It is the HEART OF THE BEAST

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director David Ayer and Paramount Pictures is the story of a man and a very special dog in the wild with the HEART OF THE BEAST.

Flying through a deserted part of Alaska, former Army Special Forces vet James Belmont (Brad Pitt) brings his retired combat dog Odin (Uber) for a bit of a vacation. Fishing, playing, and relaxing, they find comfort in spending time together. Both of them suffer from PTSD and turn to one another when the dreams of past events haunt them. Even a quick visit from a stranger puts them on high alert.

As the weather changes, James and Odin board their plane and head back home. Not long into the flight, James begins to fall ill, causing the plane to crash. Knowing the only thing to do is make it to a main road, the two load up for a fifty-eight-mile trek across unspoiled, wild, and untamed land. Every step leads them both into danger as nature tests their limits, their ability to adapt, and their willingness to put themselves in front of every danger that presents itself.

Man and man’s best friend on a journey only they understand.

Pitt as Belmont has one of the most difficult parts to play as a soldier who spent most of his life fighting, ending up with PTSD. Another difficult thing to do is carry a film with only a hint of another person to act off of. Then you add a dog to the mix, and it is impossible to look away. The relationship between Pitt and Uber (Odin’s real name) feels genuine and shared. The final ingredient is Pitt playing opposite the wild environment of Alaska. He mixes it carefully and comes away with a poignant character who broke my heart.

Uber as Odin, all I can say is what a beautiful dog. He is also a New Zealand rescue dog in his own life. Still, in the film, his deep golden-brown eyes tug at every heartstring. As the film progresses, director Ayer seems to know exactly what to ask of his furry friend. He’s not just a dog in a movie; he’s an integral part of the film, proving that the animals we love - love us in return, in their own way. There wasn’t a moment where I thought, ‘Well, this is just a dog following directions. No, I saw a loyal companion who shared trauma with his friend.

Shout out to J.K. Simmons and his fantastic moments in the film, and Anna Lambe for just being plain cool.

Pitt not only stars in HEART OF THE BEAST, but he also jumped in as a producer through his Plan B Entertainment company. This is also the second time that director Ayer has worked with Pitt. Their previous collaboration is the 2014 film FURY, and Pitt’s company is responsible for such hits as THE DEPARTED (2006), 12 YEARS A SLAVE (2013), and MOONLIGHT (2016). Ayer has quite the resume himself, with such films as END OF WATCH (2012) and SUICIDE SQUAD (2016), and a dozen more to his credit.

The film’s star also talks about working with Uber (Odin). “The first thing I had to do was start a relationship with Uber. From the first day, we spent as much time together as we could so I could earn his trust.” For me, it totally shows on the screen. Director Ayer says of his film, “Making any film is a huge commitment of time, heart, and labor. It came down to the script; I felt I was the person that could tell this story and the emotional life it has.”

HEART OF THE BEAST has so many layers to it, which is why I suggest Kleenex in hand as you enter the theatre. This is a story of two friends who have experienced the best and worst of humanity and, because of circumstances, now face the best and worst of a place that can be unforgiving. Ayers uses the most beautiful place in New Zealand’s South Island as Alaska’s substitute backdrop, to which Ayer says, “You can’t tell the difference,” and he’s right. Whether in Alaska or New Zealand, the landscape is a character all its own.

The film runs through every gambit of human emotion, and I left the film totally emotionally drained, but in a way that I want a film to make me feel. It reaches in and pulls us closer to the screen with everything it has. Pitt and Uber bring the story written by Cameron Alexander’s screenplay into focus regarding the issue of PTSD. It also brings into focus the work that combat dogs do and how their response to it is not so disconnected from their human counterparts. They need loving homes so they, too, can find a place to recover and live their best lives.

In the end – survival depends on their bond!

Friends Travel to FORGOTTEN ISLAND

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday, from writers/directors Joel Crawford, Januel Mercado, DreamWorks and Universal Pictures bring the story of friendship that faces a challenge on FORGOTTEN ISLAND.  

In the Philippines, a very young Jo (H.E.R.) is in class, telling the story of the forgotten island of Nakalimutan, or Nakali for short. To get her point across, she invokes the bloody story of Manananggal, which doesn’t go over very well. Landing her to wait for the principal, she is joined by a very young Raissa (Liza Soberano) who the same teacher sent for defending Jo’s position. Discussing their reasons with each other, it becomes very clear that these two were fated to be best friends.

Jo is a talented artist, and Rais is a brainiac, yet the two get along famously. Every adventure they go on adds to the bracelets they both wear. Rais also spends a lot of time listening to more stories of the forgotten island from Jo’s grandmother, Lola (Dolly de Leon), who has actually been there through a magical portal! Their goal? They both want to find the island too.

As the years go by, Jo is finding her way while Rais has found her direction – and it's off to America to attend Caltech. Celebrating their last night together, the shell they had been looking for appears, taking them away to the forgotten island. They wake up on the shore of the island and meet Raww (Dave Franco), who agrees to act as their tour guide because the girls don’t remember much of the prior night. Raww takes them to see Batiba (Jenny Slate) to help get their memories back, but it comes at a price.

On their journey to remember and find the missing portal key, Jo and Rais meet Tiyanak (Manny Jacino) the extremely large demon baby, Datu (Jo Koy), King of the Duwende Truffle Wuffle (Ronny Chieng), and Mermahn (Kevin McCann), the outrageous, well, Mermahn. The creature they are running from is the dreaded and feared Manananggal Manang (Lea Salonga). The goal is to get back home for Jo and Rais, but something wonderful happens along the way, and it’s something neither will ever forget.

H.E.R. and Soberano as Jo and Rais are everything one would want in a childhood best friend. They may have different areas of interest, but that doesn’t stop them from finding common ground. So much so that they are practically joined at the hip, and best friends wouldn’t want it any other way. Like sisters, there are moments of tension, but it doesn’t diminish the love they have for one another. They learn misunderstandings hurt, but a hug can heal so much in the heart. I just loved watching these two characters go through their journey, and it is H.E.R. and Soberano that kept my attention on the screen from start to finish.

Franco as Raww is hilarious, especially when his character sees a stick because, for anyone with a dog, we know it’s true. He is charming, strange, and full of twists and turns, but lovable to the end. Jacino as Datu cracked me up so much, becoming part of the band of misfits. McCann as Mermahn just shot out of nowhere in the film and made himself right at home with the gang. He is colorful, emotional, and an all-around good friend to have. Salonga as Manang is the creature the whole island fears, and with good reason. Shout out to Koy at Datu; I recognized his voice immediately, as well as his tone of humor.  

The film is set in the 1990s, which offers up the use of some pretty awesome music that will have some in the audience singing along rather quickly. This is the first animated film based on Philippine mythology, bringing the culture of family and traditions to the screen. The mixture of animation techniques (shifting from computer-generated to anime animation) adds so much more fun to the story from Jo’s side of the talented duo. Those techniques were inspired by Filipino art and graphic style.  

FORGOTTEN ISLAND comes in at one hundred and eight minutes of fun, laughs, action, color, friendship, mythology, and the wide human scope of love with all the problems that come with it. Generations in the family will find something heartwarming in this film. There is humor for all ages as well, which makes this a perfect family film to see from grandparents down to grandkids. It is films like this that allow families to come together, have a good time, and learn about another culture and its own mythology.

The film is beautifully done, exceptional in the animation, wonderful in the choice of cast, and when you mix that all together, FORGOTTEN ISLAND won’t be forgotten any time soon.

In the end – no memory left behind!

 

The Ladies are Back in PRACTICAL MAGIC 2

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently in theatres, from director Susanne Bier and Warner Bros. Pictures, is the return of the Owen sisters in PRACTICAL MAGIC 2.

Still living in Massachusetts, the Owens women are still dealing with the curse of their ancestor, Maria Owens. Sally (Sandra Bullock) has been raising her two daughters, Antonia (Maisie Williams) and Kylie (Joey King). What they don’t know is that their mother hasn’t told them one single thing about the magic they have inside them. Swearing sister Gillian (Nicole Kidman) to secrecy, they have managed to live on without exposing the truth. But, like all truths, it will rise like bread dough breaking through to the surface.

Aunt Jet (Dianne Wiest) is the first to realize it when she discovers the Book of Raven that may hold more explanation that haunts the sisters' ability to love without deadly consequences. Unfortunately, Aunt Jet can only leave the book behind as her time has come, much to the dismay of sister Frances (Stockard Channing). After mourning, a test comes when Kylie’s love, Gideon (Xolo Mariduena), is struck down and falls into a coma. A promise broken between the two sisters, Kylie’s anger sets her on a path with the book meant for Frances and a calling to head to England.

Sally and Gillian are told by Francis to follow and find Ian Wright (Lee Pace), a historian of magic who can help not only find Kylie, but discover what the book means to them. Sister Antonia stays at the hospital with Gideon, with Aunt Frances at their side. Kylie is following visions that lead her to Tom Bailey (Solly McLeod) and Lockland Manor with its dark history and more stories of the witches the Owens are related to.

Sally and Gillian meet with Ian Wright, but Sally feels as if something is off, and not just her magic. Not trusting Ian, she has no choice but to follow where he leads to understand what has become of Kylie and who is responsible. What they find there forces the sisters to come together once again to use their powers to face the darkness.

Bullock as Sally has been raising her daughters along with her two aunts and sister. Living without the use of magic, she believes it will keep her daughters safe. When it doesn’t due to a broken promise, Sally has to come to terms with reigniting her long-lost magic to save an angry daughter. I love when Bullock plays such strong characters, and coming back to an original character means that much more to me. She is an overprotective mother, a strait-laced sister, a loving niece, and a stubborn woman to the maximum, and I’m here for it. Playing opposite her ‘sister’ in Kidman, it felt like their chemistry hadn’t changed a bit.

Kidman as Gillian reprises her role as the ditzy sister who has no intention of settling down to domestic life or setting her magic aside for anyone. Clearly loving her Aunts as well as her nieces, she shows up as big a life itself with her own brand of scattered thoughts and funny comments. Kidman made it appear like she had a very good time coming back to the witchiness, making it look comfortable. When it comes time, her character is strong and knows her family is everything.

Pace as Ian is a professor who studies magic, and he knows there is dark magic after him as well as the Owens. It is Frances who directs Sally and Gillian to him, explaining that he knows what they do not about the family and its past. Knowing that Sally doesn’t trust him, he tries his best to help, but his emotions are out there for all to see. McLeod as Tom shares with Kylie the deep story behind the Owens' history and wants to help Kylie finish opening the Book of Ravens for the rest of the answers. There is a connection, and he shares what he knows. Not a huge role but a powerful one nonetheless.

King as Kylie is the typical college student who thinks they know everything till they don’t, and when they don’t like what’s happening, they fly off the handle. Kylie is reckless, isn’t thinking, and, by the way, who leaves their boyfriend in a coma and asks their sister to watch over him? I just couldn’t get behind that. Also, you think because you just learned you are a witch that you can cast a spell? Man, I wasn’t buying that in the slightest and, honestly, it was irritating. Williams as Antonia is a doctor who at least thinks in reality first and foremost. Not understanding what her sister is up to, she goes along to get along. Her role isn’t a large one, but she reminds me of Bullock’s character from the 1998 film. Strong, wise, a bit funny, and quirky.

Wiest as Jet just made my heart practically burst. Sweet, loving, a bit out there. It is clear she loves her family enough to sacrifice everything for them. It is so good to see her on the screen returning as Jet. Channing also returns as Frances, loving sister to Jet. She supports the family when needed and does so with such grace and elegance. Both of these wonderful actresses deserve all the kudos I can possibly give them.

PRACTICAL MAGIC 2 is based on the 2021 novel The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman, which is the sequel to the 1998 film PRACTICAL MAGIC.

I went in hoping that I wouldn’t be disappointed after all the time that has passed since the original film. It’s a hit-or-miss when enough time has passed to try and pick up the torch to see if it will work once again. Three generations of women in my family sat together, and no, we were not disappointed with the three generations of witches on the screen. We had such a fantastic time reacquainting ourselves with the Owen sisters, and investing in the new generation of sisters.

The story flowed so well between the generations when secrets are revealed, and bad intentions make Sally and Gillian suspicious of everyone- well, more Sally than anyone else. There is more of the history of the family that comes out as well, and I found it so interesting how it is woven into the story. There was absolutely nothing I didn’t enjoy. A nice bonus was Pace’s Ian being introduced as someone Sally fears losing after having lost so many.

There are so many surprises mixed in as well that the two-hour running time didn’t feel like it at all. Filling up all that time, I can honestly say there isn’t a need for a third installment of the story. I really enjoyed how it was wrapped up in a way that no fan of the original film should be unhappy. So gather up your own little coven and hit the theatres this weekend for a magical good time.

In the end – this is everything you witched for!

The Mission is all About THE FIX

 Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this week from writer/director Guy Moshe, Briarcliff and Inaugural Entertainment is the tale of war, greed, and trust about THE FIX.

Larry (Liam Neeson) is a CIA agent in 2021, dealing with a 2021 Special Ops mission in Kabul. When things go seriously wrong, the effects of it cause him debilitating pain. The death of his men and feeling as if he failed the team make it a struggle for him to continue in his role as a leader. Several years later, Tucker (Zachary Levi) is now the Special Ops leader, and Larry is once again the handler when things go wrong. This causes Tucker to have to deal with his own demons about his profession. One of them is being away from his young son, as his ex-wife Sophie (Annet Mahendru) has remarried and moved on with her life.

Taking a visit to see Larry after learning he is suffering from dementia, Tucker spends time and begins to hear ramblings from the elderly man. The most shocking is that in a hotel in Tehran, there is $25 million dollars stashed away and has been there since the Iranian Revolution. After seeing that his former team is hurting in a way that money can help with, Tucker decides it's time to get the band back together. In order to make this work, Tucker must reach out to contacts who agree to help as long as they rescue activist Maryam (Lara Wolf).

To help with the mission, Tucker hires Zara (Elnaaz Norouzi), a young woman who can pose as Tucker’s wife and also speaks the language. Learning that the hotel no longer exists and is now a government facility. Tucker and his men will do what they do best: get in, get out, and get home! Of course, you have to know who to trust to make that happen.

Levi as Tucker is a man haunted by so many different things he doesn’t know where to even begin. From a mission that went to a place he can’t get past, to only seeing his son from a distance because of what he does, he decides to take one last job. Not for his own personal gain, but to help the men he shared years with in the military and the suffering each has gone through since then. Levi is fine for this role. He manages to pull off the right kind of swagger. His character has no clue what he’s gotten himself into, and it puts everyone, once again, in danger. I do enjoy the moments between his character and Neeson’s, a good watch.

Neeson as Larry has seen as much go wrong as Tucker has. Now, with a medical condition, he has one last big secret that he entrusts to Tucker. I love the fact that Neeson has always played diverse characters, whether they be good, bad, or indifferent in the storyline; I can always count on him to give it his all and love every moment of it. He may not have as much camera time as Levi, but when he is on, he is on point and doesn’t hold back!

Norouzi as Zara takes on the role of Tucker’s wife, and when things get very dangerous, she refuses to leave him. That’s when lines are crossed, making things even more dangerous than ever. Norouzi is a stunner and definitely gives the highly male cast a run for their money. Wolf as Maryam is an activist trying to help rescue Iranian women from a fate worse than death. She is headstrong and refuses to give in when she probably should. There comes a moment in the film where a decision she makes will have her feeling the same way Tucker does. So well done.

Shout-out to Mahendru as ex-wife Sophie. As mad as she might be at Tucker for the way he had handled the relationship with their son, when Tucker needs her, she knows exactly what to do. I loved that about her character. Also, Navid Negahban as Qasim, in charge of the military installation where the money is hidden, gets a chance to be the serious bad guy who is just as determined as Tucker to take American prisoners.

Other cast include Grant Harvey as Matt, Oliver Trevena as Col. Wilkes, Augusto Aguilera as Bruce, Despina Mirou as Katarina, and Wes Chatham as Alex.  

THE FIX is a lengthy film that, quite honestly, didn’t need to be over a two-hour film. I appreciate keeping the backstory quick and to the point, allowing the story to evolve naturally, but there are moments that were dragged out and could have been cut altogether. There are several plot lines that I feel have been seen in other films as well. It doesn’t change the dynamic of the film; I’ve just seen enough films to recognize it.

The cast that director Moshe has put together works seamlessly together. The action can be very intense at times, as each person has their own reason for doing what they are doing. This is definitely a heist of a different kind, if you consider what the group is doing a heist. Fund relocation, perhaps? The set looks authentic to what one would expect of Iran and the behavior of bad men doing bad things.

There are plenty of twists, turns, lies, stretched-out truths, and men who want to take on this private mission for their own reasons. It is up to the audience to keep up with it all and pay attention to the small details. Between the lies and the truth are the facts that are about to change everything.

In the end – settle the score!

 

 

MINIONS & MONSTERS Brings Giggles to Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Now on Bluray and Digital in a Collector’s Edition from director Pierre Coffin, Patrick Delage, Illumination, and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes another adventure from our favorite MINIONS & MONSTERS.

Olivia (Allison Janney) is a tour guide taking a group of people through a film history museum. Talking about all the exhibits, they come to a statue of two famous Minions. No one in the crowd knew the story of the Minions James and Henry. In their tribe of Minions, they go through time trying to find a villain to serve. James is a different kind of Minion who loves telling stories, much to the head Minion Dick’s dismissal. On their hunt for a bad guy, James meets Henry and becomes best friends.

While on the hunt, the Minions find themselves in Hollywood, and James, along with best friend Harry, finds Tinseltown to their liking. Becoming friends with director Max (Christoph Waltz) after he realizes their potential, film execs Frank and Elwood (both played by Jeff Bridges) love their film silliness. The Minions are becoming globally famous, but that is short-lived once films go from silent to talkies. Back on the streets, fending for themselves, James has a moment of brilliance: it’s time for them to make a monster movie!

Minion Ed had taken a spell book through their travels, and James uses it to conjure up real-life monsters for their film. The first to show up is Cthulhu Goomi (Trey Parker), who knows exactly where to find monsters Phillip (Bobby Moynihan) and Howard (Phil LaMarr) to be a part of the film. James and Henry are excited, but there is one problem: Goomi has his own ideas about what monsters really want to do.

Pierre Coffin as the Minions had a full-time job in this film. This is probably the most the Minions have spoken. They are hilarious, funny, and it’s easy to pick out the Spanish words mixed in the gibberish. The craziness and chaos are what the Minions are famous for, and they won’t let viewers down.

Waltz as Max starts out crazed by the Minions. Once he sees the possibilities, he not only makes films with them; he befriends them. His voice is so cool with this character; I actually wish he were in it longer. Bridges’ voice for both Frank and Elwood, studio execs who know what they want in a film, and the Minions fit the bill.

Parker as Goomi is a mixture of cute and evil, as the smallest Cthulhu I’ve ever seen. But don’t let the size fool you. Parker’s voice lends itself to the humor you’d expect and the evil that I’m sure he loved playing. Moynihan as Phillip and LaMarr as Howard are the two summoned monsters who follow along with Goomi’s plan but get lost in it all when Irene shows up.

Shout-out to Allison Janney because I am the biggest fan of this lady. She made the narration so much fun.

Other cast include Jesse Eisenberg as Dort, Zoey Deutch as Debbie, and George Lucas as George Lucas.

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

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

Bonus Features include Minions Take on Hollywood, Casting MINIONS & MONSTERS, Hollywood Sound, How To Make Your Own Irene Blob Monster Slime, Movie-Making Minions Style, and How to Draw.

The Minions first came to the screen in 2010 with DESPICABLE ME, and everyone who was anyone fell in love with the yellow gibberish-talking creatures. Their antics were childish, giggling at things we all giggle about, but they make it even better. My family not only loves the Minions, but we also have them around the house for daily giggles and smiles.

For families looking for things to do to stay cool indoors, MINIONS & MONSTERS is time spent together. The film is brilliant, colorful, and fun, and has laughs for both adults and kids, which adds to the fun. The film does have old movie references that the adults will enjoy, such as knowing who George Lucas is, but it doesn’t change the delight for children. Mixing that with the humor of the Minions, even if we can’t understand everything they say.

There is the usual slapstick humor, charm, and silly antics as we would expect. That being said, as much fun as I had, I missed Gru, Dr. Nefario, the girls, and the relationship with the Minions. But there is fun at the beginning of the film and when the credits roll, so expect more giggles from memorable friends.

In the end – it’s an adventure all its own!

DISCLOSURE DAY Beams Down on Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from writer/director Steven Spielberg, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes the story of hiding the truth in DISCLOSURE DAY: Collector’s Edition.

Daniel Killner (Josh O’Connor) finds himself in the middle of a deal for the return of his girlfriend Jane (Eve Hewson). For that to happen, he must deal with Noah Scanlon (Colin Firth), the head of Wardex. The only one to help them is Hugo Wakefield (Colman Domingo). It is immediately clear that Daniel has something that Scanlon desperately wants.

Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt) is a weather girl at a local Kansas City station. Living with musician boyfriend Jackson (Wyatt Russell), her life begins to change when a Cardinal lands in her apartment. When she is in front of the camera, an event happens that has caught the attention of the wrong people.

Daniel and Jane are on the run! He must finally reveal all to Jane, and it costs her immediately. At the same time, Margaret’s new abilities let her know that the only way for her is to also run, but toward the danger. As much as these instincts might frighten her, they also empower her to find the one name that keeps coming to her mind – Daniel Killner.

Wanting to stop them both, Scanlon uses every piece of technology he has, including one specific piece of technology that isn’t quite of this planet. One side wants to keep secrets at all costs, and the other wants to disclose to the world that we are not alone in the world.

O’Connor as Daniel is a young man with a past that brought him to work for Wardex. While there, he discovers that he was hired to keep secrets when Daniel believes the whole world should know what has happened in 70 years. I have become such a fan of O’Connor and the characters he plays. In this film, the character he plays just doesn’t do him justice. Without giving anything away, Daniel’s story connects.

Blunt as Margaret doesn’t waste any time involving herself in the mystery of not only the things she can mysteriously do, but also piecing together her part in the grand scheme of it all. The conflict with this character is something from her past that has led her to the moment she stepped in front of the studio camera. Blunt is one of my favorite actresses. She has the ability to give such a wide range of emotions, some of it through humor. As Margaret, she drives the roller coaster of every human condition.

Firth as Scanlon believes he is doing the right things, but some believe it is for all the wrong reasons. His need to control every situation and those in the situation; he has no fear of using whatever technology or manpower that is available. There is a part of his character that believes he has the right to do so. Firth has always been on my watch list because he always chooses the unexpected roles. As Scanlon, he believes he is justified in everything he does, good or bad. I’m thrilled to see him on the screen.

Domingo as Hugo, is the connection between everyone. A former employee of Wardex, he has taken it upon himself to see everything through with Daniel and Margaret. Knowing Scanlon is hot on their trail, he makes it clear that everything will come together as it should, and no one is going to stop them. Domingo is such a wonderful actor, and as Hugo, he gives compassion and the belief that fear is what stops everything that needs to be embraced.

Hewson as Jane, brings in the religious element, challenging whether the human race is God’s only creation, but what if we are not? It’s an interesting thought, although I’m not sure it works in the film. Hewson does offer up that thought choice. Russell, as boyfriend, Jackson is a musician and more concerned with his life than that of his girlfriend. He is also playing the stereotypical role of a boyfriend who doesn’t listen. Great.

Other cast includes Delaney Cuthbert as young Margaret, Tyler Renaud as young Daniel, Henry Lloyd-Hughes as Casper Boys, Hettienne Park as Serena, Tommy Martinez as Dave Santiago, Gabby Beans as Angela Childs, Jeremy Shamos as Claypool, Revon Yousif as Agent Reza, and Elizabeth Marvel as Sister Maura.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and is 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.

Exclusive Bonus Features include ENCOUNTERING THE UNKNOWN: Inside DISCLOSURE DAY: Join Steven Spielberg, Emily Blunt, and the rest of the cast in this over 50-minute look at the filmmaking secrets and real-life inspirations behind the movie.

All the musical tracks are done by the incomparable John Williams. He actually has composed the music for other Spielberg films such as JAWS, CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, E.T. the EXTRA TERRESTRIAL, JURASSIC PARK, SCHINDLER’S LIST, and SAVING PRIVATE RYAN.

In the end – welcome to Disclosure Day!

THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS Celebrates 25th Anniversary

 

Jeri Jacquin

Celebrating 25 years on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and Digital from director Rob Cohen and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the 2001 iconic film THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS.

Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker) is an LAPD officer now undercover with an FBI task force after a heist at the Port of Los Angeles. The job is to find out who is responsible. O’Conner starts at Toretto’s Market & Café and meets Mia (Jordana Brewster), sister of the infamous Dominic “Dom” Toretto (Vin Diesel), a trouble-making street racer. He isn’t the only person the cop is watching. Toretto’s crew consists of girlfriend Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), Vince (Matt Schulze), Leon (Johnny Strong), and Jesse (Chad Lindberg).

It is Vince who doesn’t like O’Conner and starts a fight, and Dom steps in with his own brand of threats. Harry (Vyto Ruginis) has to step in to keep the peace between the two. The only thing O’Conner can do is race Dom, but the police show up, and Dom has to get away. Trying to help, both he and Dom end up in a rival territory, and payment for that is the car! Peace offering Dom’s anger, O’Conner delivers a car, and they all start vamping it up. At the same time, he starts dating Dom’s sister Mia.

He also discovers one of the cars used in the port heist, and it seems as if Vince might be right about him. Trying to hide it under the guise of race preparation, O’Conner is also dealing with his boss, who is not happy that things are taking so long. Things begin to become even more complicated as O’Conner has to decide between the job and friendship. It is never easy to stay on one side only!

Walker as O’Conner is a man on a mission, but finds himself in a dilemma of the job and the friendships he is forging with the people he is investigating. Walker made the role his own to the point that, upon his death, there was no way to replace him in the franchise. Playing O’Conner, Walker may seem out of place in the crew, but he slips right in and sees a life he could never have imagined. Diesel as Dom made his character even more iconic in the franchise. His sullen expressions oozes danger, and the only people he trusts are his crew and his sister. Diesel plays the action role as he always does, with a deep voice and a man with a plan.

Rodriguez as Letty may be Dom’s girlfriend, but she is also strong and doesn’t take any garbage from anyone. Rodriguez gives us a female character that can hold her own and still be Dom’s woman. Brewster as Mia takes to O’Conner but knows she has to get past her brother. She is cute in this role and plays off Walker with ease. Shulze, Strong and Lindberg are part of Dom’s crew – suspicious, wary but up for a good race.

Other cast include Matt Schulze as Vince, Ted Levine as Sgt. Tanner, Thom Barry as Agent Bilkins, Noel Gugliemi as Hector, Stanton Rutledge as Muse, RJ de Vera as Danny Yamato, Beau Holden as Ted Gassner, Reggie Lee as Lance Nguyen, and Ja Rule as Edwin.

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

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

Bonus Features include Riding a Legacy: 25 Years of Fast, Deleted Scenes, The Making of THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS, More Than Furious, Dom’s Charger, Quarter Mile at a Time, Tricking Out a Hot Import Car, Multiple Camera Angle – Stunt Sequence, Movie Magic Interactive – Special Effects, Featurette on Editing for the Motion Picture Association of America, Visual Effects Montage, Storyboards-to=Final Feature Comparison, Ja Rule “Furious” Music Video, Speed News Wrap, and Feature Commentary with Director Rob Cohen.

No one could have imagined that this franchise would be as huge as it is. Starting in 2001 with THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS, 2003 2 FAST 2 FURIOUS, 2003 THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS: Turbo Charged, 2006 THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS: Tokyo Drift, 2009 FAST & FURIOUS, 2009 FAST & FURIOUS: Los Bandoleros, 2011 FAST FIVE, 2013 FAST & FURIOUS 6, 2015 FURIOUS 7, 2017 THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS, 2019 FAST & FURIOUS: Hobbs & Shaw, and 2021 F9.

Growing up with a family of car lovers, I participated in helping to rebuild cars with my father, from a Renault to a 64’ Mustang; I completely took to the film when it came out. I learned what every part of an engine did and how to make it move even faster. There was even a place where everyone took their handiwork to race and show off. Ahhhh, the good old days, eh? After the film came out, Motorheads and Grease Monkeys came out of the woodwork to show off their creations as well.

What THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS did was bring a culture out to fast that it made studio heads swim. There are movies about Gearheads, but this particular film brought out the good, the bad, the action, and friendship in a way that it became relatable. The cast truly brings the film together and, because of that, this franchise always wins at the box office. Now, celebrating its 25^th anniversary, the film is just as relatable today as in 2001 when it was released.

The 4K Ultra HD and Bluray have over two hours of Bonus Features that also include Riding a Legacy: 25 Years of Fast that includes Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Producer Neal Moritz, and Meadow Walker reflecting on 25 years of THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS in Cannes.

Find the biggest screen in the house, turn up the soundbar, and get back in the action with suspense and speed! Become part of the Toretto family!

In the end – if you have what it takes, you can have it all!

He is the Memorable TONY

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Matt Johnson and A24 is the story of a young man and a life he never expected with TONY.

Tony Bourdain (Dominic Sessa) is a college student in 1975 who cannot get his parents to accept that he wants to be a writer. The only way to get away is by telling his family he won a fellowship and is off to New York City. What they don’t know is that he is also following the lovely Nancy Putkoski (Emilia Jones). When the fellowship doesn’t happen, Tony takes off for Provincetown in Massachusetts because he knows Nancy will be there.

Once there, Tony is in for a surprise when he sees the girl who makes his heart thump–she is with another guy. Determined to drown his sorrows in alcohol, he ends up at the local restaurant The Flagship. Making a fool of himself, he gets thrown out on his behind! With no money, no scholarship, and a bad attitude, the only thing he can do is ask for a job from Chef (Antonio Banderas) and hope for a place to stay and start as a dishwasher.

The other kitchen staff gives Tony a hard time, but he finds a friend in Sal (Leo Woodall) who seems to be everything Tony would like to be. Confident, gets the girl, and has a habit that isn’t going to get him through life. When Sal doesn’t show up to work, Tony finds himself cooking. Chef sees something in the young man and starts by teaching him discipline and dedication to everything he does in his kitchen.

Tony sees an opportunity to impress Nancy and invites her to eat at The Flagship and introduces the restaurant to finer dishes. When tragedy strikes The Flagship and Tony’s deceptions become clear, he has to find a way to make it right in a place that he has come to love and with people who have heart.

Sessa as Tony is absolutely stunning. He portrays a young man who is reckless, careless, and, using the slang of today, feeling himself. Trying to bend the world to his will, he learns that the world tends to fight back. Each move he makes is truly on the edge of a sharp kitchen knife until he finally sees his path. Sessa’s 24-year-old timing is that of a seasoned actor. His scenes with Banderas are flawless and had me glued to my seat. In a short time and short resume, Sessa proves as Tony that he deserves center stage. In the film, that’s exactly what he got. Well deserved.

Banderas as Chef is a centered man. He takes his restaurant seriously and expects discipline in the kitchen. He sees something in Tony that he never saw in himself. A friendship blossoms between the two that is something needed. One mistake could have destroyed that, but Tony, in one moment, grows up and Chef sees it. Banderas is always interesting to watch, and in TONY, his character is the cement that holds them all together. He has his own story, of course, but instead of letting it break him, it made him. That’s what he portrays, and it’s beautiful. 

Woodall as Leo is the fly in the calm ointment. He is outrageous, dangerous, and, in his own way, a caring person. He tries to bring Tony into his reckless world but has no grip on his own life. The first time I noticed Woodall was in the 2025 film NUREMBERG, and I knew then, like Sessa, that in his short career, his impact is noticeable and strong. His character is as confused about life as Tony, but his path filled with bumps is far more dangerous than his friends'.

Other cast includes Dagmara Dominczyk as Gladys Bourdain, Rich Sommer as Pierre Bourdain, Ava Davey Bissett as Vicky, Caroline Portu as Robin, Derek K. Moore as Manny, Monica Raymund as Mary, Liam Fitch as Christopher, Stravros Halkias as Stravos, and Michael Jibrin as Tyrone.

Bourdain described his early years as, “I was – to be frank – a spoiled, miserable, narcissistic, self-destructive and thoughtless young lout, badly in need of a good ass kicking.” The story is based on Bourdain’s years working in Provincetown, with stories in the memoir Kitchen Confidential (2000)

TONY takes Bourdain’s journey step by step, filled with a young man’s angst, inability to please his parents, and eager enough to take the step that brings him to Provincetown. Watching Sessa bring Bourdain to life is nothing short of amazing. With Woodall and Banderas, the film takes the seaport journey as slow as life was in 1975. From bonfires to clam bakes, Tony’s life became part of a town he hadn’t planned to stay in.

I love the feel of the film and its simplicity. The costuming is so perfect for the times, hairstyles, and free attitude. The cinematography is absolutely everything because it is a character in the story as well. It completes the story director Johnson is trying to tell. Normally, I’m not a huge fan of biopics, but TONY is an exception. It doesn’t feel glorifying, but instead raw and stripped down to the heart of the story, and that is a young man who found his passion in an unexpected place.  

In the end – he followed a girl into an unsuspecting career!

There are Consequences with a MUTINY

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Jean-Francois Richet and Lionsgate is the story of a man, loyalty, and revenge with MUTINY.

Cole Reed (Jason Statham) is a guard to wealthy businessman Taran (Jason Wong) and his son Kameron (Chaneil Kular). After celebrating the sale of his company, Reed drives Taran home. The problem is, they are ambushed, and now Reed is out for blood. He discovers that one of the hitmen looks a bit like him and works on one of Taran’s ships, the KMG. Managing to board the ship, he discovers that the police want him for the murder of his friend. While on the ship, he discovers a shipping container has human beings alive inside.

Arriving on the ship and being called for duty, Angie Ellis (Annabelle Wallis) is not happy because it means not seeing her daughter. Introducing herself to Captain Marko Madsen (Roland Moller) with an attitude. While on watch, she discovers the same container of people that Reed found. Going to the captain with the news, she soon discovers that he is keenly aware of their cargo, as is the crew. Running for her life, she finds Reed; they form a plan to help the kidnapped men, women, and children to get them away from Madsen.  

Angie makes a call to any ship close to them and is answered by the U.S. Navy’s captain (Adrian Lester), who becomes suspicious about the story the ship's captain is spewing. While Reed and Agie turn the ship inside out and upside down to keep the kidnapped people safe, they have to hurry. Coming up close is another boat that wants the human cargo. What they don’t know is that Reed is in revenge beast mode and finding those responsible for Taran, the kidnappings, and hurting Angie; well, what comes to them shouldn’t surprise anyone.

Well, let’s just say the water is going to get rougher than anyone on that ship could imagine.

Statham as Reed does what he is good at. First, the action is intense, and the fight scenes are going to have people shouting out loud. The characters he plays aren’t always very talkative, and in this film, it is true. He’s a man of few words and loads of action, showing no mercy, especially with things like a lock on a container. Don’t worry, you’ll understand when you see it. His character is ruthless, focused, and has no problem with taking the hits. I think his character sees each hit as like pouring gasoline on an already intense bonfire!

Wallis as Angie is a young mother trying to get back to her daughter. Being called into work with the threat of being fired, it doesn’t stop her from having an attitude or taking a hit herself. She is clever and strong, not showing an ounce of fear to the bad guys. Wallis gives her character sassy and intelligent, making it very plain that she is not a victim, but a fighter. Wong as Taran is the key reason for Reed’s need for vengeance. Seeing Reed as family, Taran knows everything will be taken care of, but not in the way he may have thought. Wong portrays his character as a man of deep feeling and quiet introspection. He is the calm in the madness.

Moller as Captain Marco Madsen is as cool as a cucumber at all times. Hard to rattle and even more difficult when he realizes Reed is on board. He’s like a dog with a bone, not about to give up easily. The highest compliment I can give Moller is that he reminded me of Hans Gruber from DIE HARD, but on the water. The final scene between him and Statham is epic and memorable. Well done, sir! Moller gives Kular, as son, Kameron, convincing his father to sell the business. A quiet character as well, and the final scene between Kular and Statham is chilling. Lester as the U.S. Naval captain, has strong spidey-senses and does his homework before getting involved in the phone call Angie made. I enjoy characters like that. 

Other cast include Ramon Tikaram, Arnas Fedaravicius, Lee Charles, Rumi Sutton, Ben Cartwright, Steven Blades, Simon Kluth, and Tom Christian

Lionsgate is responsible for the franchises that include THE HUNGER GAMES and DIVERGENT along with iconic and now untouchable JOHN WICK. Now, adding this film to its 16,000 motion pictures and television titles, you can see everything coming soon as well as available now at http://www.lionsgate.com.

MUTINY is definitely an action, adventure, high body count film that starts slow to give the story a bit of context before Statham goes hog wild! As I said before, a man of few words letting his ability to kick the bad guys down speak for itself. Filming on the ship keeps the focus on the story with nothing but a smidge of outside distraction. It is a game of cat and mouse, and Statham, Wallis, and Moller play flawlessly. Once the action picks up, it is a roller coaster ride of hide and seek, but with a lot of weaponry.

The cast is small, keeping the focus on the star of the show, Statham. He is maybe one step ahead of Wallis and Moller, and I’m okay with that. Is the concept original? No. Does it feel like I experienced some easter eggs? Quite possibly. Whether they were intentional or not, this film will test your blood pressure for sure, but in the best way possible. This is a film that doesn’t ask anything of you but to get comfortable in your seat, keep the popcorn coming, cheer and shout and jaw drop at the surprises. MUTINY is a really good distraction for the hour and forty-five-minute run of the film.

In the end – there could be blood in the water!

 

War Has Built in PRESSURE on Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on streaming, on Bluray and Digital from director Anthony Maras, Focus Features and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes the true story of the seventy-two hours before D-Day, when they are all under PRESSURE.

The plans have been made, and General Dwight D. ‘Ike’ Eisenhower (Brendan Fraser) is preparing for all contingencies. The one thing he cannot predict? The weather. That’s when the general calls in Group Captain James Stagg (Andrew Scott), a man recommended by Churchill himself. His job is clear: to do whatever is needed to accurately predict the weather on June 5th, 1944, when all the Allied Forces are due to land on the beaches of Normandy.

Stagg is a no-nonsense man who gets to work, even if Eisenhower’s weather prediction by Irving Krick (Chris Messina) says everything is a go in sunny skies. Keeping an eye on Stagg is the general’s right-hand woman, Kay Summersby (Kerry Condon), who sees that Stagg is up against it. When called to give a briefing, Stagg tells a room full of military men things they don’t want to hear. The loudest complaint comes from Bernard Montgomery (Damian Lewis).

When Stagg and Krick are at odds with one another, it is on Eisenhower’s shoulders to make the decision that will decide the fate of every soldier who is to hit that beach. There are memories he deals with that make his choice between the two men’s reports extremely difficult. When the choice is made for him, Stagg and Krick come together, and there is only one moment in the clouds that turns the tide.

Fraser, as General Dwight D. Eisenhower, hits the screen in a bold approach to the role. Anyone who knows history will immediately pick up on the fact that Fraser does not attempt to mimic the historical figure. Instead, the actor portrays him as a deeply human leader under extraordinary strain. Fraser’s Eisenhower is tired, somewhat guilt-ridden, and quietly desperate, all while maintaining a general’s outward appearance. Fraser’s emotional depth ultimately anchors the film.

Scott as Stagg brings in meteorologist James Stagg as a man who clearly understands the assignment, literally. Scott captures the anxiety of a man whose calculations could change history, portraying Stagg as both brilliant and haunted by the weight of responsibility. His performance injects urgency into scenes that might otherwise feel static. I’m a huge fan of Scott, and this performance in PRESSURE is absolutely one of the reasons why.

Condon as Summersby portrays a woman who clearly understands what it means to know her boss. Strong, very intelligent, and swift in her delivery, Condon also portrays a person who is in the midst of a war, never forgetting her humanity. I adore that about this character. Messina, as Krick, is the polar opposite of Stagg. He may be a man of weather science, but he tends to lead with more of a lax attitude than his counterpart. Following charts and patterns instead of reality, it is what causes conflict. Well done.

Lewis, as Montgomery portrays a man who is definitely in war mode, and he doesn’t want anything, even the weather, to get in his way of success. He doesn’t believe in what Stagg is trying to do and is often very confrontational with Eisenhower. Watching the top brass have a go at one another can be amusing, but Eisenhower knows how to put a stop to that!

Other cast include Tamsin Topolski as Lizz Stagg, Jojo Macari as Andrew Carter, Con O’Neil as Air Marshal Leigh-Mallory, Alexander Hanson as General Omar Bradley, and Robert Portal as Admiral Bertram Ramsay.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and is 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.

Exclusive Bonus Features include Building Pressure: Go behind the scenes as the filmmakers and cast break down the story’s origins and the complex characters who were pivotal in changing the course of history, and An Authentic World of War: From set design and camera choreography to period props and costumes, filmmakers reveal the details they used to shape an accurate recreation of the era.

In PRESSURE, director Anthony Maras delivers a gripping and unexpected take on World War II, shifting focus away from the battlefield and into the tense confines of Allied command rooms. Centered on the crucial days leading up to D-Day, the film explores how one decision—based largely on uncertain weather forecasts—could determine the fate of thousands.

What makes PRESSURE so compelling to watch is its restraint. This is not a traditional war epic filled with explosions and combat sequences. Instead, it thrives on dialogue, moral dilemmas, and the suffocating tension of uncertainty. The film unfolds like a high-stakes chess match, where every move is debated, second-guessed, and fraught with consequences.

Visually, the film leans into tight rooms where decisions are made, which adds another level to the title of the film. War rooms are tense, where a ticking clock is what replaces gunfire. There are a few moments where the film takes a breather in its pace, but the film succeeds in offering a fresh perspective on a well-known historical event. The film does remind me of other historical pieces such as CHURCHILL and THE IMITATION GAME.

PRESSURE is a thoughtful and quietly intense drama. It may not satisfy viewers looking for action-heavy war spectacle, but for those interested in the human side of leadership and the invisible forces that influence monumental decisions, it delivers a compelling experience.

In the end – one decision changed the world!

Beware of the SEVEN SNIPERS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from director Sandra Sciberras and Well Go USA comes a fight against greed and destruction when it comes to SEVEN SNIPERS.

Voodoo (Radha Mitchell) is a former elite sniper who now lives on a spread in the Australian countryside with her daughter Anja (Annabel Wolfe). While Anja is out on a camping trip with her boyfriend, Voodoo is visited by a man pretending to be a real estate agent. Phillips (Ryan Kwante) isn’t there to talk about the price of her land; instead, he is just the beginning of a reason she needs help.

Who is out to get her? A man they call The Dragon (Tim Roth), and just by the mention of his name is causes people to run away. Calling in her former elite colleagues White Dog (Damien Ryan), Junior (Charles Cottier), Nico (Pacharo Mzembe), Milk (Ioan Gruffudd), and Kaldayev (Bianca Wallace). The problem is, the Dragon is faster, sharper, and it doesn’t take long for the hits to come.

Anja is as headstrong as her mother as she takes off to go find the boyfriend she left behind at the campgrounds. The girl finally realizes that this is all actually happening and she needs to rely on her mother more than ever if they are to make it out of this alive.

Mitchell as Voodoo is a woman who spent years in the military doing things no one else wants to do. Finding her way to the remote Australian farm to get away from it all, there is always a chance things could come back to haunt her, but never like this. Mitchell gives her character the strength to not only know to call for help, but who to call because of how good they are. I like that in a character, but I love it in a female character that doesn’t take any garbage. Well done.

Roth as the Dragon plays his role as I always see when he plays a bad guy. Here again is a character that doesn’t rattle easily, doesn’t get upset when things don’t go exactly right, and is not moved by emotion. That’s what makes him such a fantastic actor to watch in this film. Every move he makes is deliberate, and his patience is flawless…except when it isn’t. Cottier as Junior is dealing with fright, but at the same time it is clear that he at least wants to try. Mzembe as Nico also spends his time in the field looking for the elusive Dragon.

Gruffudd as Milk is equally as patient because he knows the man that’s hunting them. Knowing the enemy is half the battle. That doesn’t mean he’s going to take anything that happens lying down; instead, he holds his ground. He has a history with both the Dragon and Voodoo, and that history can also be used as a weapon. Wolfe as Anja is a teenager who one minute thinks she knows what’s best because she’s oh-so-grown and the next, she’s blaming her mother for things with no understanding of the situation at all. Yeah, I’m not a big fan of teens in films these days. I don’t have a soft spot for teen characters that think they know more than anyone else around them, putting more people in danger. Just not a fan.

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.

SEVEN SNIPERS is basic town down to the bare minimum film that doesn’t mess around. Instead, it brings the action and suspense front and center where it should be. This is definitely a no-frills story, but that makes it actually more enjoyable to watch. There aren’t any exploding buildings or screaming and raging; instead, it's pure survival in its primal form.

The cinematography works in this film because it keeps the focus on the trees, the field, and the house. Focus on that, and it is even more thrilling because it is all about what you can’t see. By the time you catch on, another one drops and no one knows the direction it has come from. The suspense is drawn out time and time again until the epic confrontation comes to its surprising conclusion.

The cast gets a chance to tackle roles in a dark story, and I enjoyed each of them. Personally happy to see Kwanten and Gruffudd on the screen again. Mitchell is a complete badass of the highest order, and Roth is making sure every scene is filled with tension and shock! The film is loosely inspired by the Akira Kurosawa masterpiece SEVEN SAMURAI.

In the end – she escaped her past until it hunted her down!

PANDA PLAN: The Magical Tribe

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from director Derek Hui and Well Go USA comes the next adventure of the cutest panda and his friend with PANDA PLAN: The Magical Tribe.

Jackie Chan, in trying to return his panda friend home, might have made a bit of a miscalculation Hu Hu, the panda, finds himself walking into a primitive tribe that has pretty much isolated itself from the outside world. When the Chieftain (Ma Li) sees the panda, she is told by the High Priest (Zhang Zidong) that the arrival of Hu Hu could spell catastrophe for the tribe. Jackie, on the other hand, has found himself captive by other tribesmen and has to fight his way out with a game of whack-a-mole of sorts. That’s when he realizes he is in the same village as Hu Hu and they see him as The Messenger.

Now, to prevent the disaster from coming, Hu Hu and Jackie need to reach the summit and summon the gods so that heaven and earth will be in balance again. Someone else has a better idea: Lord Tu Lu (Yu Yang) knows that he cannot let someone not of the tribe get the credit for saving them all. Qiang Shan (Qiao Shan) is called upon to take out Jackie. Even when he tries to escape with Hu Hu, the mountain has other plans for these two.

Jackie actually begins to find a connection with the Chieftain and the dual personality Qiang Shan. They learn from each other about Hu Hu, their differences that are not so different, and friendship. That is if Lord Tulu can control Ben (Ke Da), Ba (Wang Chengsi), and Bo (Song Muzi)!

Chan as himself, is a man who is so connected to his panda friend Hu Hu, he wants to do what is best for him. In this isolated village, he is up against some very strange individuals and their even stranger beliefs. What I like about Chan in this role is that he mixes comedy, slapstick, and martial arts for this family film. It’s nice to see him take on the mantle of panda protector as well. Li as the Chieftain is responsible for a whole village of people who have a whole lineage of beliefs that are hard to be separated from. She is fierce but also learns from Chan that there is more to life, and she should experience it all.

Shan as Qiang has double duty in the film. Starting out as a man on a mission of destruction, a whack on the head turns him into a protector of Chan’s messenger. It is very funny to watch him interchange his role and how it always comes about. He is charming, sweet, and vicious all in the same film, which is hilarious. Yang as Tu Lu is a son who clearly has mommy issues and doesn’t want to lose his position in line for the throne. Using the Three Stooges to help him, he constantly cannot control his hostility.

Ke Da, Chengsi and Muzi as Ben, Ba and Bo are the three who can’t seem to get it together. They want to please Tu Lu, but every time they step forward with information, it never pans out for them. Then again, when you play stupid games you win stupid prizes!

Other cast include Wang Yinglu as Sha Yi, Wang Xing as Wang Xing, and Feng Man as Historiographer.

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

The Bluray includes the Bonus Features of English Available and Trailer for PANDA PLAN: The Magical Tribe.

PANDA PLAN: The Magical Tribe is a film for families who love pandas for one. Also, it is a film filled with silliness, slapstick comedy, and martial arts that isn’t vicious. Watching the village come alive, realizing there is so much more to life than they could have imagined, it includes friendship, love, and hugs. All of this is because of Jackie Chan and Hu Hu.

From start to finish, the film is charming, full of adventure, and a wonderful sequel to the 2024 original PANDA PLAN. So, get the family together, get your best panda stuffed animals, panda blanket, and panda pajamas, cuddle up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn, and be part of the action. Remember, it is all about helping others and chasing a few butterflies here and there that make life wonderful.

In the end – it’s time to uncover ancient secrets the panda way!

SPIDER-MAN: Brand New Day

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Destin Daniel Cretton, Columbia Pictures, and Marvel Studios is the next adventure for SPIDER-MAN: Brand New Day.

It has been a few years since Peter Parker aka. Spider-Man (Tom Holland) has dealt with his aunt, friends MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon), who have moved on, not knowing Peter ever existed. Now, living alone, he keeps himself busy fighting crime in New York and working with Detective Jean De Wolff (Liza Colon-Zayas). His latest crime-fighting episode brings Spider-Man literally face-to-gun-in-the-face with the Punisher, Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal).

If that isn’t keeping him from thinking about his friends, there are strange spikes in his spider DNA that are causing migraines and bouts of strength, starting with his web shooter. For that, he visits someone who has been there, Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo). Bill Mezer (Tramell Tillman), head of the Department of Damage Control, wants to know if Spider-Man wants to be part of their work, especially since there is someone strange (Sadie Sink) who has entered his life. The stranger is looking for something very specific and will stop at nothing to find it. Getting in her way is not a good idea!

The truth of it all for Spider-Man is that he is changing; he misses his friend, his love, and needs the Punisher and Bruce Banner. It is time to weed out the mistrust and really look at the web of secrets that has been holding him back for so very long. He needs to be who he was always meant to be – Spider-Man.

Holland returns as Peter Parker aka Spider-Man, and I’m thrilled for it. Taking over the web-mantle in 2016 in CAPTAIN AMERICA: Civil War, he has continually expanded his character and made it his own. In this film, more of his human side comes out as he misses the life he once had. That’s where the story begins, living vicariously through the friends who have ‘forgotten’ him. Seeing him carrying his character through that part of his life just tugs at the heart. Now, as for the action, oh yes, Spider-Man has no problem (other than a few web issues) getting his hands dirty in the fight, and the fights are pretty amazing.

Bernthal as the Punisher is just such a crazy, funny character to me. He’s grouchy, has an attitude, doesn’t like to show his emotions, yet manages to be there for the young Parker. For me, with the death of Tony Stark, the Punisher becomes not only a new best friend but a brother in many ways. It is easy for me to love his portrayal as I have been a Bernthal fan since his days on AMC’s The Walking Dead (yes, Shane deserved it). I would so love to see him in AVENGERS: Doomsday, but nothing has been said yet.

Zendaya as MJ floods right in because nothing about her has changed. She’s smart, catches on quickly, and doesn’t waste a moment to point out the obvious of things. This is the second film in two weeks that she has appeared in with Holland. In THE ODYSSEY, she plays Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, which, if you think about it, could easily be MJ. Still, she does an amazing job portraying MJ, and I’m here for it. Batalon as Ned is still his happy self, the creator of a Spider-Man tracker app and still on Peter Parker’s mind.

Ruffalo as Banner is now a professor and meeting with Peter; a serious science conversation takes place, and it will make everyone’s head swim. I loved it because watching these two actors together is just a great watch. Tillman as Mezer reminds me of Mr. Paradox from DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE. He’s suave and proud being the head of the DDC, but charm will only take you so far. Well done, Mr. Tillman! Colon-Zayas as Det. De Wolff reminds me of a mother figure but on a law enforcement level. Such an amazing actress (yes, from The Bear series fame), and I’m so thrilled to see her in this universe. Her portrayal is strong, caring, and so cute as a Mom; she made me laugh.

Other cast include Marisa Tomei as May Parker, Michael Mando as Mac Gargan (The Scorpion), Marvin Jones III as Tombstone, Eman Esfandi as MJ’s boyfriend, Billy Clements as Ramrod, and Sabryna Guevara as Sheila Riviera.

To be honest, the last few years, I found it hard to be excited about superhero/comic book films. Maybe AVENGERS: Endgame tore my heart to pieces so hard I didn’t think I’d recover. You can’t end Tony Stark, a beloved character, and not expect trauma, right? So, I just read the articles and viewed the trailers and figured I’d end up seeing it because I’m a Tom Holland and Jon Bernthal fan. Yes, it takes that to get me in a theatre. Screening SPIDER-MAN: Brand New Day with a true comic fan, I can say, we both had such a fantastic time is was unreal. We laughed, cheered, and jaw dropped throughout the film.

In the two hours and twenty-five minutes were growth for Holland’s portrayal of Spider-Man, serious secrets revealed, life changes, and the return of a few characters. The script, written by Chris McKenna, and Erik Sommers (Mr. Stan Lee) seemed to have had a nice break since 2021’s SPIDER-MAN: No Way Home because this feels different in a grand way. Director Cretton manages to balance very emotional human moments with the action one would expect from anything superhero-related. Peter Parker has been basically living on an island unto himself; now we see the effects of it. From seeking out Banner to finding a way to reconnect with MJ and Ned to correcting a wrong assumption, Cretton covers is all with ease that looks effortless.

The CGI and special effects are colorful, stunning, fast-paced, and add another level of richness to the story. What I’m saying is that I can find not one single thing to fault about the story and, to hit the theatre in the middle of summer, SPIDER-MAN: Brand New Day is an exceptional way to do it.   

In the end – are you ready?