Up Against the FRONTIER CRUCIBLE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray, DVD and Digital from director Travis Mills and Well Go USA Entertainment is the ultimate western when up against the FRONTIER CRUCIBLE.

In the town of San Carlos, illness has broken out and Major O’Rourke (William H. Macy) needs medical supplies delivered, but not by the Calvary. Not wishes to bring attention to the wagon, he Merrick Beckford (Myles Clohessy) to make the journey on his own. On the road, Beckford comes across a group of people attacked by the Apache. Jeff Butler (Eli Brown) has been shot and wife Valerie (Mary Stickley) is trying to keep him alive.

She is not finding much help from Charlie McKee (Thomas Jane), his son Billy (Ryan Masson) and companion Edmund Fisher (Armie Hammer). Beckford agrees to help but makes it clear that the wagon and supplies are headed south to San Carlos. Almost immediately, he is met with hostility from Fisher and a momentary stand off lets the others know, Beckford isn’t to be trifled with.

What starts out as helping a group of people in need, quickly turns into serious problems that can’t be avoided with the Apache. Chief Victorio (Eddie Spears) is going to hold those responsible for murder the Apache way. Now the question becomes, who are the real savages?

Clohessy as Beckford immediately holds the screen from start to finish. He absolutely exudes the 1960s less-is-more speak and wary Clint Eastwood vibe and I’m not mad at it. Let’s be honest, the reason Beckford doesn’t get his ass handed to him is because he’s not playing from a stance of trying to gain anything from the others, he is focused and he sees each for who they are. He’s already seen it, experienced it and understands what is in front, as well as what is behind him. Meaning? No monologuing necessary! In FRONTIER CRUCIBLE, Clohessy gives Beckford control, quickness and a bit of heart.

Clohessy is not unknown to me as an actor having seen several of the television mini-series and work in the series The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin. That being said, he has also delved into directing and writing. Bringing those two talents together, see the 2022 film THE REDEEMER, nominated for several awards by the American Indian Film Festival.

Spears as Chief Victorio gives his character a very straight forward attitude. During this era of time, justice was based in traditional accountability. Spears’ Victorio did just that with this character, and literally for one character, an eye for an eye. More poignant is the connection between Beckford and Chief Victorio, probably the most momentarily frightful and eventual respectful scene of the film between the two. Representation of Native Americans in film is so important and taking writer Whittington’s work and putting it on screen Spears brings Chief Victorio back to the screen. The last time was 1953 in HONDO and with stereotypes of the time in film.  

Jane as McKee is the sneaky player in the trio game. He keeps his moves sly, underhanded and talks a big game. The mixture of that and trying to play Beckford, Jane does it so well with a bad-guy smoothness that adds a hint of, dare I say, fun? Then again, it’s all fun and games until Apache justice knocks him to the ground. Brown as Butler gives wish-wash vibes in that he’s fine being on Beckford’s side when he thinks he’s dying but the minute, he gets a better offer, he turns into a character I’d hold under the water till the bubbles stopped! That’s how you know you’ve done a good job Mr. Brown! Stickley as Valerie is a woman in the middle of wild west testosterone. Wanting to be a good wife, fighting off bad guys and feeling a pull toward Beckford, she definitely has her tin pan plate full. Giving weak and strong moments, Stickley gives exactly what one would expect from a woman trying to survive the 1800s.

Masson as Billy is the ultimate kid who wants to be as wild as the wild west itself. Playing that up, Masson’s portrayal is that of a kid caught up in the violence and pushing those limits, until the limits push back. Hammer as Fisher is the one that all of them need to keep their eye on. It’s always the quiet ones and, with the exceptions of a few intense moments, he has his own plan.

Shout out to Macy as Major O’Rouke.

Other cast include Zane Holtz, Juwan Lakota, Joshua Odjick, Leon Garcia, Derek Riley, Rurik Riley, Wambli Eagleman, John Marrs Travis Elliston, and Jay Hizer.

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.

Bonus Features include Making of FRONTIER CRUCIBLE and Trailer.

FRONTIER CRUCIBLE is adapted from the 1961 Western novel by Harry Whittington entitled Desert Stake-Out. The film definitely gives off that 1960s western feel thanks to Clohessy. Dallas Sonnier of 2015s BONE TOMAHAWK fame is one of the producers of the film. Director Travis Mills knows exactly what a western should look like, then his 2024 piece THE LEGACY OF THE 12 WESTERNS is a great set up to his thought process. Beckford’s long gun reminds me of the trailer from the 1964 Sergio Leone film A FIST FULL OF DOLLARS with, “This long gun belongs to the man with no name” and the smoke in the first scene as well.

The opening scene lets the viewer know what they are in for! Buckle up and prepare to be transported back to the 1870’s, when there is no law around and ruthlessness is the unspoken law of the land. Each of the characters, thanks to a stellar cast, has a story to tell and Mills lets that happen throughout the film. What also doesn’t hold back is the brutality that caught me off guard yet, at the same time, didn’t surprise me. The old west wasn’t a pretty place and here it is, up close and personal.  

The story, cinematography, location – all absolutely stellar, then again, I am a complete fan of westerns in all forms. They are an iconic form of storytelling and, when done right, touch on so many themes that are in FRONTIER CRUCIBLE. It wasn’t called the ‘wild west’ because the title was cute, no, it was wild in violence, wild in expectations and wild in clashes between cultures – it just happened to be in the west.

It is a two hour and five-minute western that had me yelling at the screen, cheering for the certain characters (you’ll known when you know), giggling at a few lines in the film and loving the cast. The films score is a fantastic addition to the storytelling by singer-songwriter Sean Rowe. Gritty, raw and dark, just like the underbelly of the film. So, popcorn up and let FRONTIER CRUCIBLE remind you how westerns are an irreplaceable genre!

In the end – you don’t have to die to go to hell!

WUTHERING HEIGHTS

 

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres from writer/director Emerald Fennell and Warner Bros. Pictures is a story based on the novel of Emily Bronte with a story of love and loss at WUTHERING HEIGHTS.

Catherine is a young girl living with her emotionally unreliable father Mr. Earnshaw (Martin Clunes). Keeping her headstrong ways under control is Nelly Dean her companion since childhood. During one of his trips to town, her father brings home a young boy who has living on the streets. Cathy decides to name him Heathcliff and they grow up together becoming almost inseparable, much to the dismay of Nelly. They become even closer after a night that leaves scars on Heathcliff’s back.

Years later, Mr. Earnshaw’s bad habits have led to Wuthering Heights falling apart. Cathy (Margot Robbie) and Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi) still spend so much time together. One day, Cathy notices that Edgar Linton, a rich merchant, has moved into a mansion and daydreams about also being wealthy. Heathcliff is not happy about it as his feelings since childhood have only grown deeper for her.

Deciding to see what is beyond the wall of the Linton estate, Cathy falls and is discovered by Edgar (Shazad Latif). Heathcliff is devastated that she is staying at the estate until better and doesn’t find that Earnshaw isn’t more concerned about his daughter. After many weeks, when she does return, Heathcliff notices a change in her. In an awkward moment, Heathcliff wants nothing more than to tell her how he feels.

Nelly (Hong Chau) is watching the closeness between Cathy and Heathcliff; she decides to deceive her friend forcing Heathcliff to run away broken hearted. Cathy doesn’t understand what has happened but decides to marry Edgar and live a splendidly lavish life at his home of Thrushcross Grange. Also in the home is Edgar’s sister Isabella (Alison Oliver) who wants to make Cathy feel special but is a little awkward.

When Heathcliff returns, Cathy is beside herself but is met with indifference and learns that he has bought Wuthering Heights from her father. Isabella is captivated by Heathcliff but, after dealing with her own feelings, finally tells Heathcliff the truth when she discovers Nelly’s deceptions. Torn between love and duty, it is a time of choices and none of them are of the heart. In an instant, all of their lives are in chaos filled with longing and sadness

Robbie as Cathy is a young girl who has spent her life complaining and wanting more from life. The only one listening is Heathcliff but, for her, it isn’t enough. It is her stubbornness, pride and trusting others that keeps her from what could make her happy. Robbie portrays all of those things extremely well. Going from living in squalor to living in splendor, Robbie portrays her character with ease.

Elordi as Heathcliff is a young man who doesn’t see anything good in his life, except Cathy. He is sullen, hard to read and keenly aware of his love and how it is perceived. Elordi’s Heathcliff is brilliant to watch and in the same breath, heartbreaking to watch. The pain is so palpable and it comes through the screen like a wave you can’t escape from no matter where you turn. At the same time, it is a wave you don’t want to escape from. Elordi gives a soft take, until he doesn’t and it is amazing.

Chau as Nelly is a young lady full of anger and resentment and all of it hides behind a composed face. She thrives on the chaos all around her with only one goal, punishment. Chau is such an untapped talent and if you have ever seen the 2022 film THE MENU, you’d know that to be a fact. Clunes as Mr. Earnshaw is a man who lives in a world of alcohol and gambling. It might explain why Cathy is the way she is, self-absorbed and a bit narcissistic.

Oliver as Isabella is a young woman who clearly has lived under the protection of her brother. Not wise to the world, she becomes a pawn in the game between two people. Oliver gives her character an unusual twist that is both stunning and disturbing at the same time. Latif as Edgar is a simple man who just wants a comfortable life without complications. When complications arise, he tries to be harsh but all it does is bring more misery, especially when he listens to the wrong people.

Other cast include Charlotte Mellington as young Catherine, Owen Cooper as young Heathcliff, Vy Nguyen as young Nelly Dean, and Ewan Mitchell as Joseph.

Director Fennell stays of the film, “The thing for me is that you can’t adapt a book as dense and complicated and difficult as this book. I can’t say I’m making Wuthering Heights. It’s not possible. What I can say is I’m making a version of it.” Anthony Willis composed the score of the film which is stirring, stunning and heartbreaking in all the right places.

This is my second favorite book of all time. Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice published in 1813 is the first and Bronte’s Wuthering Heights published 34 years later in 1847. WUTHERING HEIGHTS has over 30 renditions done in film and television and all with the directors’ angles. Fennell takes the audience on a slow ride of love, deception, rage, jealousy, pretty much every human emotion packed into 2 hours and 16 minutes.

Elordi and Robbie bring an amazing chemistry to the screen absolutely. Linus Sandgren provides amazing visuals of the moors, the damp feeling of Wuthering Heights, and matches the weather to the emotions beautifully with the cinematography. Jacqueline Durran created some of the most stunning dresses for Cathy with my absolute favorite being a certain black dress that shines like black glass. I’m a huge fan of cinematography and costume design so I have to give a shout out.

Bronte’s story of Wuthering Heights is a story full of flawed humans along with their flawed emotions. Bringing it to the big screen the way Fennell has is worthy of all the accolades the film has received. So beautiful and so well done.  

In the end – be with me always!

 

 

 

FRIDAY NIGHT AT FREDDY’S 2

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital Code in the Unleashed Edition from director Emma Tammi and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is a dangerously fun time with FRIDAY NIGHT AT FREDDY’S 2.

It’s 1982 and Freddy’s Fazbear’s Pizza is bustling with activity but Charlotte (Audrey Lynn-Marie) sees one of the animatronics kidnapping a kid and, finds herself bound to them! Now, in 2026, Abby (Piper Rudio) can’t stop thinking about her animatronic friends. Brother Mike (Josh Hutcherson) is having a difficult time not only finding a job but with Abby’s constant desire to get to the animatronics. He knows something she doesn’t.

Mike is also trying to help Vanessa (Elizabeth Lail) who is dealing with trauma and being the daughter of William Afton (Matthew Lillard). When ghost hunters go missing, led by Michael (Freddy Carter), one of them meets the Marionette who has control of the new animatronics. Abby wants to help her friends but Mike and Vanessa know that the situation they are in is a recipe for disaster, Vanessa especially.

Dealing with her trauma, she tries to confront the Marionette and Abby does something she shouldn’t because she believes her friends need her. Now, the animatronics from their night at Freddy’s and the animatronics the Marionette control is about to come head-to-head but can they do it before a revenge plot succeeds!

Hutcherson as Mike returns as the big brother who feels he has to fix everything, and everybody. His struggle to help his sister come to terms with her animatronic friends and their penchant for destruction makes him more trauma bound than either his sister or Vanessa. Hutcherson is so very cool in this role and as much as I loved him as Peeta from THE HUNGER GAMES, as Mike, he is the brother we all wishes we had if bad robots were out to get us.

Lail as Vanessa is consistently haunted by trauma everywhere she turns. Seeing that something is going on with Abby, she tries to make Mike see it before it’s too late. Lail gives us a strong female character that, even with her fears, knows that she must meet Freddy’s head on. Rudio as Abby is a headstrong kid who doesn’t listen to her brother (surprise!) and believes that the animatronics will do what’s best for their friendship. Rudio is a bit frightening herself in this role but it works.

Carter as Michael gives the right aura of creepiness and has his own reason for wanting to keep Freddy’s alive. Lillard as Afton makes his cameo as a man who created the chaos.

Other cast includes McKenna Grace as Lisa, Wayne Knight as Mr. Berg, David Calvillo as Rob, Teo Briones as Alex, Han Soto as Marcus, Carl Palmer as Harry and Ann Mahoney as Margaret.

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 Features include Employees of the Month, The Cast, Bringing Freddy & Friends to Life, Mangle Mayhem, High Strung: Hanging with the Marionette, and Sensory Overload: Exploring the Sets.

Fans of FRIDAY NIGHT AT FREDDY’S both in video game form and film form are not going to be disappointed. This is a fun film to watch in the dark with the lights off. The robots this time are pretty amazing with their shiny paint jobs and brighter eyes. Of course, all of that just means their more dangerous, have more tricks up their sleeves and murderously cute.

Having the original cast return is always a bonus adding to the craziness and unpredictability of the storyline. I love when that happens. The first film had my family on the edge of our seats and we are thrilled that FRIGHT NIGHT AT FREDDY’S 2 was equally amazing, fun and full of surprises.

Watch the bonus features on Bluray to unlock even more treasures and fun!

In the end – this time there are no second chances!

 

SONG SUNG BLUE Sings on to Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from writer/director Craig Brewer and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the story of love and music with SONG SUNG BLUE.  

Mike Sardina (Hugh Jackman) is at a state fair to do a Don Ho impersonation when he meets Claire Stengl (Kate Hudson) who hits the state fair stage singing Patsy Cline. It is the 80’s and she suggests that Mike might want to be a Neil Diamond singer. Instantly, he finds himself drawn to her and, at the same time, decides that perhaps it’s time to try her suggestion. Meeting up with her again, they start to find their melody together.

Deciding to call themselves Lightning and Thunder, they become a Neil Diamond tribute band. They also marry and bring together Claire’s daughter Rachel (Ella Anderson) and son Dana (Hudson Hensley) with Mike’s daughter Angelina (King Princess). As their shows start to take off, they find themselves opening for Pearl Jam and joined on stage with Eddie Vedder. As fast as they rise, the faster they fall when Claire is hit by a car and all their lives begin to change.

While Mike is keeping his health issues a secret, Claire goes into a depression from the accident, and the kids don’t know exactly how to deal with the adults. When Claire can’t handle the situation any longer, Mike steps in and tries his best to keep the family together doing odd jobs. Once she realizes the effects all of this is having on her family, she urges Mike to bring Lightening and Thunder back to the stage once again.

Their biggest gig is about to happen with a dream of meeting their idol about to come true.

Jackman as Mike is a man who just wants to perform for audiences. When he meets Claire, his life changes in ways he never expected. Once the performances take off, Mike, Claire and the family are thrilled going from one experience to the other. Jackman gives the performance of a man who has his past issues but he sees a forever future with Claire. The performance is charming and fun.

Hudson as Claire is a mom with two kids who finds a connection with Mike and music. Together they are a duo that works but when her life is changed by an accident, she doesn’t know how to deal with her feelings. It is the needs of her family and the music that brings her back for a performance that is filled love and excitement.

Anderson as Rachel is a young woman struggling with the adults around her. There comes a moment when she is stuck between her own problems and handling a family that feel broken. Anderson does a spectacular job. Hensley as Dana is thrilled with Mike and his mother and is their biggest fan. Princess as Angelina wants what’s best for her father and, like Rachel, is her parent’s biggest supporter.

Other cast include Mustafa Shakir as Sex Machine, John Beckwith as Eddie Vedder, Jackie Cox as Babs, Fisher Stevens as Dave Watson, Cecelia Riddett as Grandma Stengl, Sean Krill as Buddy Holmes, Michael Imperioli as Mark Shurilla and John Belushi as Tom D’Amato.

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 Features include Extended Performances, One Plus One Equals Three, Lightning in a Bottle, Eye For Style and Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Craig Brewer.

SONG SUNG BLUE is definitely an emotional film and one that Neil Diamond fans can embrace. The characters are so complex with each having issues that could make or break any family. It is the music that is the glue to the story with a great chemistry between Jackman and Hudson.

It is definitely a ride into the 80’s with clothing styles, hair, cars and even the houses looking a bit Brady Bunch. The added nostalgia is the television show the family watches like Richard Dawson in Family Feud (Google it kids!). Every song is a Neil Diamon hit and fun to watch Jackman and Hudson perform. The film is a mixture of memorable music and the story of those who embraced it.

In the end – inspired by a legend and bound by a dream!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He is DRACULA

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Luc Besson and Vertical is the story of love through the centuries with DRACULA.

Prince Vladimir of Wallachia (Caleb Landry) is a fierce warrior and after a battle against the Ottomans, he learns that his beloved wife Elisabeta was tricked and killed. Not able to save her, the prince renounces God and lives through time waiting for his love to be reincarnated. Now a vampire, he also learned how to develop a perfume that brings victims to him quite easily.

Several centuries later, lawyer Jonathan Harker (Ewens Abid) is sent to the prince to help find a place for him to be in Paris. Showing a picture of his fiancé Mina (Zoe Bleu) to the prince, Jonathan is imprisoned in the castle while Dracula goes to find her feeding on his way to become handsome once again. Already in place is vampire Maria (Matilda De Angelis) who is being held in a sanitarium waiting for Dracula’s return but she seems to have gone a little mad.

Checking her over is a priest (Christoph Waltz) called in to handle the situation. Studying her behavior and marks on her neck, he concludes that Maria is vampire. Meanwhile, Mina is being seduce by Dracula and she is pulled between the two men. Remembering a time when Dracula was the love of her life, Mina makes a choice.

That’s when the priest follows with Harker and others, they are determined to bring Mina back to them. Dracula has other plans.

Landry as Dracula brings a new side of the frightening vampire. He carries Dracula through stages that project what we know and what we never considered. There is nothing stopping him from finding his love. Landry is quiet, effective and sexy in his own unique way which gives his character such power. Here is a deeper dive into Dracula and his presence looms so large thanks to Landry’s ability to be completely become this character. Different yet effective and so very close to my favorite Dracula.

Abid as Harder has a tendency to not fit into the film with his joking and the way he sees things. I felt a little cringed by this character as I always saw him as a stronger character. It doesn’t mean I didn’t appreciate his role; I always see Harker as an under character that doesn’t seem to be thought of as important, and truthfully, he is. Bleu as Mina is a young woman worried about her friend, that is until a tall handsome prince enters her life. Bleu portrays such a strong woman who has no status other than being Dracula’s love. Bleu lets her character go with the flow and even seeing red flags doesn’t change her character.

Waltz as the Priest is the calm on in the bunch. He can chaos reign surprise around him he keeps his cool. While everyone is going insane around him, the priest just does what needs doing and doesn’t let overreactions stop him. When he finally speaks with Dracula, I just loved how his character spoke truth to Dracula’s power. DeAngelis as Maria is absolutely insane, she is extremely loud, a handful of emotions and a friend to Mina. But with friends like Maria who needs vampiric enemies. She is a vampiric hot mess.

Other cast include David Shields as Henry Spencer, Raphael Luce as Simon, Guillaume de Tonquedec as Dumont, Haymon Maria Buttinger as the Cardinal, Betrand-Xavier Corbi as Captain Targol,

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

To be honest, the 1992 Bram Stoker’s Dracula is always the yardstick I use to compare vampire films. When Gary Oldman says “I’ve crossed oceans of time to find you.”, I’m undone. I get why Mina submits because, who wouldn’t? That scene alone is imprinted in my brain forever so, its hard to go into a new vampire film without having some reservations.

What does that mean? It means that Landry has moved into the number 2 slot of my favorite vampires. His take is unique, vocally frightening and larger than life. There are moments of sheer terror and moments of sheer heartbreaking love. The portrayal by Landry shows it has to be one or the other.

Landry gives Dracula an interesting take with his anger being subtle but effective in ways the humans don’t see coming. This interpretation of Dracula includes gargoyle minions or, gargoyle ninjas because they are fast and effective. The costuming is stunning and I love that about the film. The score is brilliantly done by composer Danny Elfman. Each note added something unique, especially during the time Dracula is on the hunt through the centuries.  

Director Besson says is best about Dracula, “He’s good because he loves her and he’s bad because he loves her.” This character is caught in a cycle of grief and destruction. Grief at losing his beloved Elizabeta and the destruction of anything that gets in his way of finding her. That is a constant theme for this iconic bad boy with fangs.

In the end – he has waited centuries!