainment!

In the end – hatch your inner hero!

 

 

 

Marriage Changes with THE ROSES

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital this week followed by Bluray and DVD in November from director Jay Roach and Searchlight Pictures is the telling of being together with THE ROSES.

Ivy (Olivia Colman) met Theo (Benedict Cumberbatch) in the most unusual way but it was enough for them to marry. Ivy is an amazing chef in her own right and Theo is known for his stellar architecture. Together they are making their life work, especially when Ivy opens up her own restaurant. That is until a freak storm turns both of their careers on their heads. Theo’s crumbled like a building and Ivy finds herself being discovered for her creations.

As fate changes their lives, Theo becomes a stay-at-home dad and Ivy’s success grows without her even trying. Seeing that her husband is struggling, she comes up with the grand idea of Theo putting himself to work creating their forever home and he dives right in. As each year passes, the witty repartee turns into witty sarcasm and people are noticing, including their friends Amy (Kate McKinnon) and Barry (Andy Samberg) who are also married.

After a disastrous dinner party, Theo decides its time to divorce and Ivy is going to make sure that he understands the consequences of that decision. No one ever said marriage was going to be easy but the Roses make it look impossible – maybe!

Colman as Ivy is absolutely everything I love about her as an actress. Her delivery of lines, the face she makes delivering them, her impeccable character presence and how she makes it all look so flawless. As Ivy, Colman is as sharp as the knife she uses in the kitchen and I am absolutely here for every moment of it. I might be a little biased since I adore her, but that being said, she delivers and her with a gun is perfection. Keenly aware there are problems, the early marriage set the tone to how they would handle problems and, as with most things, the rules change as time goes by. Ivy and Theo didn’t understand the rules of the game but she made it clear when needed that there is only one way to poke the bear.

Cumberbatch as Theo is a man who had an award-winning career until Mother Nature decided she had other plans. Immediately his ego can’t handle it at all and that childishness begins to seep out of every pour of his body. Believing that staying home for a while might be a good idea, he begins to resent Ivy’s success, the same success he encouraged. Cumberbatch takes his character’s insecurities (and the whispering in the ear from his ‘friends’) and whines a bit to get his wife’s attention. Of course, accurately, the narcist in him can’t handle the attention his wife is getting. As quick with the wit as Colman, it is a pairing made in heaven (or the other place).

McKinnon as Amy is a hugely uncomfortable character to watch but hilarious at the same time. She makes it clear what her intentions are and doesn’t really care who sees or hears her, then again that’s how I see McKinnon anyway so the casting is spot on. Samberg as Barry is a man that clearly understands that his wife is different and forward but yet, and he makes it clear, he loves her. As a lawyer however, he needs more practice but entertaining all the same.

Shout out to Allison Janney, let me just say that having watched her since The West Wing days, I have always admired the roles she takes and this is just another one I love. In this film she goes for the jugular and it made me wish she was a real lawyer because that would be worth sitting in a courtroom for!

Other cast include Ncuti Gatwa as Jeffrey, Sunita Mani as Jane, Zoe Chao as Sally, Jamie Demetriou as Rory, Hala Finely as Hatti, Wells Rappaport as Roy and Allison Janney as Eleanor.

Searchlight Pictures is responsible for such films as SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, 12 YEARS A SLAVE, THE SHAPE OF WATER and THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI. They have an extensive film library as well as documentaries, scripted series, and limited series. For more information, please visit www.searchlightpictures.com.

Digital & Blu-ray Bonus includes Gag Reel, Featurettes: A House To Fight For – A behind-the-front-door look at the epicenter of both beauty and acrimony. See the construction of the Roses’ home, hear from the designer and the filmmakers on their vision, and discover the actors’ wish to take everything from the house home with them, The Roses: An Inside Look – Hear from the cast and filmmakers about making The Roses. Learn about the actors’ connection and chemistry, and join the grounded, satirical, British, wry wit that only Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch can pull off and Comedy Gold – This cast is stacked with comedy talent bringing Tony McNamara’s witty dialogue to life with Jay Roach directing. Even Olivia Colman had to ask about this special cast, “How the F did we get them?”

THE ROSES is director Roach’s re-imagining of the 1989 Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas film WAR OF THE ROSES. To be honest, although there are some situational similarities, the film could have been called something else and still worked for the comedy alone. I have always made it clear I am not a fan of remakes, reimagining’s, re-do or anything re when it comes to films but I shall put that aside for now.

What THE ROSES has going for it is the spine-snapping, acid wit, crazy intensity and excellent lines that come in rapid fire from both Colman and Cumberbatch. They are absolutely hilarious in every way and I couldn’t stop laughing. There is comic gold in those lines and the delivery is nothing short of sharp, cutting and delicious. Casting these two actors would not have been ones I would have thought of, yet, Roach obviously saw something early on. A black comedy that dives into the battle of the soon-to-be ex’s that is filled with verbal machine-gun resentment and, actually, some of it might be relatable. Just stay away from Julia Childs, okay?

In the end – it is their love story!

The Story is in THE SUMMER BOOK

 

Jeri Jacquin

Available on Digital from director Charlie McDowell, Bright Iris Film Co. and Music Box Films comes a tale of loss, generations and discovery in THE SUMMER BOOK.

Sophia (Emily Matthews), dad (Anders Danielsen) and grandmother (Glenn Close) come to their small summer house on the coast of Finland. Arriving in almost silence, it is clear that the absence of Sophia’s mother is felt by each of them, especially the young girl who can’t remember a time without her.

Sophia’s father has retreated into himself and spending almost no time with his daughter. Good thing she has quite an imagination and ability to keep herself occupied. Helping that along with grandmother, who answers questions, takes walks and shares stories of her own life. Sophia clearly loves her grandmother and each moment together is filled with curiosity and love. Knowing that her son is emotionally neglecting his daughter, grandmother makes it clear that she won’t always be there to take up his slack.

Instead, grandmother gives Sophia a chance to learn to take care of herself and be herself. Their time together is filled with just that – time, as grandmother knows that it isn’t something she can be sure of.

Mathews as Sophia is an absolutely charming young girl who swims through this film with the curiosity and adaptability needed. After losing her mother, Sophia is in a world of loss as she spends the summer with a disassociated father and a very elderly grandmother. Yet, Matthews gives us a character that is attempting to accept the world as it is and her place in it. The curiosity and self-awareness reaches deep in the heart given by Matthews.

Danielsen as dad is a man who cannot seem to find himself after the death of his wife.  There is a disconnect between father and daughter and it feels as if he doesn’t want to see that. His days are spent alone no matter how much his daughter might try to engage him. This is a difficult role, even though it is sparce, but Danielsen’s time on screen is a must to bring the ending to where it was always meant to be.

Close as grandmother is nothing short of stellar and moving with moments of chuckles. She is clearly an aging woman without memories of her own to share with Sophia, but that’s not all. Spending time with the young Sophia is also her chance to share what she knows and talk her through the issue that Danielsen’s character is causing. All I can say is Close is portraying a woman who knows what’s happening to the family and to herself but it doesn’t stop what needs to be handled. I just adore her in this role in every way; it is absolutely stunning.

Other cast includes Ingvar Sigurdsson as Eriksson, Pekka Strang as Mr. Malander and Sophia Heikkila as Mrs. Malander.

Music Box Films is dedicated to curating a diverse repertoire of films and television from around the world. In partnership with the iconic Music Box Theatre, Chicago’s premier independent cinema, it is their mission to engage audiences with exciting alternatives to mainstream entertainment. For more of what they offer please visit www.musicboxfilms.com

Bright Iris Film Co. connects films to audiences by providing guidance and expertise to storytellers ready to bring their work to the world. In an ever-changing film industry, they champion collaborations that are nimble, innovative and thoughtful. For more information, please visit www.brightirisfilms.com

The film is based on the 1972 Tove Jansson novel of the same name that reads like a book of exactly what the film portrays. There is grief, sadness, confusion, love, three generations, memories and healing and it is performed brilliantly by Matthews, Danielsen and Close. The film brings such a richness to Jansson’s story as this is not a film filled with long speaking moments but, instead, allows the world around these characters to be another participant in the film.

Matthews and Closes’ scenes together are of their time outdoors walking through flower fields, on the rocks, on the shoreline and add to the emotions of the characters. I do not mind at all films that allows the characters to meld with the world we are shown. Sometimes words are not necessary and it is as simple as that. THE SUMMER BOOK has been nominated by the Miami Film Festival for the Knight Marimbas Award for director McDowell and the CineKindl Award at the Munich Film Festival also for Charlie McDowell.

THE SUMMER BOOK is a film that deserves to be seen, appreciated and even embraced. It has so much to offer in the way of the struggles and simplicities of the human experience.

In the end – each needs the other!

 

 

BACK TO THE FUTURE Brings its 40th Anniversary to 4K

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from director Robert Zemeckis celebrating the 40^th Anniversary are films that are beloved and so iconic with BACK TO THE FUTURE, BACK TO THE FUTURE II and BACK TO THE FUTURE III.

BACK TO THE FUTURE: Welcome to Hill Valley in 1985 and the life of teenager Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) who lives with mom Lorraine (Lea Thompson), dad George (Crispin Glover), brother Dave (Marc McClure) and sister Linda (Wendie Jo Sperber). Mom seems to have a problem with the drink, dad is constantly being bullied by boss Biff Tannen (Thomas F. Wilson) and the only consolation is girlfriend Jennifer (Claudia Wells). Marty also has a friend in scientist Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) and really enjoys spending time with him when he’s not working on playing music.

Doc calls Marty to the mall to show him a time machine he’s made out of a DeLorean with a flux capacitor powered by plutonium. Well, the plutonium was sort of lifted from some angry people and a shoot out happens in the parking lot but Marty accidentally does the 88 miles per hour sending the DeLorean through time. Well, now Marty is in 1955 and doesn’t know how to get back home. A series of incidents bring him face to face with his mom and dad as teens but he doesn’t have time for that. He finds Doc and explains what has happened as they both discover another source of power and it has to happen soon or Marty’s future could be in jeopardy.

Once home, Marty is in for a huge surprise!

BACK TO THE FUTURE II: Marty isn’t home very long before Doc shows up in the DeLorean letting him know he must accompany him into the future because there are problems. This time they take Jennifer (Elisabeth Shue) with them! It seems Marty and Jennifer have children and now Marty Jr. is in trouble going up against Biff’s grandson Griff (Thomas F. Wilson). Doc knows the only way to fix this is by Marty taking his son’s place to handle Biff and his shenanigans.

Jennifer finds herself in her future home and learns about what Marty’s co-worker Douglas is up to and it could hurt the family. Biff, in the meantime, has found the Delorean, returned to 1985 and found a way to become wealthy. Now things have changed again and this time his mother Lorraine is involved! Now Marty must do some sleuthing himself to find out what is really going on and set things right.

Doc finds himself in a place Marty never could have imagined he’d go!

BACK TO THE FUTURE III: Marty gets a letter and it seems Doc has found himself in 1885 and the only way to get to him is find the DeLorean left with Doc 1955’s help. Follow? Even though Doc has told Marty not to come, that’s not about to stop him. Arriving in the west and with a damaged DeLorean, Marty finds himself in the presence of his great-great-grandparents Seamus and Maggie McFly who take him in. Asked his name, he replies, “Clint Eastwood” and all around him is the new town of Hill Valley.

Immediately, Marty recognizes Buford “Mad Dog” Tannen as Biff’s relatives and they are just as much a problem as they are in the future. Doc and Marty realize the only possibility of getting home (since there is no plutonium or lightening), that a locomotive will have to work. Doc meets schoolteacher Clara Clayton (Mary Steenburgen) and he’s smitten. At a town festival, Buford challenges Doc to a showdown and it’s hoped they will be gone by then. As with all things that Doc and Marty are involved in, things get chaotic and quick thinking needs to happen which is good since Marty knows how Buford is. On the locomotive, there one chance to get home turns into the most unexpected result.

Then again, Marty and Doc always do the unexpected!

Fox as Marty made a name for himself on the television series Family Ties which led to him playing the iconic character of a young man with an interesting life. After seeing the first film, there is no one else who could possibly play the role of Marty then or now. Fox had the amazing ability of timing with his humor, facial expressions that are hilarious and played opposite every character in such a way that he made it look easy. Maybe it was easy for him because, honestly, it looked like a blast to do. Fox is the reason for such repeatable lines such as, “you made a time machine…out of a DeLorean?” and so many more. I still hear people say things from the films still today and clearly, anyone who is a BACK TO THE FUTURE fan will know them instantly and from which film.

Lloyd as Doc is another character that can not be played by anyone else – ever. In the films he is clever, hilarious faces and embodied the character full on in all three films. Playing along side Fox, these two actors bounced off one another in such a way it flowed and kept us all entranced from the first film to the last. That is important because films in the 80’s had, and still have, such an impact on people that I don’t think the character of Doc would have worked without him. Instead, he gave us so much in this role that returning for all three films is nothing short of appreciated by fans and stellar in every way possible.

Thompson as Lorraine also gets the chance to play a teen, then Mom and future Mom. As a teen she was absolutely charming and cute, as a mom she showed the vulnerability of questionable youngster choices and it follows her when Biff pulls his nasty stunts. I loved watching Thompson in all three films and, as with Fox and Lloyd, she will always be Lorraine. Glover as George was the dad that just couldn’t seem to cut a break in the family life and as a teen, it took one moment with his sons help to change his future. That is food for thought even today, one choice can change everything.

Wilson as Biff and all the Biff incarnates is mean, vicious, hilarious, silly, and mainly a generational bully. That being said, well done sir, well done! I remember in the theatre people yelling at Wilson’s Biff being very unhappy with his shenanigans which is the sign that he was doing something very right. I’m a firm believer that if an actor can cause massive outrage, then his craft deserves a golf clap – if not several.

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

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

Bonus Feaures include All New Content 40 Years Later: Reflecting on the Future, Back to Hill Valley, Untold Stories of BACK TO THE FUTURE, TCM Classic Film Festival Panel, and A Mystery is History. In other words, 90 minutes of All-New Bonus!

Legacy Bonus Features include Tales from THE FUTURE: 6-Part Documentary, Deleted Scenes (Commentary by Producer Bob Gale), An Alternate Future: Lost Audition Tapes, The Hollywood Museum Goes BACK TO THE FUTURE, BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical Behind the Scenes, Could You Survive the Movies? BACK TO THE FUTURE, OUTATIME: Restoring the DeLorean, Looking BACK TO THE FUTURE, and The Physics of BACK TO THE FUTURE with Dr. Michio Kaku.

Also, Huey Lewis and the News “The Power of Love” Music Video, ZZ Top “Doubleback” Music Video, BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Ride, Archival Featurettes, Behind the Scenes, 2015 Message from Doc Brown, 2015 Commercials, BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Animated Series (2 Episodes), Michael J. Fox Q&A, FAQs About the Trilogy, Theatrical Trailers, Q&A Commentary with Director Robert Zemeckis and Producer Bob Gale and Feature Commentary with Producers Bob Gale and Neil Canton.

It was 1985 and the theatrical experience was turned upside down as throws of people went to theatres because of a movie called BACK TO THE FUTURE and it was a monster hit. Yes, I was at the theatre with my kids as well at the time. My sons were especially taken with the films and it was Fox that got them into skateboarding and puffer vests along with attempting one liners – okay, they were funny. The same reaction happened with BACK TO THE FUTURE II and III. Audiences had embraced the characters of Marty and Doc because, at that time, adventure, imagination, creativity and originality was everything in the theatre.

These three films were a reason for entire families to go to the theatres together. It was “wholesome” entertainment, not exactly a word we hear much now. Everyone had a great time, everyone laughed, everyone cheered and everyone left the theatre in a fantastic mood. Can you imagine? No technology, no phones, no ipads etc., just a family going to the movies together to have a wonderful time. Maybe that is why these films are so nostalgic for the 80’s crowd, because it is reminiscent of a time of focus on family films and family fun – not to mention an amazing soundtrack that most of us can still sing today.

So, gather the kids and grandkids for a three-film experience that is memorable and see it through a new generation’s eyes with BACK TO THE FUTURE, BACK TO THE FUTURE II and BACK TO THE FUTURE III.

In the end – nothing better than a time machine for fun and adventure!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It Rings in BLACK PHONE 2

 

Jeri Jacquin

 

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Scott Derrickson, Blumhouse and Universal Pictures is the return of terror in BLACK PHONE 2.

It is the 1980s and has been several years as Finn (Mason Thames) and sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) have grown up quite a bit and taking on the challenges in a town where everyone knows about the Grabber (Ethan Hawke). Finn is trying to hide what happened to him in a constant flow of marijuana to ignore the ringing of phones. Gwen tries to talk to him about it but Finn is closed off. What he does do is protect his sister from her constant sleep walking. Nightmares have become more frequent lately and have become so dangerous, he found her in the Grabbers old house.

Gwen is having visions of children under a frozen lake and sending her signals which she believes are a cry for help. She also begins to hear the same phone ringing as Finn. When she realizes that a camp in Alpine Lake might have answers, she enlists the help of her friend Ernesto (Miguel Mora) under the guise of being a camp counselor-in-training. Finn is against going but he can’t let his sister investigate on her own.

Arriving during a snowstorm, they are greeted by Mando (Demian Bichir) and niece Mustang (Arianna Rivas) and two employees who don’t much care for Gwen and her infamous mouth. When Gwen begins to get stuck in her nightmares, it is the Grabber’s opportunity to continue his reign of terror that affects everyone in reality. Mando learns what Gwen knows and realizes they are all there for one thing – to find missing kids from years past and do it before the monster finds ways to destroy them all.  

Thames returns as Finn but much taller and moodier (teenagers, go figure) either fighting those who know or avoiding his time with the Grabber. What he doesn’t want to accept is that there is no way to get away from it and the telephones ringing are a constant reminder. Even if Thames gives his character moodiness, he does realize that he must gut up in order to help his sister, decent performance actually.

McGraw as Gwen is in the Grabbers sites this time around. She is less hesitant to answer ringing phone and begins to piece together what is happening at the Alpine camp. McGraw gives Gwen more strength and makes us remember that she has a pretty intense mouth on her. The dreams are what bring her to the one person her family has been trying to forget but Gwen refuses to give up until she helps Mando. This is the sisters side of the horror!

Bichir as Mando took over the Alpine camp with the sole purpose of finding a little boy. Once he understands what Gwen has been dealing with, he is all about trying to do the right thing. Bichir is such a marvelous actor and here he gets his chance to dive into the horror genre and does it splendidly. Rivas as Mustang is the quiet voice behind her uncle but doesn’t hesitate to speak up when she needs to.   

Welcome back to the mask Ethan Hawke! There would be no way this film would have worked without him. He is the Grabber, he is the evil and he is the evil that needs to be dealt with. Thanks for showing up to remind us that horror wears many faces but for the Grabber, all of them are evil.

Shout out to Davies returning as Dad Terrence and more into soda than alcohol with Gwen putting into place the last piece of a puzzle that has tortured him.

Other cast include Simon Webster as Felix, Jacob Moran as Billy, Maev Beaty as Barb, Shepherd Munroe as Cal, Graham Abbey as Ken, Chase B. Robertson as Spike, Anna Lore as Hope and Jeremy Davies as Terrence.

Universal Pictures has an amazing film library with 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, SPLIT and M3GAN 2.0. The films from Blumhouse have become instant classics and they continue to give us something to scream about! See more at www.blumhouse.com

BLACK PHONE 2 did a few things right and it includes bringing back the original cast because nothing says ‘stay in the story’ like familiar faces. Thames and McGraw together again feels like we are picking up where we left off accept this time, it’s Gwen’s turn to be at the mercy of the Grabber. Also, staying in the era because there is something creepy about the way the 70’s and 80’s are portrayed. Makes me wonder what else I missed during that time that could have been more fun (yes, spooky film fan here). Finally, staying true to the story and not going overboard in changing the history that BLACK PHONE laid out.

A few things I have to think more about is the dream sequences as director Derrickson and cinematographer Par M. Ekberg decide to use the grainy-aged effect to separate it from the waking world. It’s cool but I think a tad overplayed. Does it affect the story being told? Not at all, so perhaps it’s just something that had me overthinking. The original BLACK PHONE was more of a thriller because it made the audience think about the horrors that happened, BLACK PHONE 2 decided to delve into a more delicate world of showing what happened to kids. This film also has more bloodiness to it which is fine but I’m still a thriller kind of gal.

Fans of the first film won’t be disappointed one bit, heck, neither am I actually. The film offers twists, turns, secrets and mysteries that are unexpected and, in the middle, Ethan Hawke and black ringing phones freaking everyone out. One thing is for sure; this is the new fright in the night brought to you by the Grabber!

In the end – dead is just a word!

 

 

The Family is Back with NOBODY 2

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from director Timo Tjahjanto and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the vacation of NOBODY 2.

Hutch Mansell (Bob Odenkirk) is still dealing with what happened in recent events and to make amends, he works for The Barber (Colin Salmon) to pay back the money he turned to ash. Seeing the strain at home with wife Becca (Connie Nielsen) and kids Brady (Gage Munroe) and Sammy (Paisley Cadorath). Telling The Barber that he is taking a break, Hutch promises his wife that plans are in motion to take a family vacation together.

Packing up the car and grandpa David (Christopher Lloyd), the family takes off for Plummerville, an amusement park Hutch went to as a child. Wanting to create the same memories with his kids but as they unpack, it is clear the family quick as impressed as dad would like them to be. Making the best of it, they family heads to the arcade and actually begin to have fun. That is until Brady gets into a tiff with local bully Max (Lucius Hoyos). The altercation brings security in and Hutch has had enough of the goings on and takes matters into his own hands.

The local sheriff, Abel (Colin Hanks), takes the family in to see Wyatt Martin (John Ortiz) to decide what to do. The problem Hutch is up against is that Wyatt is Max’s father and there is something fishy happening in the town. So, what does one do when confronted with a weird problem? Call your brother of course! Hutch tells Harry (RZA) who is on a spiritual journey and tries to bring calm to his brother. Still, Hutch can’t let go of the feeling there is more to this town than meets the eye and, of course, he’s going to find out.

Instead of leaving like they were warned and after Hutch’s attack, Hutch finds out that the town has a bootlegging issue led by a woman named Ledina (Sharon Stone) and everyone is involved. She, in turn, decides that its time to turn up the heat, there is a bit of a kidnapping, a bit of family danger and a whole lot of mess being made – so much for a family vacation!

Odenkirk as Hutch returns to play the character that gave film goers such a thrill in 2021 and did so well at the box office. A mild-mannered husband and dad who just happens to be a very good assassin; it’s all about balance right? This time he is trying to spend quality family time but it seems trouble accidentally got packed in his suitcase. Not even a day passes and he is back to doing whatever it takes to protect his family and no one is getting in the way of that. He does this so well and I loved watching him play Hutch once again.

Nielsen as Becca is a wife who is a little frustrated with Hutch’s away time putting all the family issues on her. Totally understandable but she is willing to give it a chance with a family vacation. She is stronger than she portrays and Nielsen gives her the gumption to see the world through her husbands’ eyes. Lloyd as grandpa David may be older but that doesn’t mean he has lost his ability to be useful and useful he is, especially when the family is at risk. I loved watching him in his quirky moments and his generational assassin moments with Hutch and Harry. Lloyd is still so awesome and seeing him continue to take roles is nostalgic and cool at the same time.

Ortiz as Wyatt is a man who thinks he’s the big man on campus but, when in fact, he is just another rat in the race. He starts out tough but, Hutch shows him to never underestimate a plain looking guy with his family. RZA as Harry had me cracking up as the brother who was on his spiritual journey but also knows family is everything. Salmon as the Barber is caught off guard when Hutch wants to take a break from being an assassin and his reaction is hilarious.

Hanks as Abel is a sheriff with a chip on his shoulder, a bad attitude and playing for the wrong team. I was thrilled to see him take on this role showing his ability to mix a level of badness with a bit of comedy. Munroe as Brady is a typical teenage kid with a smart mouth and the ability to blame the world for everything, but in this case – his father. Cadorath as Sammy is just so dang cute and spunky, which counts in the story when you are surrounded by so many bad guys. Hoyos as Max is just the town bully who thinks he can get away with it because of who his dad is. Yeah, how did that work out for you kid?

Finally, Stone as Ledina is a woman who had her world wrapped up tight and only had to snap her fingers to make things happen. She had no problem making people disappear and there was no getting away from her reach. I just adored this for Stone as she gets to be as bad as she wants to be and I’m here for every moment of it.

Other cast include Nolan Grantham as young Hutch, Felipe Salazar as young Wyatt, Jahron Wilson as young Harry, Jeremy Warren as young David, Jacob Blair as Dann, Daniel Bernhardt as Kartoush, and David Macinnis as Toby.

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.

Bonus Features include Nobody 2: The Fight Continues, Nobody Does Stunts Like Us and Deleted Scenes.

NOBODY 2 is a full-on comedy and action film staying true to its predecessor film. Odenkirk brings back Hutch in the middle of a family crisis as he tries to find out how to pay back his debt to The Barber and be with family. It cracked me up immediately when he says he needs to take a break from being an assassin. Unusual to say but even more unusual when told ‘okay’. Wanting to take the family on a vacation seems like a normal thing right? Normal for most, not normal for Hutch.

The family dynamic felt like something we all can relate to in the realm of ‘are we there yet?’ or ‘I need to go to the bathroom’ or ‘Really? This is the place?’. Probably the reason most of us aren’t thrilled about family vacations. Yet, Hutch is determined to make it work and it probably would have if trouble didn’t find him. Of course, as with the first film, we already know that when trouble taps Hutch on the shoulder, nothing good is going to happen. This time out the cast is expanded to include a mash up of family problems, teen problems, and adult bad-guy problems. Don’t worry, Hutch gives us a floor plan of what not to do on a family vacation! Pop that popcorn and take in all the action provided by NOBODY 2.

In the end – Hutch is back!

The Secrets to THE WISDOM OF HAPPINESS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres in time for the Dalai Lama’s 90^th birthday from directors Barbara Miller, Philip Delaquis, Theorem Media and Abramorama is the wonderful words about THE WISDOM OF HAPPINESS.

Tenzin Gyatso is known all over the world today as the 14^th Dalai Lama and he comes to the screen to offer what he believes is happiness. He begins immediately with “we are all the same human being” and it sets the tone for everything one hears for the following one hour and thirty minutes. He speaks on fear, anger and hatred that are so prevalent in the world today. He wants to share about a peaceful life – now. It begins with the easiest thing we do, and that is breathing.

At 16, the Dalai Lama dealt with the military occupation by China in Tibet. By the time he turned 24, things were becoming more intense and he escaped to India. Thousands of Tibetans followed him as the people in his country continued to suffer. The world embraced him immediately.

He saw compassion in his mother who was a farmer. He started learning at a very early age and through it all was his mother’s compassion. Using nature as an example, the Dalai Lama spoke of how animals work together and live simple which brings them happiness. The same with children in that they don’t care about differences but as they grow the differences are learned. He admits that some of his father’s traits came about but he worked on himself to keep it out of his life.

Describing human beings as social animals, he explains that the negative feelings cause our inner emotional doors to close. Intelligence is a source of inner peace says the Dalai Lama. Loving science, he looks to investigate everything and ask questions such as “what is mind?” To change the mind of destructive emotions, he says we must have willpower. He is very clear in saying happiness is within ourselves but we get blocked by such things as money, desire and wanting more. Unhappiness is division and that brings war which has no victors.

Speaking of his own country, there have been over one million Tibetans have been killed since 1959. He speaks of male dominance being the most destructive thing of all. The Dalai Lama believes the women can make the world safer. He points out that important leaders are women and it is women who re-create the Lama with hopes of someday there might be a woman Dalai Lama.

He also speaks of the earth and how it is feeling what humanity has done as well and saying the world is so busy fighting itself, it doesn’t see that time to be in our world is sliding away fast. All of these things are based on emotion believing discourse is where all of this flows from and emphasizing that breathing can reconnect with inner peace. Meditation can bring compassion and by thinking of others your mind opens. He also smiles mentioning that it doesn’t matter how long it takes, just continue!

What does he want for his own country? That the Chinese government to allow Tibetans to keep their own culture without fear of hate or violence but with compassion. To do that, there needs to be calm dialogue, peaceful dialogue. The Dalai Lama believes every community should be based on compassion. In that is education; sing the brain to be constructive in the world. It begins with ourselves and then outward to others through positive emotions.

Abramorama is the preeminent global theatrical distributions and rights partner for many documentary and music films and is recognized for the consistent high quality of its work on award winning features. Over the course of 20 years, Abramorama has successfully distributed and marketed hundreds of films including Ron Howard’s Grammy Award Winning THE BEATLES: EIGHT DAYS A WEEK, Stanley Nelson’s MILES DAVIS: BIRTH OF THE COOL, as well as Academy Award Nominee and IDA Best Documentary Winner THE LOOK OF SILENCE. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.abramorama.com.

THE WISDOM OF HAPPINESS Film Festival Selections include Best Film at the 2025 Croatian International Film Festival, Official Selection at the 2024 Zurich Film Festival, Official Selection at the 2024 DOK.fest Munich, Official Selection at the 2024 Thessaloniki Documentary Festival, Official Selection at the 2024 Millennium Docs Against Gravity (Poland), and Official Selection at the 2024 Biografilm Festival (Italy).

Executive Producers include actor Richard Gere, Oren Moverman, Walo Kamm, Tashi Albertini-Kaiser, Monlam Maurer-Adotsang, Tobias Asch, Annette Werenfels and Ann-Marie Le Flanchec. Gere says of the film, “Watching how the Dalai Lama embodies love, generosity, and kindness allows viewers to pause, reflect, and reconnect with themselves in a way that feels real and achievable”.

I first learned of the Dalai Lama when I was 15 and was fascinated by his life. I read everything I could throughout the years about him, his life and how he saw the world. What I cam to feel was the calmness that he always seems to express, the way he walked among people from all walks of life, his ability to laugh with people oh goodness, a smile that just draws one in. Even before reviewing the film, I have listened to him speak about each of our parts in the world. What directors Miller and Delaquis have done is allow the Dalai Lama to bring the word of happiness again to people from all over the world.

Sharing his early life, how his family made an impression on him, the sadness of having to leave his beloved Tibet, his daily life now in India and his continual journey to spread the word on finding happiness. What is the most amazing thing about the Dalai Lama is his ability to speak with such eloquence, humor and – yes, compassion, that it is impossible not to take in every word. Perhaps he knocks gently on that door he knows many of us have closed, gives us a smile and invites us to remember all the things about life we may have forgotten.

He is quite aware that the world is a harsh place sometimes, he knows from experience that it would be easy to point fingers, scream and holler. Instead, he asks us to remain calm, find peace and then approach is all in such a way that we do good and not be part of the problem. The timing of the film coming to theatres is so important, especially right now since so many are suffering from TPF (Twisted Political Fatigue I’ve coined it). Listening to the Dalai Lama speak on what is possible is so uplifting and feels like a snap back into what is possible for a life that not only brings us joy but spreading it to others through the one word he repeats over and over – compassion.  

In the end – life is compassion!