THE RITUAL

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director David Midell and XYZ Films is the haunting tale of THE RITUAL.

Father Steiger (Dan Stevens) is a priest of a small community in Earling, Iowa at Saint Joseph’s in 1928. Dealing with a family crisis, he is approached by Bishop Fabian (Patrick Fabian) notifying him of request regarding Emma Schmidt (Abigail Cowen), a young woman who has been dealing with unexplained issues. She has been suffering issues that psychiatrists do not believe are mental so Father Theophilus (Al Pacino) has stepped in to do an exorcism. The church has decided that it will be done at St. Joseph’s much to Father Steiger’s surprise. Also unhappy about the request is Mother Superior (Patricia Heaton).

When Emma arrives at the church, she is met by Sister Rose (Ashley Greene) and taken immediately to her room. Sister Sarah (Meadow Williams), Sister Camila (Maria Giraldo) and others are curious at to what is happening and what Emma is like. When Father Theophilus arrives, the rituals begin almost immediately and they will all begin to see and experience things they never could have imagined.

When Father Steiger begins to question Father Theophilus, it causes each of them wonder what is truly happening to Emma. Each of them begins to feel the effects of what is taking control of Emma and the fear spreads rapidly. What is torturing Emma and how much longer do they have before there is no turning back for any of them.

The clock is ticking on their faith!

Stevens as Father Steiger is trying to understand the sadness he feels about his brother and now with the bishops request, he is struggling. Believing that Emma needs medical attention more, he is told that what is going to happen is already set. Stevens gives us the portrayal of a man who seems more worldly in feeling than priestly. He wants to lean more towards medical and psychiatric than an exorcism. The problem is that Father Steiger seemingly refuses to listen to someone who actually knows and is constantly a hinderance. That’s where the duality of his character lies.

Pacino as Father Theophilus presents himself as a very laid back “I’ve done this before” kind of priest that isn’t upset by Father Steiger’s constant confrontations. He not only shows Emma kindness but makes sure she understands what is needed to stop her torment. Pacino is somewhat transformed from his normal look into a priest wearing more monk-like apparel and captures what is needed in portraying the real Father Theophilus. He remains at all times, calm, collected and shows no fear of whatever the entity is.

Greene as Sister Rose is a nun that still seems to be dealing with a wide range of feelings. It doesn’t help when an entity is after you but there are moments where she is frustrated with what she must do to help Emma. Heaton as Mother Superior is not in the least happy with having the exorcism in the church. She fears for the safety of the nuns in her care seeing the changes that they all seem to be going through. Out of her own frustration, she even takes on both priests letting them know that continuing to allow the exorcism is at her discretion no matter what they might think. I actually liked that part of her character showing a strength I would expect a Mother Superior to have and have seen in other actresses like Anne Bancroft and Meryl Street in similar roles.

It is Cowen as Emma that provides the moments of intense rage and physical horrors experienced by her character. She has the face of an angel and a simple demeanor to match but don’t let that fool you because when it’s go-time, Cowen makes darn sure that we hold our collective breathes when it is time to show the opposite side of what torments her character. She is riveting to watch from start to finish.

XYZ Films is an American independent film production and sales company founded in 2008 by Aram Tertzakian, Nate Bolotin and Nick Spicer, and is based in Los Angeles. It focuses on international genre films, including THE RAID: Redemption, THE RAID 2, and ON THE JOB. For more on what they have to offer, please visit www.xyzfilms.com.

Director Midell says of the film, “Upon beginning my research into the events described herein, I was struck by the scientific and fact-based approach many have taken in relationship to seemingly unexplainable (i.e. paranormal) events. Having spent thousands of hours digging into the facts, history, and context about Emma Schmidt and the other involved, my intimate knowledge of the case has guided the creative process through countless conundrum, contradictions, and juxtapositions. As a filmmaker on the autism spectrum myself, it was especially important to me to ensure the facts, as well as the challenges and triumphs experienced by the characters, were honored in the re-telling of this story.”

That is what the story is all about, the 1928 exorcism of Emma Schmidt recognized by the Catholic Church handled by Capuchin priest Father Theophilus Riesinger in a 23-day spiritual battle. In the almost century since the actual event, THE RITUAL brings the story back to the forefront. What the film brings is not only what Emma went through but the response to those of faith around her. Each person involved, but not Father Theophilus, questioned something about their faith in this situation.

That is the most interesting aspect of the film for me, watching the reaction of Father Steiger, Sister Rose and Mother Superior. The darkness clearly dug deep into them as their own personal struggles couldn’t be hidden any longer – whether it be the questioning of their faith or the disbelief in what was happening in their parish.

THE RITUAL falls in line with films about possession as the first I saw was, of course, the 1973 release of THE EXORCIST. The formula works for those who want to be thrilled by this genre of films with the difference that director Midell brings more of the human story of Father Steiger and the nuns. Pacino and Stevens play off one another very well to bring the story of these two extraordinary men to life.

In the end – it is the most infamous exorcism in American history!

There is Treachery in the HOUSE OF GUCCI

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital Code from director Ridley Scott and Universal Pictures is the based on the true story about the HOUSE OF GUCCI.

Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga) works for her father’s transportation business and enjoys a night life. One evening at a party, she meets Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver) and learns he is the son of the famous brand created by father Rodolfo Gucci (Jeremy Irons) and Uncle Aldo Gucci (Al Pacino).

The two fall hard for each other and even when Maurizio’s father kicks him out of the family home, they are happy in their lives. When Maurizio becomes part of the family business, it is Patrizia who sees what is happening to that business, including the mess of a Cousin Paolo Gucci (Jared Leto). Needing encouragement, she turns to psychic Pina (Salma Hayek) and now Gucci is back on top.

At least for a while, as Maurizio begins to make his mark on the Gucci name and all the excess that comes with it. As the power begins to shift, so does the dynamic of relationships in the family as hearts are broken, anger turns to revenge, and a name is up for grabs.

Gaga as Patrizia gives her character fire, family and, oh yes, love of Gucci. She is strong, a bit arrogant and knows how to play the game to get her husband to the top of the family business. The probably with being a person of fire and passion is that when you try to put those two things out – ugliness soon follows. Gaga does not hesitate to bring it all front and center with no qualms about who this character is and what she wants.

Driver as Maurizio begins as a shy law student who is a bit taken aback by Patrizia’s forwardness. Soon he finds himself totally enthralled in her, their life and being away from the Gucci family stresses. As much as he wanted the simple life, it was the Gucci life that would come calling. Learning how to play the game, Driver gives his character the brass what-evers to come out of his nice guy shell and play dirty.

Pacino as Aldo Gucci jumps into the family messes trying to discover what will benefit his bank account. Foregoing his own son, Aldo brings in Maurizio and Patrizia under the guise of doing whatever it takes to get their share of the family business. He is charming and a bit sleazy at the same time until, as with all things Gucci, he hits a speed bump. I do have to say that Pacino can certainly yell extremely well!

Leto as Paolo is a man who just wants his fashions to be seen but the problem is that his idea of fashion and Gucci’s idea of fashion are two different things. He is a problem for both his father and anyone else that he surrounds himself with. Leto is absolutely fantastic surrounded by hair, makeup and prosthetics but that is only decoration for his outrageous character performance.

Hayek as Pina is the mystical force in Patrizia’s life that gave her the green light for life with the Gucci clan. Consistently reading cards and staring into candle flames, it is their friendship that leads to an outcome the Gucci family could never have seen coming.

Other cast include Vincent Riotta as Fernando Reggiani, Gaetano Bruno as Franco, Jack Huston as Domenico De Sole, Alexia Murray as Silvana Reggiani, Camille Cottin as Paola Franchi, Youssef Kerkour as Nemir Kirdar, Florence Andrews as Jenny Gucci, Mehdi Nebbou as Said, Miloud Benamara as Omar, Andrea Bodini as Ivano, Vincenzo Tanassi as Benedetto, and Reeve Carney as Tom Ford.

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.

Apple TV Digital Code Included. 

The Bonus Features include The Rise of the House of Gucci: Making Of, The Lady of the House and Styling HOUSE OF GUCCI.

It is a shame, on a personal note, that the Academy did not see fit to nominate Lady Gaga for her performance. Her fellow male actors did well, and I am not pulling a “they could not have done it without her” woman thing – quite the contrary. Both she and Driver were the upfront stars of the film, my point is that both Lady Gaga and Driver gave us Patrizia and Maurizio, but damn if she did not give us a touch more.

HOUSE OF GUCCI is a fascinating, jaw dropping and head shaking look into a family that each lives in a world of their own. From the Gucci brothers and the ridiculous behaviors toward their sons to believing that nothing could possibly touch them, one could get whiplash keeping up with who is smacking who.

The look is authentic, the fashion is pure lux and, for the era, it is easy to see why women around the world just wanted to be wrapped in Gucci. This is the story of the rise of a brand, the fall of those who let their heads become as puffed up as the name and how all the mess did not seem to hurt the Gucci brand one, single, bit.

In the end – it is a legacy worth killing for!

 

AMERICAN TRAITOR: The Trial of Axis Sally

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and OnDemand from director Michael Polish, Vertical and Redbox is the story of a woman who stands trial for being an AMERICAN TRAITOR: The Trial of Axis Sally.

It is World War II and American Mildred Gillars (Meadow Williams) is living in Germany with the love of her life Max Koischwitz (Carsten Norgaard). It is not long before she is brought to Joseph Goebbels (Thomas Kretschmann) who makes it clear that if she wants things to stay safe for her, she will do radio broadcasts exactly as the script says. The program consists of Mildred singing swing songs and propaganda written by Goebbels.

Soon after the war she is arrested and brought to stand trial in the United States for being the traitor known as Axis Sally. Representing her is James Laughlin (Al Pacino) who has an unusual way of doing things and brings Billy Owen (Swen Temmel) on board to help with Mildred.

On the other side of the courtroom is John Kelly (Mitch Pileggi) who is making sure in his opening statement that everyone realizes why she is standing trial. Bringing out both verbal barrels, Kelly paints an ugly picture of a woman who turned on her country and the soldiers she used during her broadcasts.

While in her cell, Billy tries to get her to talk about what happened to her in Germany and when she finally does, it becomes clear that not everything has been told. Laughlin is going to have to work fast so that the truth will come out or else Mildred will be hanged for treason!

Pacino as Laughin gets a chance to put on his quirk in the form of a lawyer who does not do things exactly as expected. From the moment he meets Mildred until the end, he tries to see all that is possible and how to keep his client alive. Pacino does quirk well and gives fire when he wants your attention.

Williams as Gillars puts on a very stern face and is not exactly a warm person. She had a sharp and cutting wit knowing that there is no way the U.S. is going to listen to her story, not after being labeled ‘Axis Sally’ for so long. Trust is not easily given, and Williams puts up the toughest wall ever.

Temmel as Owen is a young lawyer who believes he has what it takes to work with Laughlin but does not exactly know what to expect. Working with Laughlin will be an experience and Temmel gives his character the reactions of a straightforward man of the law. Norgaard as Koischwitz is in the same boat as Mildred in that he has to find a way to keep them together and alive doing things and seeing things he can hardly bear.

Kretschmann as Goebbels is vicious, evil and diabolical in the way he thinks and what he does to keep his radio program popular with both Germans and Americans. There is a heavy price to pay for trying to go against him. Pileggi as Kelly is not about to let this case get away and wants justice for everyone by making Mildred take the full brunt of it.

Other cast include Lala Kent as Elva and Drew Taylor as Randy.

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

AMERICAN TRAITOR: The Trial of Axis Sally is based on the book Axis Sally Confidential by William E. Owen. Mildred Gillars traveled the world, married and widowed until landing in Germany and becoming part of the RRG and the show Home Sweet Home. Listened to in the United States as well as abroad, she has several other choice names that listeners called her.

The film shows Mildred as a very guarded woman who is refusing to tell her side of the story, main, I’m assuming because no one will believe her. In this story, there is a darker side to her time in Germany at the hands of Goebbels that, knowing his history, seems very believable. In the middle, to my way of thinking, brings tons of questions about her life that I am very interested in.

In the end – who truly is Axis Sally?

 

Netflix Releases THE IRISHMAN

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Netflix from director Martin Scorsese is the highly anticipated film streaming with THE IRISHMAN.

Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro) served in World War II and is now a truck driver trying to take care of his family in 1950's Philadelphia. When is truck breaks down, he meets Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci) who seems to know how to fix it. Wanting to show his appreciation, Frank offers but Russell turns him down and both go on their way.

Selling a few things to a local crime family, he is accused of theft and lawyer Bill Bufalino (Ray Romano) convinces a judge that he is innocent. Bufalino introduces Frank to his cousin - Russel Bufalino and immediately he begins to work for Russell. As the head of the Scranton crime family, Russell is privvy to almost everything going on and becomes close friends with Frank. Their friendship starts real money coming to Frank and his family.

Jimmy Hoffa is the president of the Teamsters and an acquaintance of Russells. Sending Frank over to help Hoffa means dealing with Anthony "Pro" Provenzano (Stephen Graham) who is causing trouble. If that isn't hard enough, Hoffa is having problems with the government and blames the Kennedys for all his difficulties. Bringing Frank aboard, Hoffa starts to feel as if there is at least one person he can trust.

When Robert Kennedy is named Attorney General, Hoffa can't control his anger knowing that the President's brother is going to do anything possible to bring him down. Eventually that is exactly what happens and while in prison, Frank goes back to work for Russell and the Teamsters is being run by Frank Fitzsimmons.

While in prison, Hoffa gets into a scuffle with Provenzano when insults are exchanged. Not realizing that this is a bad idea, Frank consistently tries to smooth their beef over with no luck. In 1971, President Nixon pardon's Jimmy Hoffa but he can't get back in with the Teamsters for a while.

He may not be able to jump back in the ring but certainly make plans to do it and that's exactly what Hoffa does. Being as loud as everyone remembers him to be, Russell starts getting heat from the others that Hoffa is becoming a problem. Turning to Frank's friendship with Hoffa, they ask him to convey that Hoffa needs to curtail the rhetoric. Well that couldn't have had the worse effect on the former leader of the Teamsters.

Instead of cutting back a bit, he informs Frank loudly that he knows things about the dons that make him untouchable and all but dares them to try anything. When Bufalino's daughter is to be married, Russell, Frank and their wives make a road trip to attend. Everything is fine until Russell tells Frank that he is going to make a side trip to meet Hoffa and bring Provenzano so they can finally put things to rest.

Putting things to rest is what Frank does best.

De Niro as Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran is fantastic but then again I would expect nothing less. Scorsese knows that if he is going to do a Mafia film he can't exactly do it without De Niro. Having him start off as a younger man is a little unnerving and it is easy to spot the changes, but as the film goes along he just morphs into character and ages right along with him. What De Niro has the stunning ability to do is make you feel for a character that isn't exactly an saint. The effects of this are lost on Frank but not on the family as his daughters struggle with the knowledge of who their father is.

Pacino as Hoffa is portrayed as an incredible character in that he has a mouth that I'm not sure how he got away with for so long. Well, absolute power does corrupt absolutely and Hoffa was definetly on the right side of that saying. He ran the Teamsters the way HE wanted to run it and whoa-be anybody that got in his way. Even prison didn't stop him - much. Pacino adds a dynamic that is such a struggle for Frank and Russell, they want to understand, they try to understand but the noose starts to get tight around their necks. Pacino is everything marvelous and then some.

Pesci as Russell is such a treasure and what is interesting about this character is the eerie calmness. I'm used to seeing Pesci get loud, get crazy and make no excuses for any of it. In the role of Russell he gives a collected demeanor that never gets out of hand and plays everything close to the chest. There is nothing about the way that he behaves that gives anything away, no plans, no ideas…nothing. Instead, behind those eyes are plans upon plans and he makes no apologies for caring for those he loves first and foremost.

Graham as Provenzano is the thorn in Hoffa's side, the thing that rubs him the wrong way and the very thing that sets his teeth to grinding. Feeling he owes Hoffa nothing, Provenzano has no problem hitting below the belt or in the eye - which ever. Graham gives his character a Superman complex of huge proportion and puffs his chest whenever his enemy is near.

Other cast include Bobby Cannavale as Felix DiTullio, Anna Paquin as Peggy Sheeran, Stephanie Kurtzuba as Irene Sheeran, Kathrine Narducci as Carrie Bufalino, Welder White as Jo Hoffa, Jesse Plemons as Chuckie O'Brien, Jack Huston as Robert Kennedy, Domenick Lombardozzi as Anthony Salerno, Paul Herman as Whispers DiTullio, Louis Cancelmi as Salvatore Briguglio, Marin Ireland as Dolores Sheeran, Sebastian Maniscalco as Joseph Gallo, Jim Norton as Don Rickles, Al Linea as Sam Giancana, Joseph Riccobene as Jimmy Fratianno and Harvey Keitel as Angelo Bruno.

Netflix is the world's leading streaming entertainment service with over 158 million paid memberships in over 190 countries. Enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films, Netflix is across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere and on any internet-connected screen. For more information please visit www.netflix.com.

The project came from De Niro after he read the 2004 book by Charles Brandt I Heard You Paint Houses. Bringing it to the attention of Martin Scorsese meant that it couldn't have been placed in better hands. Industrial Light & Magic (emphasis on 'magic') did the de-aging for the film.

Scorsese said on The A24 Podcast that "there is a great deal of CGI because we're doing this youthification of De Niro, Pesci and Al Pacino. We're all concerned that we're so used to watching them as the older faces." I don't think he has anything to worry about as the storyline takes over any thoughts about the youthification.

THE IRISHMAN is everything I want in a film like this and more. In fact the running time of 209 minutes means that every part of the story is explored. From Franks marriages to the relationships with his daughter, especially the strain with daughter Peggy and how people perceived Frank. The story of Russell is shrouded in a bit of mystery except for what Frank knows and shares with us in his narrations and I don't mind that. The story of Hoffa and what got him in trouble with everyone is intense and constantly in flux.

The film is breath taking in scope and not a moment of time is wasted. Every minute is important and that's something views are agreeing on. The last half hour as we are part of Frank's mob-afterlife, I am even more giddy with De Niro, Pacino and Pesci's performances. THE IRISHMAN is a film that reminds us of what an amazing world cinema creates for us all.

In the end - his story changed history!

SCARFACE: The World is Yours Limited Edition!

Jeri Jacquin

In celebration of the 1983 classic film with a screenplay by Oliver Stone, director Brian De Palma and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes the SCARFACE "The World Is Yours" Limited Edition 4K UHD/Bluray and Digital.

Tony Montana (Al Pacino) is a Cuban refugee arriving in Miami along with friends Manny (Steven Bauer), Angel (Pepe Serna) and Chi-Chi (Angel Salazar). Given green cards they become dishwashers which is totally distasteful for Tony who feels he is meant for something bigger.

Involved in a hit gone bad, Tony wants to meet Miami drug dealer Frank Lopez (Robert Loggia) to deliver his drugs and money in person. Taking the initiative, Tony and Manny are hired to work for Frank which sets them up to bring his mother Georgina (Miriam Colon) and sister Gina (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) to Miami. Once Tony's mother discovers what he is doing she refuses to have him around.

Tony has his first opportunity when Frank sends him to Bolivia to meet another drug kingpin in Alejandro Sosa (Paul Shenar). His sidekick Omar (F. Murray Abraham) isn't happy with what's happening and Sosa takes the opportunity to deal with him as well as warn Tony not to ever mess with him. This isn't the only thing that upsets Frank as word gets out that Tony is going solo behind his back sending an attack. Tony isn't about to let that slide and with moves of his own he marries Elvira (Michelle Pfeiffer) and builds an empire bringing in more money than anyone could have imagined.

Years go by and Manny isn't happy with what Tony is doing. Expanding into money laundering, the boss is also addicted to his own product. All of this leads to tension with Elvira and a mild disdain between husband and wife. Looking for the next big thrill, it comes when he is arrested and charged with tax evasion.

Sosa agrees to help Tony with his little problem but Sosa also has a little problem that Tony needs to take care of in the form of a journalist about to blow up the kingpins life. Frustrated with the whole thing Tony takes it out on Elvira in a public place but she's had enough and walks away. Heading for New York to do what Sosa asks, Tony has a moment of conscious and returns to Miami.

Promising Tony that he would pay for not doing the job, he learns that Gina is missing. Finding her with Manny after asking him to stay away turns ugly. Feeling everything crumbling, Tony takes Gina and returns to the mansion and a cocaine face dive.

That’s when hell comes knocking at the door and one of the biggest gun fights reminds Tony that "The World is Yours", even if only temporarily.

Pacino as Tony is a man who wants to get away from everything he knows in Cuba to start over. Discovering that starting over isn't as easy as he thought, it takes a hot second before he finds the best way to get what he wants. The problem is that the best way in his mind is the worst way for everyone around him. Pacino is totally absorbed in portraying this character and after years of watching it trust me when I say I've looked for an opening - there isn't one. Pacino makes damn sure with this performance that no one can ever touch it again.

Bauer as Manny is a friend to Tony and wants to succeed. I have to say he has more of a conscience than his friend but that probably isn't saying too much. As the years pass and the danger becomes even crazier, it is Manny who seems to want to walk away but doesn't know how. Bauer gives a strong performance and that could be considered saying something standing next to Al Pacino.

Pfeiffer as Elvira is a woman who falls for a smooth talking man promising her a good life. It may have started out that way but, as with all things sinister, it begins to force itself into her life. She becomes no better than Tony as they both begin to drown in their dislike of one another because it's like looking in a mirror for each of them. What started out as the potential for a good life was based on lies and false promises, nothing good can ever come of that. Elvira is just one sniff away from destroying any chance of a life period and Pfeiffer makes you believe it.

Mastrantonio as Gina quickly assimilates into the Miami scene which completely drives her brother insane. He wants a sweet and innocent sister but Gina has other plans. This is a character that cries out to be saved but when everyone is in self-destruct mode it turns into 'if you can't beat them, join them'. Loggia as Frank shows Tony what it takes to have the drug business and after creating a monster suffers a creators fate.

Abraham as Omar has always been such an interesting character because Abraham is always in my head as the underhanded Salieri from AMADEUS or the underhanded Dar Adal from the series Homeland. I forget that Omar was the first underhanded character I'd ever seen him portray and he did it so well then as he does now. Shenar as Sosa was always a force to be reckoned with but Tony thought he was always one step ahead. Trust me, when someone says 'don't cross me' I suggest you not cross them, especially in the violent world created by drug kingpins!

Other cast include Harris Yulin as Mel Bernstein, Michael P. Moran as Nick the Pig, Al Israel as Hector the Toad, Mark Margolis as Alberto the Shadow, Geno Silva as The Skull, Dennis Holahan as Jerry, Ted Beniades as Seidelbaum and Gregg Henry as Charles Goodson.

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 film 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.

The combo includes SCARFACE (1983) 4K UHD, SCARFACE (1983) Bluray, SCARFACE (1983) Digital, and SCARFACE (1932) Bluray. The Bonus Features include SCARFACE 35th Anniversary Reunion: An All-New Conversation with Director Brian De Palma and Actors Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer and Steven Bauer from the Tribeca Film Festival, The SCARFACE Phenomenon, The World of Tony Montana, The Rebirth, The Acting, The Creating, Deleted Scenes, SCARFACE: The TV Version and more!

Pacino saw the 1932 version of SCARFACE and saw potential in remaking the film. After a shift in writers, Oliver Stone was brought on to create the iconic script. De Palma brought his direction and SCARFACE would become an iconic film making list after list for villains, movie quotes and gangster films (Body count: 42). "Say hello to my little friend" (which was an M16 assault rifle with an M203 40mm grenade launcher on the barrel) is uttered at least once a day somewhere on the planet in so many ways and in so many situations.

There is actually nothing that can touch SCARFACE and even though there are rumors always abound of a remake or a sequel, I personally wouldn't see it. I love everything about this film from its intrigue to cinematography to the cast who create the whole story with the nuances of the characters they portray.

SCARFACE is a film that is memorable for my generation and it continues to stun the next generation of audiences because, despite the polyester suits, what happens to Tony and the gang is not so far off what is happening today. There is a mentality and a way of life that lends itself to the kinds of danger and violence these characters bring on themselves.

That being said, I love the cinematography, the costuming and the music choices. It is as if Pacino, Bauer, Pfeiffer and the rest of the actors gave it everything and the rest is pure icing on this magnificent cake of a film. It is as if Pacino dares us to go along for the ride and when we are shocked, Tony laughs at our squeamishness. His idea of the American dream sends most of us running the other way and he makes no apologies as he doesn't suffer fools and the weak.

SCARFACE is iconic, epic and is a totally uncomfortable film to watch but like all train wrecks you can't look away. The characters are bad, that's clear from the start but maybe there is something in us that hopes someone, anyone will find redemption. Once again, our definition of redemption and Tony's is what brings on the final scene of the film. 

In the end - he loved the American dream with a vengeance!

HBO Brings PATERNO to DVD with a Tragic Story

Jeri Jacquin

On DVD this week from director Barry Levinson and HBO Home Entertainment comes an intense story surrounding the legendary coach PATERNO.

It is 2011 and Joe Paterno (Al Pacino), coach of Penn State football, is about to have a life long career set on a path of destruction. Retired assistant coach Jerry Sandusky has been outed by reporter Sara Ganim (Riley Keough) of The Patriot-News for sexually abusing young men.

Shocked by the Sandusky allegations, Paterno continues with his coaching responsibilities as wife Sue (Kathy Baker) and family Jay (Larry Mitchell), Scott (Greg Grunberg), and Mary Kay (Annie Parisse) doesn’t understand his seeming lack of concern. As the family reads the presentment, they are each horrified at what has happened. Speaking with them, Paterno says that in 2001 he had heard about an incident and reported it right away.

Telling athletic director Tim Curley and University President Graham Spanier, Paterno thought it was all handled. The Paterno family rallies together to try and discover the best way to handle the situation but the media frenzy is way ahead of them. Ganim also continues to investigate and loses friends in the process as they refuse to believe that Paterno had anything to do with a cover up.

When the university decides to end Paterno’s career, Penn State students begin to gather on campus for a night of protesting. Reporter Ganim tries to report the feelings of the students only to be surprised that although they believe in Paterno, they won’t go public with their feelings.

Now Paterno is facing his own mortality and has to think about what he was told and how things became so out of control. “I tried to spend my whole life making my name mean something” – and now it forever attached to a horrible crime.

Pacino as Paterno is such a sad character to watch because here is a man who had one of the most notable football coaching careers of all time yet he seemed to not understand what is happening. The scene where he realizes his own kids once played in a pool with Sandusky forces Paterno to go into his own memory and live with the choices he made then. Pacino is powerful and intense showing the mortality and frail life of a man who focused on football and didn’t see the bigger picture – or did he?

Bates as wife Sue is horrified at the Sandusky allegations and is conflicted as to whether her husband truly understands what is at stake.  Mitchell as Jay does his best to understand his father’s explanations and along with Grunberg as Scott want people to focus on the victims and not their father. Parisse as Mary Kay is just as confused about her father’s reactions as her mother Sue yet wants to protect Paterno as much as possible.

Keough as Ganim is a young reporter who manages to do what the big networks can not – get those who are the victims to come forward and tell their truth. Elvis’ granddaughter does herself well in this film and although the role is small, it is important in following the trail.

Other cast include: Michael Mastro as Guido D’Elia, Joshua Morgan as Bobby, Mitchel Mack as Devon Smith, Darren Goldstein as Mike McQueary, Nicholas Sadler as Todd, Julian Gamble as Galen Hall, William Hill as Tom Bradley, Kaliswa Brewster as Mara Lewis, Josh Mowery as Ron Vanderlinden and Joseph Setticase as Drew Astorino.

HBO Home Entertainment has an extensive array of critically-acclaimed and groundbreaking programs found on Bluray, DVD and Digital HD. They have provided viewers with some of the most amazing programs with huge fan bases that include the shows True Blood, Sex and the City, The Sopranos, True Detectives, The Wire, Entourage and Game of Thrones. Launched in 1984, HBO is world wide in viewed entertainment in more than 70 territories around the world! For more of what they have to offer please visit www.hbo.com.

The DVD includes the Bonus Features About Paterno: Director Barry Levinson and stars Al Pacino and Riley Keough discuss the story behind the film and its perspective and Joe Paterno’s Impact: Barry Levinson and Al Pacino talk about Joe Paterno’s responsibilities relating to the scandal.

PATERNO is a film that will brings into question ‘did he or didn’t he?’ know what was going on in his own organization. Is it possible that Paterno thought he had done all he could (of course we know the answer to that now) or did he believe it was being dealt with? Or, does Pacino’s portrayal of a man who was a genius on the gridiron truly not have one single clue about what he was reading in the Sandusky indictments.

What I find noticeable about PATERNO is that although at times what is described in the indictments is a disturbing, the storytelling can actually be seen as the problem within organize sports. How there are individuals who are willing to overlook anything (and this film proves anything) to keep their records and their fame status quo.

In the end – the greater the legend the harder the fall!

The Michael Mann’s Masterpiece HEAT Comes to Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray next week from writer/director Michael Mann and 20^th Century Fox Home Entertainment comes the Director’s Definitive Edition of HEAT.

Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro) is a professional thief and along with crew Chris (Val Kilmer), Breedan (Dennis Haysbert), Cheritto (Tom Sizemore) are always out to score big money. Wanting to make a big score – McCauley loses control of the heist and it brings in heavy law enforcement.

Trying to connect the dots when the robbery takes out armored car security, Lt. Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino) is on the scene. Along with his law enforcement crew of Sgt. Drucker (Mykelti Williamson), Casals (Wes Studi) and Bosko (Ted Levine), Hanna knows that he will have to turn over every rock to find someone who will talk.

McCauley wants one more shot at a final score before retiring and even though he feels that law enforcement are breathing down his neck, it won’t stop him. What just might is falling for Eady (Amy Brenneman) which goes against his dictum of ‘never have anything in your life that you can’t walk out on in thirty seconds flat’.

Hanna becomes so involved in trying to nail McCauley and his gang, home life with wife Justine (Diane Verona) begins to a very big back seat. Each minute away from home brings Hanna closer to learning where the next heist will take place.

Final showdown is inevitable!

Pacino as Hanna is absolutely stunning as a police officer dedicated to catching the bad guy. Using every trick in the book, he seems to be one step behind the bad guy which only intensifies his resolve to make it all stop. I love Pacino in intense roles like this one because he not only becomes unreadable at times but still manages to surprise me and this role did just that.

De Niro as McCauley is equally as intense in this role. As McCauley, De Niro knows exactly what it takes to stay in control and focus on the goal. Even the moments where he seems to be softening, there are hard edges that even Brenneman gets cut on. Seeing Pacino and De Niro on screen together in the restaurant scene just gave me chills that I haven’t felt since THE GODFATHER II. Love both of these actors!

Brenneman as Eady is a woman who sees McCauley as a challenge to get close to. Not realizing what he is capable of, she suspects that there is something surrounding him and, of course, she wants to save him from himself.

Kilmer as Shiherlis knows what he is doing when it comes to crime but has no idea how to keep the wife happy. The relationship between McCauley and Shiherlis is tight and Kilmer delivers. Judd as Charlene is a woman I wouldn’t trust with a ten foot pole or secrets for that matter.

Sizemore as Cheritto brings in the tough criminal who swings a weapon with no fear. Haysbert as Breedan is a line cook who misses the old life but gets one more shot at it! Voight as Nate tries to keep the plans moving in the right direction.

Levine as Bosko always makes an interesting law man yet I still can’t get his role in SILENCE OF THE LAMBS out of my head. Fichtner as Van Zant is a man who clearly doesn’t know who he is dealing with and going against McCauley isn’t such a good idea.

Cast also includes Diane Verona as Justine, Ashley Judd as Charlene Shiherlis, Natalie Portman as Lauren Gustafson, and Tom Noonan as Kelso.

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 HEAT Bluray Special Features include new Academy Panel reuniting director Mann, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro and moderated by Christopher Nolan, Toronto International Film Festival Q&A with director Mann, Commentary by Michael Mann, The Making of Heat – True Crime, Crime Stories, Into the Fire, Pacino and De Niro: The Conversation, Return to the Scene of the Crime, Additional Footage of Deleted Scenes, and Theatrical Trailers – Surprise of a Lifetime, Two Actors Collide, Closing In.

Taking inspiration from the late Chicago police detective Charlie Adamson – who was killed by the actual Neil McCauley in a shootout in 1963 – HEAT was the culmination of years of research by director Mann resulting in its depth and range of characters and choreography of action.

It has been 20 years since HEAT first riveted audiences and anyone who watches it today could never tell that all these years has passed. That’s how amazing the storytelling, performances and cinematography and direction is for this film. The action sequences are impeccable and scary at the same time.

This is what filmmaking should always be and Mann now brings brilliance to Bluray for everyone to see with over one hour of extras. Be prepared to be blown away once again or for the first time!

I personally am excited that HEAT is coming to Bluray as anytime Pacino and De Niro get together you can be sure it will be an epic experience. HEAT will make fans happy and bring a new generation into the fold. It’s a film that embodies perfection in every sense.

In the end – a Los Angeles crime drama like no other!