UNDERWATER Brings Tension in the Ocean’s Depths

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director William Eubank and 20^th Century Fox comes the depths of the Mariana Trench and what is truly UNDERWATER.

Deep below the depths is a research laboratory platform that in a minute becomes a potential watery grave. Mechanical Engineer Norah (Kristen Stewart) is the first to notice the leaking vessel as the walls begin to close in and wetter rushes in. Trying to alert the crew, she finds Rodrigo (Mamoudou Athie) as they look for the safest place to be.

Making their way they find crew mate Paul (T.J. Miller), Emily (Jessica Henwick), Smith (John Gallagher Jr.) and Lee (Gunner Wright) as well as the Captain (Vincent Cassel). Knowing they have no choice but to leave the platform, the Captain decides the best route is to another platform and to go by walking!

Almost immediately there is a sense that something is down in the depths with them. The shadows come closer and closer until the creatures reveal themselves. Their goal is to take out the humans and the human’s goal is to get to the other platform alive.

Norah knows how to work the mechanics to try and keep their oxygen packs working and as the group is taken down one by one, she is more determined than ever to get to the surface!

What is down in the depths with them is nothing anyone has ever seen before.

Stewart as Norah doesn’t waste a moment jumping into action. Practically from the beginning of the film the action kicks in and so does Stewart. She thinks fast on her feet (considering what is under her feet is quickly turning to water) and is doing everything to keep her wits. This isn’t a role that will make or break Stewart, but it is a role that is pretty strong, and I don’t mind that.

Cassel as the Captain knows the only way out is through the murky waters and doing it walking in very heavy suits. Having the chance to get out while the getting was good, the Captain wants everyone to get out. I love Cassel because he is so diverse in every role he has played and can get flamboyant or subtle, but his presence is palpable.

Henwick as Emily is a young woman who isn’t having an easy time accepting what is happening and what is going to happen. She has a nervous talk and covers a wide range of subjects in a short period of time one minute and can hold a conversation with herself the next. Then again, I’m not sure how any of us would react in that situation!

Miller is the winner of the film and he is hilarious which is the tension breaker in a film loaded with it. His one-liners and need for a bunny gave us all the chance to laugh off the intensity of the story. I just love any time he’s on screen because I never know what’s going to come out of his mouth. Gallagher Jr. and Wright get a chance to run for their lives as well and once the creature is exposed, its just run or be food.

UNDERWATER is a mixture of genre films like ALIENS, THE ABYSS and the like but you know what – I’m good with that. I understand that January isn’t the month for big time releases which might play well for the film. UNDERWATER is an intense, humorous (thanks to Miller) and seat jumping story that doesn’t require a lot from the audience. I know that sounds a bit snarky but I don’t mean it that way at all.

There is something awesome about the holidays being over and needing a film that just lets you sit back with a tub of popcorn and have a good time. I don’t know anyone that didn’t have a jump for five or six thanks to a creature that is just too creepy to be on land. Instead, there is a right amount of everything in UNDERWATER.

So load up family and friends to hit the theatre for an experience of thrills and watery chills because it’s a great way to start the new year!

In the end – seven miles below the ocean surface something has awakened!

SPIES IN DISGUISE is Family Fun

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres for holiday family fun from directors Nick Bruno, Troy Quane, Blue Sky Studios and 20th Century Fox is an unlikely team for SPIES IN DISGUISE.

Lance Sterling (voiced by Will Smith) is a well-dressed spy who is keeping the world safe. Well liked by everyone at work, one person who wants to impress him is Walter Beckett (Tom Holland). He has so many inventions that he believes are an alternative to blowing things up and finding a peaceful solution, including his glitter cat bomb.

But there is evil afoot in the villain Killian (Ben Mendelsohn) who has created drones that are the worst seen in the agency. Joy Jenkins (Reba McEntire) informs Sterling that he is going to have to do whatever is necessary to find him before the agent data is stolen. In the process, Killian has set up Sterling to take the fall for everything that has happened.

Now hunting for Sterling is Marcy Kappel (Rashida Jones) who is tough as nails and just as focused as her target. The only person he can run to is Walter to get his invention that will make him disappear. Not paying attention he accidentally drinks Walter's disappearing potion but instead of becoming invisible, Sterling becomes a pigeon.

Angry, he doesn't understand that being a pigeon will help him do more than he could even have imagined. Along to help Sterling clear his name and get the agent data base, Walter not only shares his other inventions but must make a remedy to Sterling's feathered problem.

Smith as Sterling has no trouble playing the agent who likes himself a whole lot and isn't use to not being in control. Smith gets a chance to rap a little in a 'Fresh Prince' style but it's fun for the kids. This seems an easy voice role for him to play but it also seems as if he is having a bit of fun doing it.

Holland as Walter is a young man who was raised with a supportive mother and working with the agency he gets the chance to perfect some inventions and create new ones. Especially the one that changes Agent Sterling into a flying agent! Holland is endearing but then again this young actor has been one to watch for years. He gets a chance to be on the other side of Spiderman for sure.

Jones as Marcy is like a dog with a bone when it comes to finding Sterling believing him to be a traitor to the agency. Always one step behind, she begins to understand what is truly happening and isn't about to let evil win. McEntire as Jenkins knows that Sterling does things his own way but when it comes from being a traitor to the agency, she knows that is just not true.

Mendelsohn as Killian is a man on his own mission and believes he has every reason to be as evil as he wants to be. Keep his identity a secret, he also uses his high tech to put the blame on Sterling and keep anyone who might be interested looking for him. Mendelsohn give his character all the right moods to stay a step ahead of Smith's character.

Other cast includes Karen Gillan as Eyes, Rachel Brosnahan as Wendy Beckett, Masi Oka as Kimura, Carla Jiminez as Geraldine, DJ Khaled as Ears and Peter Kim as Joon.

SPIES IN DISGUISE is a fun family film especially with the kids being home for the next two weeks. It is fast paced, colorful, inventive and funny. Seeing Smith try to fit in with his new pigeon friends is one laugh after another and there is a twist on that as well but no spoilers here. He isn't happy with being a pigeon but it makes for one interesting premise of a spy story.

The film has just the right mixture of action and fun to make it a popcorn fun film and if I needed a thumbs up from anyone it would be my four year old granddaughter. She gave me a thumbs up during the film without a word because she was too busy laughing and eating popcorn. Now that's how you know it’s a fun time at the theatre so get the family together and go have your own fun together.

In the end - super spy to super fly!

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY Brings Freddie Mercury Back to Us

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Brian Singer and 20^th Century Fox comes the story of a legend that lives on today through a BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY.

Farrokh Bulsara (Rami Malek) isn’t about to conform to his parents expectations and when he has the opportunity to change his path it is because he meets Brian May (Gwilym Lee) and Roger Taylor (Ben Hardy) who have a band and just lost their front man. At first the two men think Freddie is joking about what he has to offer – but proven surprised as Queen is born.

Now Freddie Mercury openly, he meets Mary Austin (Lucy Boynton) and is madly in love. She supports his musical dream and is always there to help him through anything life throws at him. The band plays a few gigs adding John Deacon (Joseph Mazzello)  to the group when John Reid (Aidan Gillen) notices them bringing in attorney Jim Beach (Tom Hollander) to protect the gang.

Freddie and the band decide they don’t want to be just like every other music group but instead be daring and bold. This doesn’t go over well with record executive Ray Foster (Mike Meyers) not believing people want to hear six minute songs. Of course Freddie is out to prove him wrong and Bohemian Rhapsody makes its way onto airwaves.

As with all bands, the tension, touring and egos are starting to get in the way of the music. It doesn’t help that Freddie has started a relationship with Paul (Allen Leech) with Brian and John none to pleased, not to mention Mary. The blow up blows Queen apart and they all go their own way.

Freddie meets Jim Hutton (Aaron McCusker) who makes it very clear that he is not the type that will be taken lightly, especially since others are running the singers life. Then, there is the illness he never saw coming and once he did, turns to the people in his life that will always love him – family, friends and fans!

Because Queen is all about rocking us!

Malek as Freddie Mercury does the job that needs doing. Do I think he made me forget he is Malek? Nope. But the film carries enough weight behind it with the cast and music that I mentally put it aside. It is obvious that he put all into portraying a man who was larger than life so keeping that in mind I willingly went into suspension of disbelief. The performance scenes are so much fun because the music is stellar and engrained into many of our lives.

Lee as May believes in what Queen is doing and totally understands Freddie’s idiosyncrasies. Writing and putting it all together in the studio is what makes the group the happiest but there are moments that twinge in the ego about who is running the band. Rogers as Taylor wants more of a say in what the group puts out but would rather not butt heads with Freddie on it. It doesn’t mean there isn’t resentment simmering just below the surface. I enjoyed Taylor’s performance, especially doing his high pitch part in the song Bohemian Rhapsody. Mazello as Deacon lets the status quo rule even though he doesn’t always agree with Freddie.

Boynton as Mary is a woman who has a bigger heart than mine that’s for sure. She loves Freddie and consistently looks past what is right in front of her. Calling her his ‘soul mate’ means she can’t walk away not matter how hard she tries. There comes a point when thinking about yourself is not only right, it is necessary for happiness. Boynton gives an amazing performance that I won’t soon forget.

Gillen as Reid definitely wants to see what the band is capable of and more times than not he lets it all flow as it will – even when it comes to Freddie. I love seeing Gillen on screen outside of the Seven Kingdoms so well done sir! Hollander as Jim, aka Miami, is one of the most laid back lawyers I think I’ve ever seen. He has moments of important input but the rest of the time, he nods and goes along to get along. I love Hollander in everything he has done so you’ll never hear a complaint from me.

Meyers as Foster has no idea what he’s getting into and even more clueless that Freddie is a strong personality and loves to prove the world wrong. Meyers cracked me up to the very end. Leech as Paul totally had me seeing a blood-sucking-groupie in his character and wanted to jump through the screen and wring his little neck myself. Good thing I refrained but just goes to show how powerful his performance is.

McCusker as Jim is probably the only sane one of this bunch! Knowing that Freddie is his own worst enemy but also realizing that people abuse him, he is still not going to fall into it all. It was good to see someone throw life-coffee into Freddie’s place and humbling for him at the same time.

Other cast include Meneka Das as Jer Bulsara, Ace Bhatti as Bomi Bulsara, Priya Blackburn as Kashmira Bulsara, Max Bennett as David, Dermon Murphy as Bob Geldof and Dickie Beau as Kenny Everett.

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY tells the story of a young man born Farrokh Bulsara and reborn into Freddie Mercury. From a baggage handler at Heathrow to meeting May and Taylor, life had bigger plans for them all – especially Freddie.  When the band goes through harrowing times, sleazy Paul managed to work on Freddie’s insecurities leading to firings and a blow out.

It is once again Mary who sets him straight about remembering who he is and how he got there and, more importantly, who was their with him every step of the way! Learning that Bob Geldof had a concert called Live Aid at Wembley, Freddie knows it is the way back to what made Queen stellar.

But that’s only part of it; Freddie’s parents go through pains with their son even if his siblings are supportive. It is the Zoroastrian belief of ‘good thoughts, good words, and good deeds’ that truly begin to come to light.

The soundtrack is amazing! If you are a Queen fan then this film will rock you, if you think you are a Queen fan this film will rock you, and if you want to be a Queen fan then go get rocked as BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY comes to theatres.

In the end – fearless lives forever!

VIKINGS Season Five Volume 1 Deserves Serious Revisiting

Jeri Jacquin

On Bluray from 20^th Century Fox Home Entertainment is the epic and successful series that has brought a long forgotten culture to the forefront again with VIKINGS Season Five Volume 1.

Ubbe (Jordan Smith) and Hvitserk (Marco Llso) are now ruling over East Anglia and it hasn’t been that long since the death of Sigurd. Everyone begins to depart in different directions as King Harald (Peter Franzen) makes his way back to Kattegat with Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig) and Halfdan (Jasper Paakkonen) setting out going back the Mediterranean. Ivar (Alex Hogh) is on another mission to get the brothers to take the city of York and while there gives them a big surprise.

Floki (Gustaf Skarsgard) has other ideas wanting to get as far away as he can to find something else in dealing with the loss of his wife. He lands on an island he believes belongs to the Gods and wants to bring others to share his vision of this new land.

Lagertha is holding Harald in prison but all he wants is to make an alliance through marriage. Of course the Queen of Kattegat isn’t about to share the throne after working so hard to get it back. What the Queen doesn’t see coming is a rescue and taking Astrid with an offer for her as well – become a queen herself.

Discovering the Vikings may be coming to York happens as Athelstan comes in a vision to Prince Alfred (Ferdia Peelo). The King knows it is time to bring his soldiers together to prepare for battle.

Bjorn arrives in the Mediterranean and Sindric (Frankie McCafferty) thinks it might be advantageous to hide who they truly are. It will allow them to travel with a caravan meeting Emir Ziyadat Allah who greets them as a friend. When one of his men vanishes, the Emir explains about what happens to people who are disloyal or untrustworthy. Bjorn, Halfdan and Sindric find themselves in a precarious position at best.

Ivan continues to break the brothers even further apart after winning the battle against King Aethelwulf (Moe Dunford). Ubbe and Hvitserk want peace but Ivar, well Ivar wants blood and to be the new and only leader of their army. Ubbe decides it is time to return to Kattegat but Hvitserk stays behind.

Floki returns to Kattegat trying to explain what he has found and Lagertha isn’t listening to any thought of him taking her people. Once several of them have made clear that they intend to leave, she allows it with misgivings. What is even worse is that everyone on the ship is disheartened by what they see once arriving to Floki’s island.

Ivar and Heahmund (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) make plans to once again attack Kattegat and Lagertha attempts to make ready. Margrethe (Ida Nielsen) also has a plan of attack and that is to make Ubbe betray her from the inside so that a war is avoided and he can become King. She clearly doesn’t know Ivar that well does she?

Ivar and Heahmund believe that their plan is flawless and they too have underestimated their opponent. Bjorn is back in Kattegat to help his mother but there is another army that has also sided with the Queen. First they try peace and it is rejected by both men and as the battle begins.

Heahmund finds Lagertha interesting and pledges loyalty to her but the battle is hardly over. Hvitserk turns to Rollo (Clive Standen) for help and Bjorn tries once again to find peace with Ivar and Harald but Ivar only sees blood.

Floki is discovering that being a leader of a new settlement is far more difficult than he could ever have imagined. When arson and murder are the first infractions on their new home island, Floki tries to find middle ground with a sacrifice to the gods.

Ivan and Harald once again strike Kattegat and this time it is friend against friend, brother against brother and loved one against loved one as they all come falling down. Bjorn and Lagertha retreat waiting for a miracle – and they don’t have to wait long. 

Winnick as Lagertha continues to be as much of a bad ass queen as she wants to be. She certainly looks lovely in gowns and a crown but man does she wear armor well. Continuing her refusal to surrender Kattegat, especially to the likes of the blood thirsty Ivar, Winnick gives her character so many depths and dimension. I absolutely love waiting to see what she will do next.

Ludwig as Bjorn is trying to avoid confrontation at all fronts but finds that being away from home only brings different ones. Wanting to be the explorer of the family, he does dare to push the limits of being in a foreign land – until this latest outing. Skarsgard as Floki can’t get over the loss of his wife and knows that perhaps its time to start over somewhere else where the memories aren’t so painful. I think he learns a painful lesson about what it takes to lead people and might even give him an insight to all those years with Ragnar and now Lagertha.

Smith as Ubbe isn’t weak strength wise but he certainly can be when it comes to women. Brothers aren’t easy either for him but he chooses to walk away from Ivar. Llso as Hvitserk on the other hand makes a last minute choice that might come back to cut him deeply.

Franzen as Harald isn’t happy that his suggestion to Lagertha isn’t accepted or appreciated. So if he can’t have one queen, he will certainly hurt her by creating another from someone she cares about.

The two characters that stand out this season are Hogh as Ivar the Boneless who proves that there is nothing to the name. Not afraid to fight or to take anyone out who tries to stop him, Hogh has made this role so deliciously evil and I can’t imagine anyone else who could pull it off. He does a credit to the role and makes Ragnar look pretty tame in some cases. Well done!

The other is Meyers as Bishop Heahmund who started out with the opposite side with his plots and plans – of course all in the name of the church. Seeing Lagertha might have changed things for him and, as we have seen with many Vikings, loyalty can change as swift as a sharp swinging blade! I have always loved Meyers in these types of era pieces, he is just a master with them and in VIKINGS its no exception.

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

The 3-disc set includes the episodes The Departed – Part 1, The Departed – Part II, Homeland, The Plan, The Prisoner, The Message, Full Moon, The Joke, A Simple Story and Moments of Vision.

There are also Special Features including Deleted Scenes and Extended Versions of All Episodes, The Creator’s Audio Commentary with Michael Hirst, I am Boneless, and Bringing the Invisible People to Life: The Sami.

What can be said about VIKINGS that hasn’t already been said? Words like epic, amazing, astounding, original, bloody, intrigue, twists, turns, character driven, treachery, back stabbing, family and so much more.

So how does the creator of VIKINGS Michael Hirst tell us it all started? “Many years ago I was writing a film script about Alfred the Great, who fought against the Vikings. I was fascinated to discover that a lot of what I thought I knew about the Vikings was wrong. I knew nothing about their attitude towards women, which was much more progressive than most other societies.”

This isn’t the first time I’ve fallen head over heels for something Hirst has written. He is behind the 1998 Oscar winning film ELIZABETH and another of my favorite television shows THE TUDORS. It should be no surprise then that with as much history as there was with those two films, I would expect Hirst to dive into Viking history with the same enthusiasm.

He found Ragnar Lothbrok in Norse history and discovered he was a warrior. What Hirst also discovered was a history about women, family and battle that have become the series VIKINGS that has made it into its fifth season (with a sixth not far behind).

So until that day arrives, 20^th Century Fox Home Entertainment invites you to revisit the set up of a battle for the one thing they all want – revenge, the crown and Kattegat!

In the end – drawing blood has nothing to do with family!

DEADPOOL 2 – Enough Said!

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres this weekend from director David Leitch, Marvel Entertainment and 20^th Century Fox comes a man who needs no introduction other than the words DEADPOOL 2.

So I thought about how to start this review and all I could think of was – GO EFFIN SEE THIS MOVIE! But the reader deserves a little better than that so here we go!

Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) is back as Deadpool and he’s happier than ever with gal-pal Vanessa (Morena Baccarin). On their anniversary Wade has a little something planned except his mercenary work decides to follow him home and bring mayhem along with them.

Sending his life in a tailspin and ready to do his worst, it isn’t until Colossus (Stefan Kapicic) brings Wade back to the Xavier Mansion that he sees a use for life. Agreeing to be an X-Men trainee along with Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand), they meet Russell Collins (Julian Dennison). Calling himself Firefist, he refuses to be abused any further at the orphanage.

A few bad fighting choices puts both Deadpool and Firefist in a place called the ‘Icebox’ that stores mutants. That actually makes it easier for future arrival Cable (Josh Brolin) to find his target – which isn’t Deadpool much to his disappointment – but the young Russell.

Deciding that he must help the young boy, Deadpool puts together a group he calls X-Force and begins accepting applications with buddy Weasel (T.J. Miller). Their goal is to find the prison truck transport and get Russell back. What they don’t know is that Russell finds a friend in Juggernaut, who has his own issues with super heroes.

Cable finally tells Deadpool why he wants the boy and that he must be stopped before reaching the orphanage or there is no turning back with a future fate sealed. Now Deadpool, Cable and his new recruit lucky Domino (Zazie Beetz) face off with Russell and Juggernaut but he is too strong. Thankfully Colossus and Warhead decide that Deadpool needs their help and the battle for good and evil begins.

It’s all being done the Deadpool way!

Reynolds as Wade Wilson/Deadpool has made damn sure that no one else, ever, will be able to remake-reimagine-rethink-rediscover or “re” anything else someone might want to do in ten years. He has made this character completely iconic and absolute in the minds of everyone who loves this character. It is no big secret to anyone that I’m not a huge super hero person, I mean I see the films but then it’s like ‘next!’ to me. Not DEADPOOL – this is the number one character I looked forward to seeing the first time and it was like Christmas morning as a kid for DEADPOOL 2. There is nothing, and I mean NOTHING to complain about in this film and its Reynolds fault completely. I’m sure he won’t mind taking the blame for this one. He gives this ole lady plenty to laugh about and that’s everything.

Brolin as Cable has me a little perplexed. Jumping between two comic book characters just isn’t something I’m thrilled about. I’m still not over Chris Evans going from his blaze days to Captain America and it’s been more than a hot minute. Between the two I would prefer he stay in the Cable lane but a paycheck is a paycheck right? Okay, so as cable I love the ying and yang between he and Deadpool. They both have issues and yet play off of them providing each other with a conscience.

Dennison as Russell is a kid on a mission and although he has every reason to be pretty p.o.’d, ending up with Deadpool in an icebox might be a tad worse. He is going through his terrible teens and just happens to have fist that can destroy anything in its path.

Beetz as Domino doesn’t take Wade or Deadpool seriously because she’s all about proving that lucky favors her own brand of coolness. Hildebrand returns as Negasonic Teenage Warhead with a few surprises for her favorite DP dude. Miller as Weasel gets a moment or two to shine with his favorite stool warmer.

Kapicic returns as the understanding and patient Colossus and I think he is the only one that true gets Wade/Deadpool. Baccarin as Vanessa is back to bring positive reinforcement and a good lap dance to her favorite super hero.

A serious shout out to Leslie Uggams as Blind Al, the one person who knows that Wade is a miserable human being sometimes yet accepts him the same. She might not be able to see but I’d let her defend me anytime, provided I can point the gun.

Also, Karan Soni as Dopinder who finally gets the opportunity to show what he’s made of – taxi and all. Shioli Kutsuna makes an appearance as Yukio who has the cutest exchanges with Deadpool and Eddie Marsan as the butt-head-master of Essex Orphanage.

Lets give a round of applause to Terry Crews as Bedlam, Lewis Tan as Shatterstar, Bill Skarsgard as Zeitgeist, Rob Delaney as Peter and Brad Pitt as Vanisher. Also, who can forget the amazing Jack Kesy as Black Tom Cassidy.

I think I’ve made if fairly clear that I am a huge Deadpool fan and if you thought I’d be giving any spoilers out well then I’m happy to disappoint you. From the moment the film begins to its very, very, VERY end (this is my way of saying stay after the credits), Reynolds and his band of merry misfits provide such a good time that a second viewing is going to be required.

Laughing so much I can say that I probably missed half the jokes and I’m fairly certain I’m lucky to be alive as I was eating popcorn during the film. I do know that I couldn’t catch my breath most of the time which means not only was I having a good time but if I did drop dead I would be alright if it was Deadpool’s fault.

So leave the other “superheroes” to fly away in a wind of feathers (not sure what that was but if you saw that ‘other’ movie you’ll understand) and gather up everyone who needs to laugh themselves silly and head to DEADPOOL 2.

Have an extraordinary experience and remember he’s only here to show you a good time.

In the end – prepare for the ultimate second coming!

THE POST will be in the Oscar Race!

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Steven Spielberg, DreamWorks and 20th Century Fox is a story of dedication to the truth in print from THE POST.

It is the 1970's and Kay Graham (Meryl Streep) is the woman who owns and runs The Washington Post with Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks) as her editor. Knowing that there are those who don't support or trust her running of the paper, Kay takes in what is happening around her to find her voice.

When it comes to their attention that there is someone who has documents that expose the governments plans in Vietnam, The Post wants them. There is a problem, the man who photocopied the papers, Daniel Ellsberg (Matthew Rhys) has gone into hiding and slivers of the information have also been shared with The New York Times.

What is in the papers? That the United States government was not being truthful to the American public about involvement in the Vietnam War. The papers also show the level of involvement went through Robert McNamara (Bruce Greenwood) all the way up to the president.

The New York Times looks for advice about publishing the Pentagon Papers and the government wants an injunction against any further papers be published. In the meantime, reporter Ben Bagdikian (Bob Odenkirk) from the Post finds Ellsberg and is given boxes of papers and Kay must decide whether to go forward before they are also stopped by the courts.

Bradlee gathers his writers and the clock is set to beat anything or anyone that wants to get in their way. Kay begins to feel the weight of what she is up against and realizes that she knows people that are involved and now must decide what the right thing is. Pressed by the papers all-male board, she realizes that the paper her father build is now
Kay digs in deep and knows that Bradlee will follow her lead.

The truth is worth fighting for!

Streep as Kay Graham once again turns in a performance of a woman who is seen as a lovely decoration to the Post with men telling her what is important and what isn't for the paper. Of course her insecurities are clear and Streep portrays the era with perfection. Gaining strength throughout the film, I cheer the hardest when she realizes that if the board of the paper wants to play tough - then she must learn to as well. Nothing wrong with telling the good ole' boys club that it is 'her' paper and that's how she is going to run it. Streep always gives everything to these roles and makes them not only believable but exceptional.

Hanks as Ben Bradlee is perfection and yes I'm being hugely Hanks-struck. I adore this actor and find him to be the absolute best of Hollywood and that includes the much misunderstood film TURNER AND HOOCH! Of course I wondered how he was going to portray this character since I do have Jason Robards' version of Bradlee from the 1976 film ALL THE PRESIDENTS MEN stuck in my head. I had no reason to worry! THE POST is a perfect film to watch first and then take on the 1976 film because it is a history lesson about the government's shenanigans from The Washington Post's articles portrayed by two amazing actors.

Odenkirk as Bagdikian is on it to find the man with the papers. Knowing that this is the most important thing he will work toward, there is a moment where all of it might fall apart and Odenkirk keeps it straight. Rhys as Ellsberg has the worst case of paranoia I've ever seen and with good reason. He has what the government is looking for so he's not about to let go if the information isn't made public.

Greenwood as McNamara is a man trying to keep his head above water yet Greenwood makes it look smooth and controlled. That's what I love about Greenwood, whether he portrays a good, bad or indifferent character, he makes it look ridiculously smooth. The scene between Greenwood and Streep is hard to watch and strong for both of them in the scheme of the storyline.

Other cast include: Sarah Paulson as Tony Bradlee, Tracy Letts as Fritz Beebe, David Cross as Howard Simons, Zach Woods as Anthony Essaye, Bradley Whitford as Arthur Parsons, Alison Brie as Lally Graham, Carrie Coon as Meg Greenfield, and Jesse Plemons as Roger Clark.

THE POST is already high on the nominations for awards and deservedly so. This is a story that needed to be told for so many reasons especially with what is going on in government now. I am an avid watcher of films based on history and THE POST
not only falls into that category but totally served me up a history lesson.

The caliber of actors and actresses in this film make it extraordinary bringing it to a level that can't be touched. That is what makes this film for me - a cast that seems to dive right in and take no prisoners mixed in with totally absorbing the time period of the 1970's.

Watching each character take on their own beliefs about why they do what they do comes into play and it can't be hidden in the film. Spielberg takes his own risk bringing the real news story to the attention of a fake-news world. He keeps the storyline crisp and doesn't sugar coast anything about what it takes to hold the government accountable when caught lying to its own people.

What this should do for the press is remind them that people do want to know the truth about their government and that not only is that government accountable but so is the press that reports it. I can't imagine that anyone who reports the news of the world not finding an amazing place in their hearts for the papers/editors and reporters who came before.

In the end – truth be told!

THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres this Friday from director Hany Abu-Assad and 20^th Century Fox comes a film of survival with THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US.

Alex Martin (Kate Winslet) is a photographer trying to get to her own wedding! Bad weather is keeping her away when noticing that doctor Ben Bass (Idris Elba) is also trying to desperately get to his destination.

She offers to help get him there by sharing a ride on a smaller two-seater with pilot Walter (Beau Bridges) and his dog. After brief introductions, they both look out at the beautiful scenery of mountains and snow. Noticing that the storm is shifting course, Walter attempts to make adjustments when the unthinkable happens.

The plane goes down deep in the high mountains as Ben checks on Walter and Alex for wounds. Immediately he goes into survival mode trying to keep the unconscious Alex warm and taking care of Walter – and the dog. Time goes by and Alex wakes up with a badly hurt leg and realizes they need to leave right away.

Walter wants to stay behind and wait for a rescue but is reminded by Alex that no one would know how to find them. After an encounter with a wild animal, it becomes clear to her that going down is the only way to survive. Along with the dog, they bundle up and begin a trek that is dangerous and soul crushing at times.

The two must come to rely on one another and being equally as stubborn come head to head on how they are to survive.

Winslet as Alex is head strong and makes rash decisions but in all of it knows they have to get off the mountain. She doesn’t understand Ben’s resistance to the idea and takes it upon herself as if to say ‘stay then…I’m outta here!’ I have to give her props for that because there are moments I’m wondering why Ben is so obstinate – then I remember he’s a guy! (Just kidding guys!)

Elba as Ben has a ton of issues and the plane crash just seems to enhance them. As he gets to know Alex he starts to understand that whatever is keeping him so balled up could possibly be the reason they will die. There is something about Elba’s presence that is just smooth and endearing which helps since the movie is fairly predictable but enjoyable with him in it.

The winner here is – Walter’s dog! I love this dog! He is smart, he is brave and puts up with the two humans who, at times, don’t have a clue what it is they are doing. If I was lost or stranded anywhere I want this dog with me…of course I’d give him a better name than ‘Walter’s Dog’. He deserves better!

THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US is beautifully done in the way of cinematography. The mountains are stunning and every scene brings more beauty in the midst of human tragedy. I have to admit that if I found a cabin in the woods I might be tempted to stay just to take it all in.

The relationship between Alex and Ben is inevitable as fear and survival bring about human frailties. Being together kept them focused in the sense that when ever one of them felt it was over; the other would push to continue. Winslet and Elba are strong and difficult in character and it seemed almost a challenge to each other to survive. It is a beautiful story with an ending that the audience wants to happen.

In the end – what if your life depended on a stranger?

KINGSMAN: The Golden Circle

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres this Friday from writer/director Matthew Vaughn and 20^th Century Fox is the next level epic to save the world and at the helm is KINGSMAN: The Golden Circle.

Eggsy (Taron Egerton) is back and continuing to work with Merlin (Mark Strong) and Arthur (Michael Gambon) with Kingsman. Having a life outside of his work, Eggsy is in love with Princess Tilde (Hanna Alstrom) and planning to meet her parents the King and Queen of Sweden.

There is a problem however, former Kingsman trainee Charlie (Edward Holcroft) wants to take out a bit of frustration on Eggsy. After a knock down drag out, he heads for dinner with the royals with the help of Roxy in his ear. Everything is going as planned until rockets are launched at Kingsman headquarters leaving only Eggsy and Merlin alive!

Their new enemy is Poppy (Julianne Moore), a slightly psychotic gal who lives in the jungles of Thailand in a 50’s theme compound. She has also created a condition that affects people who partake in recreational usage. Oh, and she’s also the only one who has the cure!

Eggsy and Merlin learn that they must go to the United States and find Statesman, their American agent cousins. Their first introduction is to Tequila (Channing Tatum) who isn’t about to make their visit easy, Ginger (Halle Berry) who is the American Merlin and Champ (Jeff Bridges), the Statesman’s leader.

That isn’t their biggest shock – it’s who they have been taking care of. Harry (Colin Firth) is alive and Eggsy needs his help. Knowing they have to follow leads for the cure, Champs insists that Agent Whiskey (Pedro Pascal) go along for back up.

Time is not on their side as the created disease is spreading and Poppy wants to cut a deal with the President of the United States (Bruce Greenwood). He agrees to her terms but also happily houses the infected, including his own Chief of Staff Fox (Emily Watson)!

In a final attempt to save the world, Eggsy and Harry put on their best suits and load up to take on Poppy with a little help from a English feathered friend!

Eggerton as Eggsy jumps right back into this role and doesn’t miss a beat. He is smooth, a little mouthy, in love and thrilled to see Harry. Looking good in the Kingsman suit, he drives, fights and drinks with the coolness of a proper agent. Honestly, I just like this kid and he sings so there’s that to add to his resume, like he needs it right?

Firth as Harry is back and a little off kilter. Firth is such a strong Kingsman that when there are moments that are “un-Harry” like, he keeps a straight face while I am cracking up. I couldn’t ask anything more than a straight-man who looks awesome doing it. Strong as Merlin is to die for and I have women in the audience to back me up on that statement. He is calm, cool, collected and doesn’t get worked up about anything. Instead, he is the steady that keeps Eggsy from going off the rails.

Moore as Poppy is just completely bonkers and I love it. She is that kind of crazy where a smile and sweet talk scare me more than a crazy with a weapon! Poppy has an agenda and nothing is going to get in her way as Moore looks like she is having more fun than anyone else in the film.

Tatum as Tequila is off his barrel a little bit as the out of control gun toting Statesman agent. Okay, so he’s hilarious too which is a bonus! Barry as Ginger is stuck behind a computer when she’d rather be out in the field. Bridges as Champs is just cool for the sake of being cool.

I have to throw a thumbs up at Bruce Greenwood and his crazy depiction of the President. Since he has played the Commander-in-Chief before in the 2007 film NATIONAL TREASURE: Book of Secrets and the 2000 film THIRTEEN DAYS – both serious Presidents – this is his chance to throw caution to the wind and be all out bonkers. He manages it quite well actually.

Other cast include Mark Arnold as General McCoy, Bjorn Granath as the King of Sweden, Lena Endre as the Queen of Sweden, Tom Knight as Angel, Sophie Cookson as Roxy, Keith Allen as Charles, Tobi Bakare as Jamal, Thomas Turgoose as Liam, and Calvin Demba as Brandon.

KINGSMAN: The Golden Circle isn’t rocket science! This is a film that is meant to be fun and a no brainer. There is absolutely nothing wrong with going to the movies with a tub of popcorn, a soda and not having to analyze ever moment. Instead, this is grab the group and go out together for some serious laughs.

There is action, comedy, unexpected surprises and laughs that just keep coming. The twist on spy films wrapped up in pretty awesome tailored suits works for me and I don’t mind saying it loud and proud. KINGSMAN: The Golden Circle is the reason popcorn, friends and theatre going were invented. 

WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres now from writer/director Matt Reeves and 20^th Century Fox is the epic ending to a world ready for WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES.

Caesar (Andy Serkis) and the ape clan are trying to stay out of site from any humans while looking for some place else to live. Attacked by a military group led by The Colonel (Woody Harrelson), it becomes even more imperative that they find a new home.

Caesar welcomes the return of his older son with news of a place that will suit them all. Winter (Aleks Paunovic) is a gorilla anxious to leave right away but orangutan Maurice (Karin Konoval), Rocket (Terry Notary), and Luca (Michael Adamthwaite) want to make a safe plan.

Later in the night, an attack on the sleeping clan brings such anger in Caesar that he sends everyone on the road to their new home. He doesn’t join them but instead believes the only way they will survive is by taking out the Colonel. Maurice, Rocket and Luca won’t let him go alone as they trail the soldiers.

On the road they discover a young girl, Nova (Amiah Miller) and Maurice takes it upon himself to care for her. They also find Bad Ape (Steve Zahn), another talker who has a story to tell about a human zoo. Caesar realizes that’s where they need to go and when they reach the facility only horror awaits them.

Caesar’s mind is even more made up that the Colonel is a dangerous man but also learns a secret that could end humanity as they know it. Coming from the North are more soldiers that have a war of their own to wage with the Colonel and the apes are in the middle.

Now the apes must come together stronger than ever if they are to survive.

Serkis as Caesar spends a lot of time in this film being righteously angry or with eyes full of tears. Highly emotional (with cause to be) Caesar fights one more battle against a human who has a plan of his own that doesn’t include the survival of the apes. Carrying the vocals of his clan, it is still clear to see why he is still their leader but even a leader has his breaking point. Serkis has taken the character of Caesar from birth to the promise land.

Harrelson as the Colonel is a man on a mission to destroy Caesar and his clan. Even though Caesar continues to offer ways out of war, the Colonel continues his barrage of attacks with his own agenda at hand. Harrelson’s portrayal is of a straight forward soldier who believes in what he is doing and rules with fear. He isn’t hysterical or outrageous which means his insanity looks normal!

Konoval as Maurice believes in Caesar but fears for them all when he seems to be led by anger and revenge. Maurice’s relationship with Nova is absolutely beautiful. Notary as Rocket is a faithful friend and when Caesar is in trouble, puts himself in the line of fire to support their leader. Adamthwaite as Luca is a gorilla that will fight if Caesar wishes it and protects him whether Caesar wants it or not.

Zahn as Bad Ape is the comic relief of the film but in that comedy is an ape that clearly has seen the worst of humanity. Living away from everything and everyone, his fear is valid and the cause of a few loose screws.

Miller as Nova brings an amazing performance without a single sentence being uttered. Her fears are put to rest immediately and the connection with Maurice is what Caesar has always wanted with the humans. Every move she makes is because of a friendship created by a caring species not her own.

Other cast includes: Gabriel Chavarria as Preacher, Judy Greer as Cornelia, Sara Canning as Lake, Devyn Dalton as Cornelius, Alessandro Juliani as Spear, Max Lloyd-Jones as Blue Eyes, Mercedes Zerda as Lang, Chad Rook as Boyle, Ty Olsson as Red Donkey and Toby Kebbell as Koba.

WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES brings the story full circle. I won’t hesitate to say that I am a huge admirer of the original 1968 PLANET OF THE APES. I believe the five films in the original franchise are absolutely spectacular in the telling, the filmmaking, the effects and make up brought to life by amazing talented actors. Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans and Linda Harrison set up a franchise that to my mind can never be touched.

There is no way to stop Hollywood from “reimagining” films and the 2001 Mark Wahlberg puts a pin in why remakes should never happen. Of course that didn’t stop the re-attempt in 2011 with the release of RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES followed by DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES in 2014. The story twists and turns bringing only glimpses of the 1968 story-glory. The newer versions invite a generation into this ape-human storyline but I’d rather they experience the original. Oh well, you can’t have everything.

WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES gives fans of this trilogy more special effects, a big battle and a finality that is nothing short of an epic promised-land ending. There are moments here and there where things get a bit too dramatic with waves of orchestra tugs at the human heart strings. There are also nuggets all over the film that will either make you say ‘oh no they didn’t’ or ‘oh isn’t that great’ as nods or homage’s are strewn about.

With that said, the film does have a few thought provoking moments, loads of tears, war and anger, redemption on many levels and characters that must act to be believed. My purest heart is still with Heston and McDowall whose portrayals will always stop me during channel surfing to experience how it all began.

In the end – for freedom, family and the planet!

CINEMACON 2017 Brings Everything Movie Goers Want for a Memorable Experience!

Jeri Jacquin

Once again, Las Vegas hosted CinemaCon 2017 at Ceasars Palace hosted by NATO (National Association of Theater Owners) where studios present to theatre owners with everything they have coming on their slate. It is also a chance to experience what is coming to concessions and comfort for theatre goers.

NATO is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world and it represents 33,000 movie screens in all 50 states with the additional cinemas in 91 countries world wide. That is amazing and bringing it all together for a week in Las Vegas continues to astound me ever year.

Every year I look forward to the amazing presentations by all who attend the conference. It changes every year yet seeing familiar faces and catching up is also the order of the week. The excitement is always present in every moment of the gathering of everyone who has one thing is common – our love of movies!

So here is our 2017 experience – enjoy!

Monday the 27^th brings a welcoming with an International Day Breakfast and a settling in of what is to come for the week. It’s a moment settle in as the studios prepare to wow everyone bringing a level of excitement and expectation for what it to come for the rest of the week.

Starting off with presentations, Sony Pictures delighted audiences with their slate with the upcoming films Spider-Man: Homecoming, Blade Runner 2049, The Dark Tower, Jumanji, Baby Driver, Flatliners, The Smurfs, The Emoji Movie, Cadavers and Rough Night.

Edgar Wright’s BABY DRIVER is filled with action but that’s what happens when Ansel Elgort tries to rob a bank. After the teaser, Wright and Elgort take the stage to tell the audience how they feel about the intensity of the film. With THE DARK TOWER, Idris Elba offers a sneak peak of the Stephen King story.

In animation, Sony Animation brings a peek at THE SMURFS, THE EMOJI MOVIE, THE STAR and a new look at PETER RABBIT.

Ryan Gosling takes the stage (slow the roll ladies) to talk about the highly anticipated return of BLADE RUNNER 2049. He described the film set as a “fully functioning living breathing world which made it so easy to concentrate on the internal world of the characterless as well as the external world that was so rich and detailed”.

The only way to end a presentation is with The Rock aka Dwayne Johnson! When you add Nick Jonas, Karen Gillan and Jack Black to the mix, it is a look at JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE.

Tuesday the 28^th brings another very cool slate from STX Entertainment The Circle, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, Molly’s Game, The Foreigner, Ugly Dolls, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Mile 22, Den of Thieves, and finally Bad Moms 2.

THE CIRCLE stars Tom Hanks with a scene shown to the audience with an introduction by Emma Watson. She plays a woman working at a tech company that turns out to be responsible for hurting humanity.

VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS is brought by director Luc Besson and stars Cara Delevingne who came on stage and talked about a science fiction and how do to it right. The film looks stunning visually so it captured the audience attention.

Aaron Sorkin writes and directs the final presentation for STX with MOLLY’S GAME. The title role is played by Jessica Chastain as Molly, a woman who creates a high-stakes poker game. The film includes a major cast with Kevin Costner, Idris Elva, Michael Cera and Joe Keery. Chastain comes on stage and says there is no better dialogue than Aaron Sorkin’s.

THE FOREIGNER is a Jackie Chan film that is filled with action that also stars Pierce Brosnan, Charlie Murphy, Rory Byrne and Katie Leung. Leung is another Harry Potter alumni making her way past the iconic character of Cho Chang.

Last year, STX gave out dolls that are not as cute as you’d expect. Don’t tell that to my granddaughter Jaycie because Dreamy Bat is her bestie. Well, Dreamy Bat is finally making it to the big screen with the animated film UGLY DOLLS coming in 2019. Elton John, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Weber are on board to work on the animated project JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT.

The dynamic duo of Mark Walberg and Peter Berg talked about their next project called MILE 22. Walberg talked about how he wanted to make this a trilogy project and for this to be the work he is defined for in this franchise.

Finally, Mila Kunis takes the stage to announce a sequel to BAD MOMS with A BAD MOMS CHRISTMAS. Filming in Atlanta in the summer it will be interesting to see how that translates into a Christmas setting.

The next studio presentation was from Paramount and their offerings of Baywatch, An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power, Suburbicon, Thor: Ragnarok, Transformers: The Last Knight, and Downsizing.

Starting the summer off with a jaunt down the beach as the comedy BAYWATCH hits the screen with a little Dwayne Johnson on the side. Offering up a contest to theatres owners to sell tickets, the winner will get treated to a premier in New York City.  

Former VP Al Gore gave us all a look at AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL: Truth to Power and the joy of being at the convention gave into a moment of a yucky feeling. The trailer gave us a few Donald Trump slices but Gore trying to work with both parties on environmental issues.

George Clooney, Matt Damon and Julianne Moore are a hit presenting SUBURBICON. Michael Bay gives the audience a peek at TRANSFORMERS: The Last Knight shot in IMAX 3D.

Alexander Payne’s film DOWNSIZING stars Matt Damon and Kristen Wiig and 10 minutes of the film which, of course, left me wanting more. Any time Matt Damon is on the screen I know it’s going to be interesting but adding Kristen Wiig and it’s going to be a must-see.

Wednesday the 29^th brings Universal Pictures offerings with Despicable Me 3, Girls Trip, The Mummy, Atomic Blonde, and The Fate of the Furious.

Nothing makes me smile more than Steve Carell but even more so when I hear his voice of Gru from DESPICABLE ME. I can honestly say that I’ve repeated a line or two more than a hundred times to make myself laugh.

So when Carell and producer Chris Meledandri take the stage for a morning chat, you can be sure it is a good time had by everyone in the audience. In DESPICABLE ME 3, Gru discovers he has a brother who is less follically challenged and with his new family with Lucy, he has to make time to find Balthazar Bratt. Of course Bratt is another villain looking for world domination. Then Carell says of his Gru role, “I am proud to be part of Illumination. It’s amazing to be a part of something that brings care and joy to others”. Yea, he got me!

GIRLS TRIP brings Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Regina Hall and Tiffany Haddich on stage to banter with one another about their film making experience and having a girls’ time of it.

THE MUMMY brings Sofia Boutella and Annabelle Wallis to the stage to talk about making of the film with Tom Cruise sending a hello on screen. Sharing a bit about the film, the cast talked about one stunt sequence that took 64 takes and two days between Tom and Annabelle.

Charlize Theron lit up the stage to a thunderous applause as her film ATOMIC BLONDE is set to hit theatres soon. I’m not going to lie one bit when I say this actress just stuns me at every turn. Not only does she star in the film, but Theron is also a producer! Based on the Oni Press graphic novel, this is an action film that doesn’t take prisoners.

Theron says, “I’ve been interested in this genre as an actress and as a woman. It is amazing to see this graphic novel come to the screen five years later. This is a colorful world filled with action”. Director David Leitch, also in attendance says, “The 10 minute fight scene is not right for ever movie but right for this genre. We had bold choices and we the film to be provocative and we bright that.

The star also turned the audience with laughter when saying, “We worked our balls off on this film, I’m a full-on woman now!” Somehow it doesn’t make a difference whether she has them or not, I’m enthralled with her.

Finally, Vin Diesel makes his way to the stage to talk about THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS. The seventh film in the FAST AND FURIOUS franchise, they once again put together a cast of unforgettable talent to make a film that won’t let you rest for one second.

Diesel also confirms to the crowd that there will be a nine and ten in the FAST AND FURIOUS franchise. He says, “We are proud of how we defied expectations” in regards to the success of the films. Of course he could not forget his friend Paul Walker saying, “It was a hard decision to make the film without Paul but his legacy is in every frame we shoot. He was the concept of brotherhood. When I thought of going into the 8^th chapter, it was Paul that said ‘8 is guaranteed’!” Also coming to the stage was director F. Gary Gray, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, the legendary Kurt Russell (still as handsome as ever) and Charlize Theron.

In this film, Dom and Letty return from their honeymoon but it doesn’t take long for things to get chaotic. When a woman named Cipher, played by the best villain Charlize Theron forces Dom to work for her – there are reasons that will shock everyone.

FOCUS FEATURES brought an amazing slate and I have to say I am a huge fan of the original work they continue to bring to film lovers. Their slate is going to have me waiting with anticipation with Atomic Blonde, Victoria & Abdul, The Book of Henry, The Beguiled, The Darkest Hour and an unnamed work with Paul Thomas Anderson and Daniel Day Lewis.

There is not much else to say about ATOMIC BLONDE except don’t wait to see it – go opening day, go several times! Charlize Theron is just going to blow everyone away.

VICTORIA AND ABDUL stars Dame Judy Dench as Queen Victoria and explores the friendship with a young Indian clerk that sets the palace on its high horse. With a colorful and hilarious introduction via clip by the grand Dame herself, this is a film for anyone who loves period pieces.

THE BOOK OF HENRY is the story of Susan Carpenter played by Naomi Watts and her son Henry played by Jaeden Lieberher. Henry is a smart boy living with his waitress mother in a small town. When a young girl next story is in need of help, Susan and Henry come up with a way to help that can be frightening and deadly. Director Colin Trevorrow and Naomi Watts give their impressions of the film from the stage.

A film that has captured my attention and the trailer made the suspense even worse is the film from Sophia Coppola THE BEGUILED. Coppola and the stars Nicole Kidman and Colin Farrell is set in the Civil War as a girls school takes in a wounded Union soldier. Also staring Kirsten Dunst, Elle Fannie and Angourie Rice, all I can scream from the rooftops is ‘What’s in the cellar! What’s in the cellar!’

My heart skipped a beat when the amazing Gary Oldman took the stage to talk about his film DARKEST HOUR. The film directed by Joe Wright is the story of Winston Churchill and the early days of World War II. Also staring Lily James, Ben Mendelsohn, John Hurt and Kristin Scott Thomas, I have to say that Oldman embraces this role. I was actually shocked by the transformation of this actor into a man who will forever be part of history.

WARNER BROTHERS brings something for everyone in their presentation with Dunkirk, Annabelle: Creation, It, Unforgettable, Everything Everything, Bastards, The House, King Arthur Legend of the Sword, Geo Storm, Blade Runner: 2049, Legos Ninjago, Aquaman and Wonder Woman.

Staring with the big guns in the presentation with director Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated film DUNKIRK. Telling the audience that “the only platform I’m interested in talking about is theatrical exhibition” he wants theater owners to experience the film. DUNKIRK, he explains “is a huge story but at its heart it’s a survival story. I wanted to tell the story in the most visceral way possible, on the beach, in the plane and with the soldiers. When it came time to do DUNKIRK, I used cameras to take you on the beach, on the plane and in the water. The combination of talent is an ensemble like I’ve never worked with before. This is a story that needs to carry through the suspense to bring you there. The theatre is the only way to make that happen.” I think the footage Nolan brings has winner written all over it.

How do you follow that? Well, you bring a “cute” little doll to a film called ANNABELLE: Creation. The story of how this iconic doll came to be will finally be revealed and I’m sure fans are going to be thrilled. Also, UNFORGETTABLE brings two women against each other when an ex-wife Katherine Heigl sees the new woman, Rosario Dawson, in her ex’s life as a reason to go nuts.

Stephen King is back on the screen with a frightening clown and director Andres Muschietti’s IT. I have no doubt people will flock to the theatres to have their wits taken by Pennywise who reminds us that ‘we all float down here’.

In between horror and drama is the beat down of planet Earth with the next disaster film GEOSTORM with Gerard Butler. When the satellites that control Earth go wonky, the weather becomes the attacker as the climate changes.

If comedy is more the genre preferred well then let the BASTARDS change that for you. Ed Helms and Owen Wilson are twin brothers who learn more about their mother, played by Glenn Close, than they ever wanted too. A road trip to find Daddy is in order!

Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler bring down THE HOUSE coming to theatres. As parents of a daughter wanting to go to college and no money to make that happen, they take matters into their own gambling hands.

Charlie Hunnam takes the stage and the hearts of the women around me have stopped for a moment. Oh yes, it will take time to get Jax (SOA) out of our minds so listening to his introduction for the director Guy Ritchie’s film KING ARTHUR: Legend of the Sword keeps us all happy. Hunnam tells us that the story takes a bit of a turn as Arthur is “as far as you can imagine from royalty. It’s a little bit cheeky, a little big naughty and a lot of fun”. Who can turn that down?

Jared Leto takes the stage to bring more of the BLADE RUNNER 2049 story to the audience. Taking a moment to gush, Leto says “there are very few films in my life that have struck me as deep as the original BLADE RUNNER.”

With the success of the Lego franchise and the recent Batman addition to the gang, a new block member comes with LEGO NINJAGO MOVIE. I swear I love the humor that Lego brings to these characters with stories that are so inventive and fun.

DC gets their feet wet as Jason Momoa takes the stage, and may I say he’s taller than I ever thought, to talk about the concept of the film starting with director Zack Snyder telling the story of AQUAMAN. Also presenting for DC is Chris Pine and director Patty Jenkins for WONDER WOMAN.

Thursday the 30^th brings 20^th Century Fox to CinemaCon with their slate of films but can’t help but open up the presentation with dancers giving lights, fun and a rendition of ‘There’s No Business Like Show Business’. It wasn’t until the final second that the unveiling of Chris Aronson, 20^th Century Fox head of domestic distribution brought the house down with applaud.

The upcoming slate also brings cheers with the films Captain Underpants, Snatched, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul, The Mountain Between Us, War For the Planet of the Apes, Kingsmen: The Golden Circle, Red Sparrow, The Murder on the Orient Express, Alien: Covenant, Ferdinand and The Greatest Showman.

It made me jump when the trailer for CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS was shown as the crowd absolutely loved it. SNATCHED stars Amy Schumer and Goldie Hawn who took to the stage in a love fest between the two. The story of a mother-daughter trip-gone-wrong, Schumer says, ‘Even if you have triggering Mom issues, you’ll still enjoy it”.

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: The Long Haul brings Tom Everett-Scott and Alicia Silverstone back as parents who take their kids on a road trip. Of course anyone with kids will find the comedy relatable.

Kate Winslet and Idris Elba star in THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US as two survivors of a plane crash do what ever they must to get down the mountain. I enjoy both of these actors so this will be on my list of films to see.

WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES instantly got attention and not just because of the huge night display on the entire front of Caesars Palace. A preview of the film has Cesar riding a horse through the woods and after a chase meet a smaller ape who also knows how to talk. He tells them about a military camp run by the nutty Woody Harrelson and it’s plain to see war is inevitable.

I broke out in a giggle happy fit when KINGSMAN: The Golden Circle trailer came to the screen. I have to say with the addition of Channing Tatum it is a bigger plus for me to see the film and, to be honest, nothing would keep me away.

Jennifer Lawrence returns to the screen with the thriller RED SPARROW. Kenneth Branagh takes on THE MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS giving his introduction on video. The cast includes Judi Dench, Michelle Pfieffer, Johnny Depp, Josh Gad, Willem Dafoe and more.

ALIEN: Covenant brings Michael Fassbender back (and I’m not mad about that! <heavy sigh>) as director Ridley Scott gives us a sneak peek hoping that the film “scares the sh*t outta you”. Katherine Waterston leads a cast that includes Danny McBride, Billy Crudup, Guy Pearce, James Franco, Demian Bichir and Noomi Rapace.

The animated film FERDINAND brought out Jon Cena to talk about his excitement about playing the misunderstood bull. He seemed pretty thrilled about all the work he put into it and a cast that includes Kate McKinnon, David Tennant, Gina Rodriguez and Anthony Anderson.

There is something to be said when Hugh Jackman takes the stage because he is perfect for his role in the film THE GREATEST SHOWMAN. Directed by Michael Gracey, it is the story of P.T. Barnum who had an idea and creates showmanship like the world had never seen. Also starring Rebecca Ferguson, Michelle Williams, Zendaya, Keala Settle and Zac Efron, this is going to be colorful and musically stunning.

Amazon Studios takes the stage with their slate of films with Last Flag Flying, Crown Heights, Brad’s Status, The Only Living Boy in New York, City of Ghosts, Generation of Wealth, Wonderstruck, The Big Sick, Don Quixote, Don’t Worry He Won’t Get Far on Foot, All Eyez on Me, American Assassin, Wonder, The Hitman’s Bodyguard.

Richard Linklater brings LAST FLAG FLYING with Steve Carell, Bryan Cranston and Laurence Fishburne playing former military men who come together. CROWN HEIGHTS is the story of a man wrongly convicted of murder. Lakeith Stanfield and Nnamdi Asomugha work together to right the wrong.

BRAD’S STATUS stars Ben Stiller, Michael Sheen and Jenna Fischer in this combination of comedy and drama about decisions we make in life. THE ONLY LIVING BOY IN NEW YORK starring Jeff Bridges and Kate Beckinsale and directed by Marc Webb.

CITY OF GHOSTS comes from Matthew Heineman as activists in Syria who are also journalists. GENERATION OF WEALTH takes on the rich in America. WONDERSTRUCK tells the story of a young boy in the Midwest and a young girl in New York and what there connection is. THE BIG SICK stars Kumail Nanjiani and Zoe Kazan as a couple who deal with their cultural differences.

Before the ending of Amazon Studios presentation there was mention of upcoming films including DON QUIXOTE, DON’T WORRY HE WON’T GET FAR ON FOOT, ANNETTE, BEAUTIFUL BOY, SUSPIRIA, YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE, PETERLOO.

Lionsgate closes the studio presentations with a little film ALL EYEZ ON ME, a film on Tupac Shakur. Michael Keaton continues to keep me riveted and makes his way to the stage to present AMERICAN ASSASSIN. Dylan O’ Brien and Taylor Kitsch star in this counterterrorism thriller.

Jacob Tremblay stars in the film WONDER that comes from the novel by R.J. Palacio with this drama about Auggie, a young boy with a facial deformity that tries to fit in.

THE HITMAN’S BODYGUARD brings the stunning Salma Hayek to the stage to introduce this film that stars Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson as a bodyguard and a hitman work together. Putting Reynolds and Jackson in these roles it pretty much a win-win!

That’s it, that’s everything and I can honestly say I don’t think it’s possible to take in any more. CinemaCon never disappoints and this year was absolutely no exception. From learning what is new and coming in theatres and meeting exhibitors along with the stars that came to support it all – it was a complete blast.

Thanks to NATO and Mitch Neuhauser, the Managing Director, for all that you do to make it a memorable week that keeps us talking for months after.

See you next year at CinemaCon 2018!