Spectacular is Back in Theatres with THE ODYSSEY

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Christopher Nolan, Homer, and Universal Pictures comes the epic poem of Homer to the screen with THE ODYSSEY.

Odysseus (Matt Damon) is the King of Ithaca and married to Penelope (Anne Hathaway). Off to fight the Trojan War with Agamemnon (Benny Safdie), he leaves behind a wife and son who wait for his return. After the war and on a ship for the return home with Eurylochus (Himesh Patel) and his men, problems arise. Back in Ithaca, Penelope and her son Telemachus (Tom Holland) are dealing with the constant issue of suitors arriving for Penelope.

The voyage home brings Odysseus and his men to confront Cyclops, then the Sirens, the mythical creatures of the ocean, the Underworld, the witch Aeaea (Samantha Morton), and after a fierce storm, to land on an island with Calypso (Charlize Theron). In between, he is constantly met by Athena (Zendaya), who is a companion no one else sees. Waiting at home, Penelope and her son are dealing with the likes of Antinous (Robert Pattinson), who tries his best to be the one Penelope chooses to marry next. Antinous believes the first thing he needs to do is get rid of Telemachus. Watching out for the family is Eumaeus (John Leguizamo), a faithful servant who warns the king’s son.

Telemachus sails off with Mentor (Ryan Hurst) to meet with the King of Sparta, Menelaus (Jon Bernthal), to discover news of his father. There, he also meets Helen of Troy (Lupita Nyong’o), who has her own story to tell. Hearing what he needs to, he returns home knowing that the suitors have gotten out of hand. Arriving on the shores of his home, Odysseus is much older and manages to pass for a beggar to get inside his castle.

There, he decides it is time to reclaim what he lost!

Damon as Odysseus is an immediate powerhouse from scene one. I can not even imagine the physicality it took for him to play this role, and yet, he made the character of Odysseus all his own. He is a hero in the eyes of those left behind, but to his crew and the mythical creatures he encounters, he is clearly just a man fighting anything in front of him to get home. That means he also shows anger, poor decision-making, and an inability to admit he has lost his way. That’s what I love about Damon’s portrayal; he shows those frailties with ease and brought me along for the ride.

Hathaway as Penelope, is a Queen with her own plans to keep the riffraff out of her space. Being the dutiful wife, she believes her husband will return, no matter who may say otherwise. Hathaway gives us the performance of an even-tempered woman (when people are around) and occasionally makes her feelings clear to her son. Her movements are deliberate, and her cool pays off, and I’m here for it. Holland as Telemachus, is the dedicated son to a father he doesn’t really remember. Disgusted by the rowdy suitors for his mother’s hand, he reaches the point where going out to look for his father is the only way to save her. His journey into the world gets noticed by others who plot against him. Holland takes this role and gets stronger and stronger as each scene he is in plays across the screen. It doesn’t surprise me that he stands out so much in this film. Watch the 2012 film THE IMPOSSIBLE and see how I knew he could play such a strong character.

Pattinson as Antinous is as despicable and ruthless as one would expect of someone who turns on family. He is antagonistic and pokes the bear to get others to do his dirty work. There are moments when he doesn’t have to say a thing, and I didn’t like him. That’s how you know he’s wrapped up in the role of believability. Leguizamo as Eumaeus is clearly dedicated to the royal family on so many levels, and is as slippery when he needs to be. I enjoyed his role as so very important, but he slips constantly under the radar to help at every turn. Bernthal, as Menelaus may be the King of Sparta, but he is also the only man who tells Telemachus the truth as it truly is about his father, and why he needs to transform from a boy to a man, and quickly.

Morton as Aeaea is so stunning and amazing to watch. Her calm demeanor, even during frightening moments, just tickled me so much. There truly isn’t anything this actress can’t do, but I can honestly say I’ll never forget her in this role. Nyong’o as Helen of Troy is equally amazing in this role. Even though it may be smaller, it still has such strong moments. Theron, as Calypso has kept Odysseus at bay as the story starts to come to the surface. Her role is also quiet in a sense, and she makes it her own. Zendaya as Athena is just a presence trying to help Odysseus come to terms with his own decisions, and she is stunning for it.

A shout-out to Ryan Hurst as Mentor for two reasons: 1) His character is the man standing behind a King’s son no matter what, and 2) it’s about damn time he gets screen time in such an epic tale. Am I partial? Absolutely!

Other cast include Bill Irwin as Polyphemus, Corey Hawkins as Polybus, Mia Goth as Melantho, Logan Marshall-Green as Melanthius, Elyes Gabel as Elatus, James Remar as Tiresias, Elliot Page as Sinon, Travis Scott as Bard, and Jimmy Gonzales as Cepheus.

The film starts out with Scott telling the story of Odysseus to all those in the hall, trying to get their hands, literally, on the queen. The story is that of the Trojan War. Now, with the audience’s attention, Nolan breaks into the epicness of not only Ithaca and the Queen’s plight but also of where Odysseus has been in his travels to get back home. The ride doesn’t hold back and doesn’t cut corners. As if the actors playing their spectacular roles weren’t enough, Nolan throws in effects that are so good it’s frightening. Seamless, beautiful, and adding such richness to the story that it is easy to forget they are effects.

There is not one thing wrong with THE ODYSSEY, even if Nolan takes liberties here and there in the storytelling. What audiences are going to get is battle scenes, equally epic creatures that have one goal: destroying Odysseus and his men, and a cast of characters that each has a story of their own to tell. Homer's poem is filled with so many themes, and although many thought it impossible to put it on the big screen, it clearly is not. In the hands of someone who understands both the poem and how to bring it to life, the audience will believe in the return of the word epic. We also get the flaws of humanity, the greed for power, loyalty, the insecurities of one man,  dedication, revenge, and love on many levels. Who could ask for more?

In the end – defy the Gods!

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently available on digital, streaming platforms, and coming to 4K Ultra HD and Bluray from director David Frankel and 20th Century Studios is what we have been waiting for with THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2..

It has been twenty years since Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) and Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) were in the same room together at Runway. Spending years as a journalist and winning an award, Andy discovers that her job has become expendable, along with fellow journalists. At the same time, Miranda is with an article accusing her of using sweatshops for fashion. Erv Ravitz (Tibor Feldman), owner of Runway, is working on finding a way to restore the magazine's credibility.

Without speaking with Miranda, Ravitz hired Andy to become the features editor for Runway, to start on that credibility process. Miranda is not happy, but then again, when is she, and how can you tell? The first thing that needs dealing with are the advertisers. Miranda, Andy and Nigel (Stanley Tucci) head to a meeting with one such advertiser at Dior, Emily (Emily Blunt). Shocked to hear that Andy is the features editor at Runway, Emily’s claws are sharpening on Amanda’s plight.

When Andy’s articles aren’t getting the traction Runway needs, she kicks into high gear getting the one interview that no one else seems to be able to get. That is with recluse Sasha Barnes (Lucy Liu). Miranda is thrilled that it puts a promotion Erv has been promising back in play. Andy’s life picks up because of it and she brings a man into her life, Peter (Patrick Brammall). As Nigel starts to make plans for the Milan runway show, a tragedy makes huge changes as Jay Ravitz (B.J. Novak) starts to make everyone’s life incredibly difficult.

Then, Andy gets an idea that can change the face of Runway with the help of Emily and her boyfriend Benji (Justin Theroux). Sometimes, what looks like a good idea brings about the truth about old feelings that just never go away. That doesn’t mean you should never stop trying, at least in Andy and Miranda’s minds!

Hathaway returns as Andy, a woman who has made her way up the journalistic ladder on to be shot down once again. Making it clear in a rant that goes viral about the loss of value for writers, she finds herself back where she began, in front of Miranda Priestly. What I love about Hathaway’s return is that although she has definitely changed her style a bit, not everything about her has changed. She still believes in the fight, her reconnection with Nigel and isn’t quite sure how to feel seeing that Miranda is being forced to change. Also, I love that she still has friendships from the previous film.

Streep as Miranda is exactly how you might think she would be twenty years later. Still dismissive, still standoffish, but finding that the world that she has always been in control of, might be slipping away. You have to give this character props for having the ability to not only stand her ground but also show vulnerability when the pressure isn’t turning into a diamond. Streep became the icon for Miranda Priestly, and no one, absolutely no one, could have taken over this role. I love her feistiness, and the reality of change brings her back to the fact that she has to let others in, including Andy.

Tucci as Nigel, lovely, lovely Nigel is just as insightful as ever. Watching everything happening around him, he never stops pushing forward. Watching Tucci and Hathaway rekindle their friendship is just heartwarming and funny, as he still is the only one to be able to dress her. Ever loyal to Miranda, no matter how many times he is overlooked, I love that Tucci’s portrayal is quietly loving, loyal to a fault, and still sees things that no one else does. It must be said, Nigel is the friend we all need, especially when access to a dress closet is included.

Blunt as Emily also hasn’t changed in the slightest. Working at Dior, she finds enjoyment in lauding Miranda’s problem over her. Always one step ahead of Andy, there are moments of brilliance and moments of jaw-dropping, but it’s to be expected of Emily. Blunt is chic, very cool, a bit of a narcissist (like we didn’t know that), and is about to discover that old grudges never serve well. I just adore her, though!

Novak as Benji is following in his father’s footsteps, but more so in the social world than in the hard copy of Runway. His role is a little different, as it should be, because twenty years ago, Runway was all print; he recognizes that medium isn’t working. Theroux as Benji is just a tad creepy from beginning to end. At first, I didn’t recognize him, but there he is, being a weird AI dude who forgets that the world doesn’t live in his realm of belief, as he is about to find out.

Shout out to Branaugh as Stuart, Miranda’s current husband, who seems to be so secure in himself that he lets Miranda be Miranda. Supportive and loving, he is just a charming addition that doesn’t need what it seems everyone else does.

Other cast include Rachel Bloom as Talia, Larry Mitchell as Mack, Pauline Chalamet as Ilana, Wes McGee as Frank, Simone Ashley as Amari, Caleb Hearon as Charlie, George C. Wolfe as Paul, Helen J. Shen as Jin Chao, and Tracie Thoms as Lily.

Cameos include Ciara, Doyoung, Kara Swisher, Amelia Dimoldenberg, Kal-Anthony Towns, Jon Batiste, Callum Harper, Rory Mcllroy, Law Roach, Ronny Chieng, Moon Ga-young, Heidi Klum, Jenna Bush Hager, Lady Gaga, Naomi Campbell, Winnie Harlow, Donatella Versace, and Marc Jacobs.

Twentieth Century Home Entertainment brings award-winning global products and new entertainment to DVD, Bluray, and Digital HD. Their 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.

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

Bonus Features include Level Up: Updating the Icons: Join the cast, crew, and other notables as they look back on the iconic first film and its timelessness. Then see how the characters and their wardrobes have evolved for the sequel, and follow the shoot in New York, Inside the Fashion Closet: Sit down with the cast, filmmakers, and lead costume designer Molly Rogers as she talks about dressing Miranda, Andy, Emily, and Nigel. Discover their of-the-moment but timeless fashion looks that shine a spotlight on each of their personalities, Front-Row Access: Shooting in Italy, join the cast, crew, and director David Frankel as he talks about the production in Italy and shooting during Milan’s fashion week. Hear how top design houses supported the production and how Runway’s own fashion show and concert was created.

“Runway” Music Video by Lady Gaga and Doechii: Turn it up with Lady Gaga and Doechii in their music video for the movie’s new song, “Runway,” Gag Reel: Check out the fun on set in these outtakes from the making of the movie and Audio Commentary by David Frankel, Aline Brosh McKenna, and Molly Rogers: Watch the film with audio commentary by director David Frankel, writer Aline Brosh McKenna, and costume designer Molly Rogers.

DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 doesn’t try to capture lightning in a bottle but instead guides us twenty years into what the world is now, which is another kind of lightning. Social media, digital articles, clickbait, and AI are bringing Runway into the future but not without its bumps and growing pains. That is where we are now in the world, as a writer, I totally understand the problems and aggravation that Andy and Miranda are struggling with.

Both Andy and Miranda are wholehearted believers in the tradition of the written word and in the beauty that should be shared traditionally. Instead, they are both met with the harsh reality that no one seems to care about that. Being they are both fighters, they still need time to figure out where they fit in the grand scheme of things without losing their moral code. I love that about this film, that the original characters are holding on to that and that, although willing to compromise on some levels, they refuse to let go where it counts.

So, for all the fans of the original THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, you will be thrilled at the new story, the return of iconic characters, and that Andy, Miranda, Nigel, and Emily do not fail to deliver. THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 brings laughs, freshness, love, fashion, the tests of loyalty, friendship, and perspective – what a way to bring our beloved characters together again.

In the end – the devil is in the details!

 

She is Feeling THE IDEA OF YOU

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Prime Video from writer/director Michael Showafter and Amazon MGM Studios is a film about love, age and love found with THE IDEA OF YOU.

Solene (Anne Hathaway) is celebrating her 40^th birthday and trying to understand what that means in her ever-changing life. Recently divorced from Daniel (Reid Scott) who left her for a young woman, Solene has been focusing on raising daughter Izzy (Ella Rubin). Deciding to take a camping trip alone to figure things out, her plans abruptly change.

When Daniel can’t take Izzy to Cochella, Solene has to step in and make it happen. This includes a lot of VIP events and one of those is a meet and greet with the popular boy-band August Moon. Gathering up Izzy and friends, off they all go to the big event. While the kids take off to explore, Solene finds a bathroom and surprised to see a 24-year-old Hayes (Nicholas Galitzine) from August Moon.

Not realizing who he is, she is caught off guard but Hayes quickly makes it a laughable meet. They see each other again later in the concert as he learns that Solene has an art gallery. Surprising her again, he comes to the gallery and what starts out as a sale turns into time spent together with a bit of texting. When Izzy goes off to camp, Hayes invites Solene to go on a bit of a European holiday as things begin to heat up between the two.

Solene is enjoying herself so much but, there comes a moment where she realizes that problems are headed their way. They say age is nothing but a number but unfortunately, that is not always true.

Hathaway as Solene plays a woman who is dealing with a divorce based on age and all that comes with it. Raising a teenage daughter, she is focusing on that and her work so love, let alone love with a younger man doesn’t seem possible. Of course, once it becomes possible, so does the world we now live in with judgements and social media as well as home life. Hathaway gets a chance to be a sexy older woman to a young man and that’s about it. I’m not sure if this is Hathaway’s attempt at navigating into “older” characters and good on her but it seems a bit of a reach.

Galitzine as Hayes is a young man in a boy band who finds Solene attractive. Having deeper feelings, he also doesn’t realize what he is about to put her through. The life he lives is not exactly her style. Galitzine is charming and plays well opposite Hathaway but, to be honest, this isn’t a stretch of a character to play. I know that doesn’t seem fair but it’s the truth, he sings a little, talks a little and kisses a lot. That’s the extent of it.

Rubin as Izzy and Scott as Daniel both have their reasons for being difficult about their characters but I’m not buying it from either. Scott gives us a dysfunctional ex-husband who clearly doesn’t know what he wants expect he doesn’t want Solene to be happy. Rubin gives us a teenage girl who is sort of thrilled to be meeting the boy-band but doesn’t want her mother to be happy because she can’t handle the pressure at school? Not sure any of this is actually bringing me into the story.

Other cast include Jordan Aaron Hall as Zeke, Jaiden Anthony as Adrian, Raymond Cham Jr. as Oliver, Viktor White as Simon, Dakota Adan as Rory, Annie Mumolo as Tracy and Perry Mattfeld as Eva.

Amazon Prime offers television shows and original content included in its Amazon Prime subscription. Original programs such as CARNIVAL ROW, THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, and THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL are hit shows. Coming soon is the next series with GOLIATH starring Billy Bob Thornton and it promises to another successful and intense series. For more information, please visit www.amazon.com/Amazon-Video.

The film is based on the novel by Robinne Lee The Idea of You with the screen adaptation by Jennifer Westfeldt.

Look, I see where THE IDEA OF YOU is coming from in the sense that the character Solene is a woman who doesn’t know what she’s looking for and now gets a chance to go out and have some fun. It’s all great, it’s all good – the problem is the waffling between the “I’m too old for you” and “I want to be with you” to “I’m too old for you” gave me whiplash. The story is pretty predictable but I wasn’t expecting Oscar performances either.

This is a nice rainy-day Saturday let’s-get-cuddly-on-the-sofa kind of film. There is nothing horrible about the film, it’s just that there isn’t any glue that holds it together. The film is basically a quick run through about staying away from younger men if you’re an older woman but the same doesn’t apply to older men and younger women. Same story different day. The ending is quite charming albeit, again, looking to reign in the hearts.

Just enjoy it for what it is and don’t listen to this older woman who would never consider dating a 24-year-old in a boy band – but hey, that’s just me.

In the end – when the last thing you expect becomes the only thing you want!

SHE CAME TO ME

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Rebecca Miller and Vertical Entertainment comes the story of love, life and the messiness in between with SHE CAME TO ME.

Steven Lauddem (Peter Dinklage) writes and composes opera for the theatre and has hit a creative road block. Frustrated, he turns to wife Patricia (Anne Hathaway) but she is too busy either cleaning the house or cleaning up the lives of her patience being a therapist. Son Julian (Evan Ellison) is also living his best life having just turned 18 and in his final year of high school as well as having a love of his own with Tereza (Harlow Jane). So, Steven is plodding along waiting for his next inspiration to strike. He doesn't have to wait long.

While bellying up to the bar to drown his sorrows at the local watering hole, Steven meets Katrina (Marisa Tomei), a romance addict tug boat captain who seduces the lost married man. Knowing he has just made a mistake; he hurries back to life leaving it all behind. That is until he decides that his creative block is over, he produces an opera loosely based on his experience and it is well received. Even wife Patricia is moved by the work and Steven starts feeling better!

Patricia hires cleaning lady Magdalena (Joanna Kulig) to help with her compulsive need for cleanliness and when Julian arrives home from school and is introduced, an awkward moment becomes apparent when Tereza recognizes Magdalena. If that isn't strange enough, Patricia beings to find a new compulsion to hang out at the Catholic church and isn't really sure why. Equally as bizarre is that Katrina has seen the new opera and is once again infatuated with Steven, love and a bit of stalking.

When Magdalena discovers what daughter Tereza has been doing, she finds pictures and takes them to Trey (Brian d'Arcy James) to figure out what to do next. Trey decides he is going to become Tereza's jailer but mom might have something to say about it. When everyone's problems become a stage production, all hands-on deck come up with answers that will take each of them in different directions they never could have seen coming and a happiness they had all been missing.

Dinklage as Steven is a man who loves his creativity so when it eludes him, he goes into a funk and the wife has to snap him out of it. Thinking that a walk will do it, it is actually an encounter with a tug boat captain and a dip in the ocean that changes everything. Dinklage is so strong in this role that his insecurities react depending on who is in front of him and the emotional consequences. Even at his most panicked, Dinklage is charming, boyish but equally protective and secretly gamed to explore the world that frightens him.

Hathaway as Patricia is a woman with more issues than any magazine rack could ever possibly hold. She is regimented in her dress, the house and the lives of her family but buried somewhere underneath is a desire that no one could have imagined. Hathaway gives us a straight-forwardness in these characters regimented life mixed in with a suppression that she ignores but it seeps through her skin.

Tomei as Katrina admits to anyone who will listen that she has an issue with romance - she wants it, craves it and has gotten herself into trouble trying to find it. Blurring the lines between her encounter with Steven and how she handles it makes one thing clear - boundaries, girl, boundaries. Tomei is rough around the edges but none-the-less charming in that she wants what most people don't say out loud. Her tug boat crew sees her for who she truly is but they don't have their caps screwed on very tight either.

Kulig as Magdalena is a woman who is also trapped by her choices as well. Sometimes it is easier to just plod along a familiar path and make no waves, but life has a way of causing ripples and Magdalena has to make hard choices. Kulig is a relatable character and I immediately wanted to tell her character to 'run!' away from her marriage, that's a good character portrayal.

Ellison as son Julian seems to be handling life extremely well considering who his parents are but also coming to the age were trying to avoid their adult problems is getting more difficult. He is happy with his future choices, love and the prospect of college so it’s mainly go along to get along. Jane as Tereza is a few years younger than love Julian but already knows what it is she wants - and it isn't life with her parents. 

Other cast include Aalok Mehta as Anton, Dale Soules as Auntie Moxie, Samuel H. Levine as Raef Gundel, Jen Ponton as Elodie, Bryan Terrell Clark as Frank Hall,

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.

SHE CAME TO ME is original and twistedly honest look at love when the lines we try so hard to cover up, intersect and there is nowhere to hide from it. These are people who are either stuck in what is expected of them no matter what past trauma sits right below the surface or have become afraid of their own dreams lost in shadows. The younger couple have those same dreams and fear, it just hasn't reached such epic proportion in them as it has in the adults. In the middle are indecisions and crossed lines that let each person know to either stand up or stay seated in life.

I also love the quirky factor in each of these characters and the reactions they have that are just a little over the top. There are degrees of overreactions and many that totally flip the script but each fit the characters perfectly. Even the totally gross Trey started out with quirks until his twists showed easily. The operas had me thinking 'what the heck?' but couldn't turn away from it either with its flowy music and beautiful sets.

The thing is, in the end, they all found their content spot. I don't say happy because that's a subjective word but in their faces at the final opera, on the tub boat, they find a contentment and I'm all about it for each character. It’s a mix of stage creatives, therapists, housekeepers, stenographers, tub boat captains and a couple of kids who think they already have the world figured out and they are all in for a huge surprise.  

In the end - sometimes you need to get lost!

On Bluray Comes the Story of What Lies Beneath DARK WATERS

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and currently on Digital from director Todd Haynes and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the story of a man who will stop at nothing to expose one of America’s most known company’s about DARK WATERS.

While working at his law firm in Cincinnati, Ohio, lawyer Robert Bilott (Mark Ruffalo) is visited by Wilbur Tennant (Bill Camp). A farmer who knows Bilott’s grandmother, he wants help with stopping DuPont from hurting people. Trying to explain that he is a corporate lawyer that works for chemical companies, he would recommend someone. Tennant becomes loud telling him that people are dying and gives him a box of videotapes.

Bilott goes to Parkersburg to visit his grandmother and find out about Tennant. Realizing whose farm it is, he drives over to see for himself as Tennant shows his the large amount of cows that have died on his farm from serious and strange illnesses. He also sees for himself what has happened to one of Tennant’s cows.

Running into Phil Donnelly (Victor Garber) who is a DuPont attorney, Bilott asks if he knows anything about what is happening in Parkersburgh and is told no. He then decides to film a claim to get information about the chemicals dumped on a site in the town. Getting the papers he has to slowly begin to understand the workings of the chemicals and what is regulated by the EPA.

He returns to Donnelly asking for all the information and in an angered move sends Bilott hundreds of boxes. This infuriates Bilott’s boss Tom Terp (Tim Robbins) but Terp also knows there is something going on. Now the case becomes personal with wife Sarah (Anne Hathaway) at home expecting their child. When he tears through their home, he has to explain to her why and Sarah begins to understand what her husband is up against.

Tennant is not in such great shape either as the town begins to turn against him for going after DuPont who they work for. No one in town understands the struggle the Tennant family is going through but instead make their lives frightening.

Entering the courtroom, Bilott has only one goal, getting justice, not money, for Tennant and those effected by the chemicals in Parkersburgh. This isn’t as simple as it sounds as a study is required before DuPont will agree to anything with testing of the locals. That will take seven years and Bilott facing troubles at the firm, strain at home and his health taking a beating.

Fighting for what is right against a giant meaning standing your ground for however long it takes!

Ruffalo as Bilott once again proves he has the stamina to take on a role like this. Then again, I already knew was excellent in roles as person who will not let go. Check out his role as journalist investigator Mark Rezendes in the 2015 film SPOTLIGHT to understand what I’m saying. Here he takes on DuPont – the giants of chemicals and the ever “life-changing” Teflon that most of us grew up with Mom’s using in the kitchen. He actually has a commanding voice without getting loud and the film draws you in by his horror in what he finds.

Camp as Tennant is a man who doesn’t take nonsense lightly. Instead, he is a man who is angry about what is happening to his farm, family and community – even if they don’t see it. He wants Bilott to jump in the dark water and do what is right, not what gets money. That’s what makes Camp’s portrayal so important because he is a man who is strong but deeply afraid.

Hathaway as wife Sarah doesn’t at first understand what it is her husband is trying to accomplish and once she does, is very supportive. But as the years pass, Sarah’s support comes with high tension and frustration. Robbins as Terp falls into that category as well as he wants to do what is right as a person, but his law firm isn’t just Terp and Bilott, there are others not so happy at what is happening.

Garber as Donnelly seems a nice enough person to Bilott but that changes when it is time to come clean with the truth. Shout out to Winningham as Darlene, a woman who doesn’t yet understand the lies she has been told and the repercussions of it all.

Other cast include Mare Winningham as Darlene Kiger, Bill Pullman as Harry Deitzler, William Harper as James Ross, Louisa Krause as Karla, Kevin Crowley as Larry Winter, Bruce Cromer as Kim Burke, Richard Hagerman as Joe Kiger, Abi Van Andel as Kathleen Welch, John Newberg as Dr. Gillespie and Denise Dal Vera as Sandra Tennant.

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.

Bonus Features of the Bluray include The Cost of Being a Hero – This piece examines real life Rob Bilott’s sacrifices to take down a powerful corporation and how a single individual can impact the entire community. Cast and filmmakers discuss the importance of telling this story and empowering whistle-blowers, Uncovering DARK WATERS – Get an inside look into the storytelling behind the gritty, real life story of DARK WATERS from Mark Ruffalo, Anne Hathaway, filmmakers and crew, and The Real People – Meet the real people from Parkersburg who were impacted first-hand by the contaminated water as they share these experiences being on set and taking part in the film.  

The film is based on the 2016 New York Times Magazine article “The Lawyer Who Became DuPont’s Worst Nightmare” by Nathaniel Rich. Also, the 2015 article “Welcome to Beautiful Parkersburg, West Virginia”. Sharon Lerner also wrote an article in The Intercept called “Bad Chemistry” and Robert Bilott wrote a book Exposure on the battle with DuPont.

I am a fan of the 2000 film ERIN BROKOVICH and DARK WATERS falls into that category as well. This time it is DuPont covering up and lying about what it knowns, when it knew it and the potential of everything having long term effects not only of the people in Parkersburg but of you and I as well.

Ruffalo takes the character of Bilott into places that most of us would have never suspected. There is no way to avoid the horrors of the effects and the film doesn’t hide any of it. So much so that when he shows the baby picture of Bucky Bailey, it is heart breaking but also smacks of the reality that none of us thought about 10 years ago let alone 30 years ago.

The film is though provoking because it brings back memories of home and how my own mother cooked so I’m very sure everyone who sees DARK WATERS will also recall their own. The film also shows how one man who was on the other side of the fence, questions his own life and the risks he is willing to take for the sake of pretty much everyone proving one man can make a difference.

In the end – the truth has a man on the inside!

The Ladies are Bringing on THE HUSTLE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray/DVD and Digital from director Chris Addison and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes a double whammy comedy with THE HUSTLE.

Penny Rust (Rebel Wilson) is a bit of a grifter and takes a few bucks here and there.  When pickings start to get slim she decides its time to head for Europe to broaden her thieving horizons.

On a train watching Penny at work is Josephine Chesterfield (Anne Hathaway) and she is about to learn more about her. Realizing that Penny could be a problem, Josephine finds a little help to get her out of the country. The problem is at the airport is Penny learns who Josephine really is and isn't about to sit for it.

Finding where she lives, Josephine decides that the best way to keep Penny occupied is to train her in the ways of thievery just enough to use her. Going head to head a challenge is in place - choosing a mark and it is winner take all.

They find Thomas Westerburg (Alex Sharp), a rich app creator and both women know they have found their mark. Penny pretends to have an illness and is surprised when Tom finds a doctor and in walks Josephine. The two go head to head continually trying to win Tom and it's about to get crazier than either of them could have expected.

Wilson as Penny plays a character in the lane she has become comfortable in. She is funny, pulls antics, doesn't hold back and is sweet as well. I love watching Wilson and it's quite possibly because she reminds me a little of me (minus the physical antics). She doesn't miss a beat and opposite Hathaway is comedic fun.

Hathaway as Josephine gets an opportunity to play the straight thief of the film. She is elegant, smart and has obviously been around the bigger block than Penny. As Wilson is the loud character of the film, Hathaway gets to pull her punches quietly and with the help of trusted staff.

Sharp as Thomas comes in later in the film and finds himself drawn to Penny with Josephine hot on his heels. Penny and Josephine both believe they have him in the proverbial purse but might find that their mark is nicer than either can handle.

A shout out to Nicholas Woodeson as Albert – if I could have a butler like that I’d be the happiest person ever. He is hysterical, irreverent and has a wicked smile that lights up a room!

Other cast include Timothy Simons as Jeremy, Douggie McMeekin as Jason, Ingrid Oliver as Brigitte Desjardins, and Casper Christensen as Mathias.

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us all to experience and re-experience in our own home theatres. 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.

THE HUSTLE Special Features include Hitting the Mark, Comedy Class, Con Artists, Feature Commentary by Director Chris Addison. The Digital Copy is part of Watch It Anywhere including iTunes.

THE HUSTLE puts Wilson and Hathaway in the role of con artists and lets the chips fall where they may. A pairing that is totally different and fun at the same time as they play off of one another with such snap.

I have to say the “training” part of the film was my favorite because of Wilson’s ability to just do the silliest and most unexpected things. I have to wonder how many takes it took because of everyone cracking up.

This is a fun comedy to just sit back and enjoy for what it is – two gals proving they have what it takes in the world of grifting and cons.

In the end – they’re giving dirty rotten men a run for their money!