The Story Has One BIG FISH

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD and Bluray from director Tim Burton and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment comes a tale that is one BIG FISH. 

Will (Billy Crudup) has spent his life listening to his father Edward’s (Albert Finney) stories about his life. Finally letting Dad know how he felt about it, there happened a rift between the two. Years later, Will receives a telephone call from Mom Sandra (Jessica Lange) telling him that Edward is ill. Packing up young pregnant wife Josephine (Marion Cotillard), he finally goes home.

Once there, it is Josephine that gets to hear the story’s that Will has no interest in. Recounting the young days of Edward’s (Ewan McGregor) life, meeting the love of his life and having a family, Josephine thinks the stories are so charming. One afternoon Sandra takes Will into the garage where he discovers that perhaps the stories his Dad was telling him could possibly have truth to them.

Beginning with Jenny (Helena Bonham) the town Witch who had another story to tell Will.

Crudup as Will is a man who is at his end with the stories his father tells. As he gets older, so does the innocence he once held toward those stories. It is only when his father becomes ill does he take the time to learn to understand the man who became his father. Crudup’s character attempts to play along but in fact he is dealing with who his father truly is and Crudup does it amazingly well.

Finney as Edward who is the elder Dad is absolutely lovely in every way. When he tells his part of the story it is with such detail and excitement in his voice. Watching the relationship between the elder Edward and Will can be a bit of heartbreaking because of the rift that they are trying to pretend did not happen.

McGregor as the younger Edward is optimistic, full of life, has amazing friendships and is laser focused on the one thing he loves in life – Sandra. Watching him go through everything just to be with her and making her life a good one is what Will seems to not be grasping. McGregor’s Edward just loves everything about life and even when there is a down time or two, he finds a way turn a frown upside down.

Lange as Sandra is gentle and loves the life they have created together. She lets him have his whimsical moments and actually cherishes them and I love that about her character. Bonham as Jenny also has a story to tell, and it certainly is just as charming as any story Edward has told. Cotillard as a pregnant Josephine delights in Edward’s stories even if Will keeps rolling his eyes. It is as if Edward has one more chance to make sure that the stories and memories are stored with someone who will tell them again and again.

Other cast include Alison Lohman as young Sandra, Robert Guillaume as Dr. Bennett, Missi Pyle as Mildred, Matthew McGrory as Karl the Giant, David Denman as Don Price, Loudon Wainwright as Beamen, Ada and Arlene Tai as Ping and Jing, Steve Buscemi as Norther Winslow, Danny DeVito as Amos Calloway, and Deep Roy as Mr. Soggybottom.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment encompasses motion picture production for television, digital content and theater releases. The studios include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films and Sony Picture Classics. To see what is coming to theaters and to home entertainment please visit www.sonypictures.com.

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Bonus Materials of BIG FISH include Newly Remastered in 4K Resolution from the Original Camera Negative with HDR10 and All New Dolby Atmos Audio and Original Theatrical 5.1 Ratio. On Bluray there is Feature presentation in HD Sourced From the New 4K Master, Tim Burton Audio Commentary Moderated by Mark Salisbury, The Character’s Journey: Edward Bloom At Large, Amos athe Circus & Fathers and Sons, The Filmmaker’s Path: Tim Burton: Storyteller, A Fairytale World, Creature Features and The Author’s Journey, Original Cast Interviews & Behind The Scenes, Easter Eggs and Theatrical Trailer.  

BIG FISH is an epic story with a cast that can never be duplicated ever again. Each character has a unique story to tell with Edward being the catalyst for them all. It is a film about the life we look back on, the adventures we love to remember, those who are part of those memories, what the truth is and what we chose to believe in the end.

All of those things are so glorious in their ways and it makes every moment of the film so lovely. There is humor, friendship, family, love and discovering the connection that was never really lost, only momentarily forgotten. Truth be told, I have watched this film again and again over the years and I am just as moved every time I see it.

BIG FISH if a film that only gets better with time and eighteen years later the truth of it all is that when you move away everything else – there is love.

In the end – it is the story of his life!

 

WHERE'D YOU GO, BERNADETTE? Questions Life on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from director writer/director Richard Linklater, Anna Purna Pictures and 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment is best seller by Maria Semple come to screen with WHERE'D YOU GO, BERNADETTE?

Wife and Mom Bernadette (Cate Blanchett) is having a bit of a problem. First, she hates people with the exception of husband Elgin (Billy Crudup) and daughter Bee (Emma Nelson) which causes problems for everyone around her. Second, she hates to leave the house being perfectly happy staying away from said other human beings. The one person who seems to test both of these is neighbor Audrey (Kristen Wiig).

From bushes to mothers talking behind her back to blaming Seattle for her erratic emotions, Bernadette learns Bee wants a family trip to Antarctica. Seeing that husband Elgin is emotionally away, a plan is thrust into action to try and keep the family moving forward. The problem is Elgin has already decided that Bernadette needs an intervention after discovering she has been using a virtual assistant that is actually wanted by the FBI.

Informing her that he will be taking Bee on the family trip, Bernadette finds a way to escape the situation and heads for the snow by herself. From making a friend to being a stow away, Bee and Elgin are hot on her trail realizing that all they want is Bernadette to be happy!

Blanchett as Bernadette is comical yet I understand her. Her grouchiness with people keeps her creativity flowing in how to irritate them more than they irritate her. Although I wouldn't go so far as the sign she posted, I get it, I totally get it. Perhaps that is why I went on this journey with the character, when she discovers that life has been keeping her weighed down in the most twisted of ways, we cheer her ability to recognize and jump outside her comfort zone. I'm not sure I need to go to Antarctica but far away where there is warm beaches is a thought. That is the brilliance of Blanchett, she has always made her characters relatable and Bernadette, although slightly off kilter, is what I have come to expect.

Nelson as Bee has an attachment to her mother that is both loving and protective. She knows Mom isn't exactly like all the other Moms but then again, it's her Mom and no one, and she means NO ONE is going to change the life they have. Loving her father, she also realizes that he is partially responsible for the slipshod way the family is being handled. Nelson is such a delight to watch and even when she stands up for the situation, who could ever help but do whatever she needs to make her world right.

Crudup as Elgin is a husband who is basically moving on autopilot when it comes to his wife and daughter. Knowing that Bernadette was always different, it is the same story that what was adorable at the beginning of a relationship is no longer so adorable. Trying to sustain and shrug off his wife's behavior as 'oh well' isn't working for him so he turns to an intervention. Even daughter Bee knows the way he handled it was nothing short of a bone head plan. It takes extremely cold temperatures for Crudup's character to snap back into reality.

Wiig as Audrey is hilarious in a really gotta-hate-that-neighbor sort of way but there is another side that is revealed and very touching. Fishburne stops by as Jellinek is someone who knows Bernadette and after a five minute quick rant realizes what we all do, that she needs to get her butt back to work!

Other cast include James Urbaniak as Marcus, Judy Greer as Dr. Kurtz, Troian Bellisario as Becky Claudia Doumit as Iris, Katelyn Statton as Vivian and Laurence Fishburne as Paul Jellinek.

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.

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The Bluray, DVD and Digital Special Features include Bringing Bernadette to Life, Who is Bernadette? and Gallery.

WHERE'D YOU GO, BERNADETTE? is a film that doesn't give a moment to rest up between scenes because that is not who Bernadette is. Her brain and mouth are going light speed and everyone around her is exhausted trying to keep up. She doesn't see it because that would mean accepting that she has fallen into a hole that she can't build her way out of.

That is the sad part of the film, that she doesn't recognize what has been happening to her life. It takes a few slaps to wake her up and wanting to fix it becomes her new fixation. The problem is everyone around her has already had enough, unfortunately that includes husband Elgin.

So, this is a film that carries so many themes and it is Blanchett that carries the weight of it all. Nelson and Crudup do their character best to keep up but I'm giving this one to Blanchett. There are times in the film that are so genuinely relatable to so many people in that sometimes it all gets away from us. We all feel the effects of warp speed living and this film gives us a chance to understand that slowing down and making time to do the things we love for those we love is imperative.

And - remember that it's absolutely acceptable to love ourselves as well. Those around us are perfectly capable of seeing when we don't so let's not fool ourselves any longer. You don't have to go to Antarctica to bring happiness to life so pick a spot on the map and go for it.

In the end - disappearances can be deceiving!

AFTER THE WEDDING Brings the Past Present

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Bart Freundlich and Sony Pictures Classics comes a family that once was and what can be AFTER THE WEDDING.

Isabel (Michelle Williams) is living in Kolkata, India and a co-founder of an orphanage that is in serious need of funding. In New York, Theresa Young (Julianne Moore) is a woman who not only has made a lot of money but is about to sell her business to come into even more money. She contacts Isabel asking her to come to New York to discuss the details.

Isabel steps into a world wind as Theresa is also in the middle of planning the wedding of her daughter Grace (Abby Quinn). Thinking the deal was done, it is upsetting to Isabel to learn that it might not be the case. Theresa wants to get to know her better an invites her to the wedding.

Arriving a little late, Isabel settles in to witness the rest of the ceremony and looking around she sees Theresa and her husband Oscar (Billy Crudup) and is shocked. It quickly becomes clear that she knows him which means a past trust has been broken.

Now there are three adults that need to talk about what has happened in the past and how it will affect the future. Grace learns about the secrets Isabel, Theresa and Oscar are hiding but one secret leads to another. Time is something none of them have as they each must decide how far forgiveness and family are to go.

Williams as Isabel is a quiet woman who wants what is best for the orphanage and the children she wishes to help. When their funding runs low, she must decide how important life in India is and what she will give up to keep it all going. Williams has the unique ability to keep a strong face when her character’s past comes knocking. Then again there isn’t a performance where I have much wrong to say about Williams, she is amazing.

Moore as Theresa is a woman making changes in her life selling her business, raising twin boys, marriage to Oscar and putting on a wedding for Grace. An actress that always put something more into a role that shines through, once again Moore gives us everything and so much more. Opposite Williams it is two of the best in a story that challenges every human emotion.

Crudup as Oscar is a man with a past and now it is come front and center deserving answers. He is rather calm and collected for a man who’s world is about to come crashing in different directions. Of course his decisions of the past don’t cause him to be sorry in the present either. Yes, I’m being vague; I mean I can’t give you everything!

Quinn as Grace is the one who is confronted with the secrets but then again she might have one of her own about her own life choices. Quinn gives a strong performance trying to fit all the pieces together so she can also find peace.

Other cast include Azhy Robertson as Otto, Alex Esola as Jonathan, Alex Cranmer as Eddie, Eisa Davis as Tanya, Susan Blackwell as Gwen, Mackenzie Owens as young Grace, Jeff Kim as Simon and Greta Quispe as Cibele.

AFTER THE WEDDING comes face to face with three adults and life choices. Of course some are difficult and some are life-altering but then again that is life itself right? We all do things we wish could have been changed somewhere along the line and there are family issues we don’t want to think about any more than we have to. That is the case with this film.

Isabel, Theresa and Oscar are connected on so many levels by those choices and these three actors brought the pain front and center forcing us to become involved whether we want to or not. That is because everything they are saying and feeling we have all said or felt in some shape or form so we want them to do better. Perhaps we want it all to be cleaner than our own situations but then again that would make the film fantasy wouldn’t it.

AFTER THE WEDDING will test heartstrings, bring tears and make us all ask ourselves ‘what would I do?’ The conversation is there to be had and that’s what makes this film worthy to watch.

In the end – every family has secrets!

ALIEN: COVENANT Terrifies on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

This week on Bluray/DVD and Digital HD from director Ridley Scott and 20^th Century Fox Home Entertainment is the iconic space invader of another kind with ALIEN: COVENANT.

Years have passed since the expedition on LV-223 and it was a complete horror. Now another ship called Covenant is in deep space carrying 2,000 colonists headed for Oriage-6. This is to be a planet that will become a new world for those in hibernation.

The Covenant receives a transmission of unknown origin and a decision must be made if they are to go off course. On board is Oram (Billy Crudup), Daniels (Katherine Waterston), Tennessee (Danny McBride), Lope (Demian Bichir), Ricks (Jussie Smollett), Upworth (Callie Hernandez) and Faris (Amy Seimetz).

Also on board is android Walter (Michael Fassbender) who has his own opinion about their deviation from their original course. Oram makes the decision to go to the planet surface with a small crew. Daniels isn’t happy about that decision and almost immediately it is proven her suspicions are correct.

Following the signal they come across a large complex and David (Michael Fassbender) who explains how he and Dr. Shaw ended up on the planet. Walter is fascinated by David but it becomes clear where the horror of this planet really lies.

Waterston as Daniels makes it clear that landing on the unknown planet was a bad idea. She is the one person who manages to keep it together in a place where losing it would be most people’s reaction. Crudup as Oram isn’t sure his decision is the right one yet he takes on the leader role believing this is the right thing to do.

This is an interesting role for McBride as Tennessee because he is still a cut-up yet can get so serious. I actually was all on board with this character and cheered him on more than any of the others. I love seeing Bichir as Lope but then again I love seeing anything Birchir does. He has a presence on screen, big and small.

Oh my goodness Mr. Fassbender, without giving anything away to anyone who hasn’t seen the film just trust me on this. There is a scene between David and Walter that is amazing and I truly believe only Fassbender could have made it so riveting to watch.

Other cast include: Nathaniel Dean as Hallet, Alexander England as Ankor, Benjamin Rigby as Ledward, Uli Latukefu as Cole, Tess Haubrich as Rosenthal and Lorelei King as the voice of Mother. There is also an appearance by James Franco as Branson, Guy Pearce as Peter Weyland and Noomi Rapace as Dr. Elizabeth Shaw.

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 Bluray/DVD Special Features include Audio Commentary by Ridley Scott, Deleted and Extended Scenes (please watch this!!!), Master Class: Ridley Scott on Bluray only, Production Gallery, David’s Illustrations, InWorld Featurettes: Advent and Phobos and more! Also included is the Digital HD that can be watched on all your enabled devices.

ALIEN: COVENANT is the next chapter in the saga of the iconic alien that now spans three generations in this family. We all know who they are and what they can do yet we run to see how and to get the answers to the mystery. Even if we don’t get that answer, Ridley Scott throws in the visual twists and turns keep everyone guessing.

So the goal is to get your hands on all of the ALIEN films and make it a marathon with friends topping it off with ALIEN: COVENANT on stunning Bluray this week!

In the end – witness the creation of fear!

Coming to Bluray is the Brilliant and Stunning JACKIE

Jeri Jacquin

On Digital HD today and Bluray/DVD March 7th from director Pablo Larrain and 20^th Century Fox Home Entertainment is an intimate look at a woman the world knows as JACKIE.

Jacqueline Bovier Kennedy (Natalie Portman) is the First Lady of the United States along with being a mother and the wife of President John F. Kennedy (Caspar Phillipson). After the tragic assassination of the President in Dallas, Texas, Jackie brings a journalist (Billy Crudup) to talk about her role entering the White House, the days before and after the death of the President.

From taking on the role of redecorating the White House and her many television appearances, Jackie brought glamour and glass to Washington. With the help of her assistant Nancy Tuckerman (Greta Gerwig), the First Lady is keeping the pace of what is expected of her.

In an instant that all changed and now Jackie must shift from being First Lady to a widow with two children. Leaning on brother-in-law Bobby Kennedy (Peter Sarsgaard) it is a confusing time as Lyndon Johnson (John Carrol Lynch) must now keep the government running.

Packing her children to leave the residence, Jackie must also decide how she wishes to proceed with a presidential funeral. In the midst of her pain and grief, it is in a single moment that the plans for a nation’s grieving fall into place.

These are her words and her actions that help us all remember Camelot!

Portman as Jackie is impeccable from start to finish with her Best Actress nomination for the Oscars. Costume designer Madeline Fontaine were also nominated for an Academy Award and rightly so for the beautiful gowns and dresses that are completely Jackie. From the pink pill box hat and suit to the dress worn in the telecast from the White House, the viewers will be transported with Portman’s portrayal of demeanor, grace and style. She brings an elegance all her own with a riveting performance from start to impeccable finish.

Sarsgaard as Bobby Kennedy is devastated by the death of his brother and knows he must be there for Jackie and the children. Caught in the middle between trying to save the legacy of his brother’s work as President and the incoming Leadership, Sarsgaard gives an emotional performance that I truly enjoyed.

Crudup as the Journalist knocks on the door of Jackie Kennedy believing her to be a woman devastated by death but instead finds a person of amazing strength, a bit of a bite and totally in control.

Other cast include John Hurt as The Priest, Richard E. Grant as Bill Walton, Beth Grant as Lady Bird Johnson, and Max Casella as Jack Valenti.

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.

JACKIE film is an absolutely stunning on so many layers and levels. It is a unique telling of a time in history that has been covered hundreds of ways but never from the perspective of Jackie Kennedy herself.

Portman brings an impeccably dressed, soft spoken First Lady to the screen that does have cutting moments when tested. Watching the film it felt like a voyeuristic look at her pain and emotions at a time most private in her life.

The cinematographer is absolutely stunning and the score (nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Score for Mica Levi) didn’t drag out emotions from the viewer but instead enhance them. The costuming for every character in the film brought amazing believability to the time frame the film portrays.

In truth I am mesmerized by the film because I didn’t know what to expect. What struck home for me was when Jackie plays the song Camelot and Richard Burton’s voice rings out telling the story of another fallen believer.

JACKIE is a gorgeous film that should receive every high praise available and was on my list as a Top Ten film of 2016! Now on Bluray/DVD and Digital HD it is a must-see.

The Bluray/DVD and Digital HD Special Features include From Jackie to Camelot Featurette, Audio Commentary by Pablo Larrain and Natalie Portman and a Gallery. The box cover is equally as stunning bringing JACKIE an honored place in everyone’s home entertainment library

In the end – she will make them remember the legacy known as Camelot.