They are in a Twisted RELAY

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director David Mackenzie and Bleecker Street is the story of the chase and those who would stop the RELAY.

Sarah Grant (Lily James) is trying to find help for the problem she finds herself in. When the company she works for sends her into hiding, it is clear that she needs help. Given a phone number, Sarah is told that the person on the other end specializes in the help that she needs. The number she calls leads her to a service that relays messages between callers and help can be had for a price.

Ash (Riz Ahmed) is a fixer, someone who fixes problems that people find themselves dealing with and nowhere to turn which fits Sarah exactly. Explaining that her employee is lying about research that can hurt people, Ash makes it clear that they will never meet and that she must do everything he asks of her to make the problem go away. Right outside her apartment are ‘problems’ in the form of Dawson (Sam Worthington), Rosetti (Willa Fitzgerald), Ryan (Jared Abrahamson) and a few others who want what Sarah has.

That’s when Ash kicks into gear and send Dawson and his cohorts on a wild goose chase in ways they never thought possible. But as the group gets closer and closer, Ash finds himself growing closer to Sarah which can be deadly for them both. The thing is, will being a fixer be enough to get the job done?

Ahmed as Ash is clearly a man who knows how to play the game. Keeping the way he does business clever and undetectable it what has worked for him. Ahmed does an amazing job in this role but then again if you have ever seen THE NIGHT OF, THE OA, and FINGERNAILS it would be clear that this actor is a force whether he has a film full of lines or hardly any. It is his presence and ability to bring a certain mystery to his characters that I enjoy so much. In this film he once again provides that and the steadfast wonderment of which way his character is going to take us.

James as Sarah is a woman clearly looking for a way out of a bad situation. Agreeing to all in order to get help from Ash is taking it step by step to keep the van from coming any closer to her. This is a straight forward role for James but, at the same time, it is as diverse as all the characters that she has played. From iconic roles such as playing Cinderella to the vivacious Rose MacClare in the successful series Downton Abby, James makes it clear that her choices are intentional. Playing Sarah is a chance to dive into mystery, suspense and twists that make for a tension making film.

Worthington as Dawson is a man on a mission and nothing or no one is going to get in his way. Not experiencing anyone like Ash before, it is fun watching his character run around like a chicken with its head cut off. Worthington can play the tough guy with the best of them but as Dawson he adds sarcasm that had me laughing a few times. Nothing like being a problem with a sense of humor.

Shout out to Fitzgerald and Abrahamson add to the problems that seem to be plaguing Sarah. They are equally as on the case as Dawson and follow his lead – not always to the best places.

Other cast include Pun Bandhu as Lee. Eisa Davis as Wash, Matthew Maher as Hoffman, Seth Barrish as Morel, Jamil Haque as Tariq, Victor Garber as McVie

Bleecker Street is a New York City film company that has brought outstanding films to the public. Their library includes TRUMBO, DENIAL, THE LOST CITY OF Z, BEIRUT, HOTEL MUMBAI, ORDINARY LOVE and THE ROADS NOT TAKEN. For more information on the titles from Bleeker Street please visit www.bleeckerstreetmedia.com.

Director Mackenzie says of the characters Ash and Sarah, “These two outsiders must work together (never meeting or hearing each other, communicating through an old but still functioning method designed for the deaf) to safely remove the threat and allow a small semblance of Sarah’s old life to return, away from the city, somewhere where she can build a new life. Ash ruefully acknowledges her desire for normality, even though that is no longer an option for him – his own life having been obliterated by the consequences of his past actions and decisions.”

RELAY is a mixture of action, suspense, mystery, and twists that just keep coming. Ahmed, James and Worthington lead the chase. This is not a story that is going to be easy to figure out, oh no, director Mackenzie wasn’t about to make it so. Instead, it’s like his little playground of tension filled fun, daring us all to come along and pick up the clues he leaves but even that isn’t going to be easy. It’s probably clear that I love films that surprise me and RELAY did just that.

Buckle up because this film is going to keep you going until the very end. In the almost two hours running time, there isn’t a moment to take a breath because, like the characters in the film, there also isn’t much time to do anything else but stay one step ahead!

In the end – never break your own rules!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She is Taking Care of THE FRIEND

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from directors Scott McGehee, David Siegel and Bleecker Street is the story of a woman and a dog with THE FRIEND.

Iris (Naomi Watts) lives in a small New York apartment teaching writing courses and deciding on her own writing when she learns her friend Walter (Bill Murray) has died. Trying to come to terms with that and their history together, his wife Barbara (Noma Dumezweni) wants them to get together. Sharing her condolences with Barbara, Iris believes she is there to help put Walters papers together for a book. That couldn’t be further from it.

Barbara makes it clear that Walter wanted her to have Apollo, a very, very large Great Dane who he loved early. Iris balks at the idea making it clear that her apartment building doesn’t allow dogs but the choice is made clear that she either take the dog or else. Not liking the sound of else, Iris takes the very sad Apollo home to her small apartment. Immediately, the dog takes over and Iris is on the hunt for a new home for him with the building supervisor Hektor (Felix Solis) breathing down her neck. She does get chuckles from next door neighbor Marjorie (Ann Dowd).

Also wanting to get Walter’s book together is Val (Sarah Pidgeon) who turns to Iris when things get rough in her life. As the days go by with Iris, who has now been relegated to an air mattress with Apollo confiscating her bed, she finds herself weaving in and out of the world that was with Walter in it and the world she is in now. Trying to care for the saddest Great Dane on the planet, the biggest question is, “why did Walter leave me his dog?” and the answer comes with emotional breakthroughs for everyone.

Watts as Iris has the opportunity to portray a woman who is juggling a whole myriad of issues, then along comes the death of someone she cares for deeply. The shocking surprise that she is the new pal for big dog Apollo, her emotions are starting to come to the surface about so many things she has managed to bury. Watts portrays the character of a woman whose life starts to show the cracks in the walls she has put up and all of that with the help of a very large dog with his own set of big feelings. Watts and Apollo are stunning together.

Pidgeon as Val is Walter’s daughter who wants to help put together his memoirs but also has a bit of a messy life situation of her own. Feeling Iris is a safe space, these two women are quite lovely together. Dowd as Marjorie has her own soft spot for Apollo and sees the struggle her neighbor is going through. Solis as Hektor is an apartment super who lives by the rules and knows that Iris is under the watchful eye of the owner no matter how he personally feels.

Murray as Walter gives us the version that Iris sees of her friend. Their past relationship, his inconsistency with the women in his life, death and the world he left behind for Iris and, of course, Apollo. This isn’t a large role for Murray but it does not take away the footprint that is left. The scene between he and Watts as she comes to terms with her own sadness is absolutely stunning.

Other cast include Constance Wu as Tuesday, Owen Teague as Carter, Josh Pais as Jerry, Tom McCarthy as Dr. Warren, Bruce Norris as Dr. Novak, Gina Costigan as Jocelyn, Carla Gugino as Elaine and Bing as Apollo.

Bleecker Street is a New York City film company that has brought outstanding films to the public. Their library includes TRUMBO, DENIAL, THE LOST CITY OF Z, BEIRUT, HOTEL MUMBAI, ORDINARY LOVE and THE ROADS NOT TAKEN. For more information on the titles from Bleeker Street please visit www.bleeckerstreetmedia.com.

THE FRIEND is definitely a dog lovers’ film (have Kleenex), not only for the premise of Walters love, and deep friendship for a darn big dog, but what Apollo represents as a whole. Everyone that is part of Walters life have their own story to tell about the complexities of their relationship with him – Apollo is just a rather large bonus. Each person that is in Iris’ life has a different understanding of why they tolerated Walter’s human frailties and she begins to understand it, as much as she also fights it.

She wants her memories in tact without any interference because, as we all know, our own memories can sometimes be blind to the realities everyone else is aware of. Watts and Murray show us how, even with those frailties and realities, that loving someone can be the thing that gives us strength as a person – even if it is a big dog that silently points that out. The film is lovely, charming, funny, sad and eye opening at the same time.

By the end of the film we might all need a huge box of Kleenex, an even larger dog and serious therapy – and none of those things are all that bad thanks to THE FRIEND.

In the end – what about the dog?

 

 

 

 

They are Coming OUT OF DARKNESS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Andrew Cummings and Bleecker Street is the dark and strange life when coming OUT OF DARKNESS.

Over forty-five thousand years ago humans were attempting to survive the world. A group led by Adem (Chuku Modu), a very pregnant Ave (Iola Evans), their son Heron (Luna Mwezi), daughter Beyah (Safia Oakley-Green), Adem’s brother Geirr (Kit Young) and forager Odal (Arno Luening) are looking for a new place to settle.

Finding land and a wide-open space, the group sets up shelter and start a campfire to rest while Adem and Geirr hunt for food. Almost immediately it becomes clear that something is out in the darkness. There are sounds, rattlings and a frightening reality that they are not alone. Then, the screams begin and so does the fight for survival.

On the move, Adem is now hunting for whatever has taken Heron but the very pregnant Ave can not move at the speed that they need. Settling again, there is more horror as whatever is hunting them leads them to a place where it is clear death is inevitable for anyone that gets in the creature’s way.

Sacrifices are about to be made to survive!

Oakley-Green as Beyah is the John Wick of forty-five thousand years ago as she shows no fear in anything that is needing to be done for survival. Making the ultimate decision as the group is starving and running into the fray even though she is terrified, Oakley-Green is stellar and trust when I say if I had been there (and thank gawd I wasn’t, I’d make a lousy early human), Beyah would be the person I’d stand behind. Her character doesn’t have a lot to say but when she speaks – listen!

Young as Geirr is Adem’s brother and whether he is straight out scared at everything that moves or perhaps continual berating by his brother reminding him that he is not the leader, Geirr doesn’t have leader ability. He sees Beyah as a strong warrior and looks to her when things start to get out of hand.

Modu as Adem is a brutal leader who holds a strong thumb over the group. He makes it clear that no one is going to tell him what to do and he is willing to sacrifice anyone who goes against his leadership. Evans as Ave is a very pregnant woman who is having a hard time from travelling and lack of food. Yet, when she is cornered, she is just as vicious as Adem.

Mwezi as Heron is the young boy who is the first taken. That is the hardest to take and the reason Adem goes so strong into the chase for the creature. Luening as Odal also has a tendency to question Adem’s decisions and gets a verbal beat down and a reminder of where he stands in the ranking. That doesn’t mean that Odal isn’t keeping a mental file of what is happening only to bring it up later.

Bleecker Street is a New York City film company that has brought outstanding films to the public. Their library includes TRUMBO, DENIAL, THE LOST CITY OF Z, BEIRUT, HOTEL MUMBAI, ORDINARY LOVE and THE ROADS NOT TAKEN. For more information on the titles from Bleeker Street please visit www.bleeckerstreetmedia.com.

This year director Cummings completed his debut feature film OUT OF DARKNESS with Escape Plan Productions (SAINT MAUD). In 2019, he directed the last two episodes of COLD FEET series 9 for ITV and BIG TALK, now streaming on Britbox, and in 2018 directed three episodes of BBC3's acclaimed thriller CLIQUE (S2). In 2015 he directed KAI, funded by i-D and VICE, which has been viewed over one million times on social media. Andrew's National Film & Television School graduation film RADIANCE, a supernatural thriller about a young woman with a dangerous condition, was nominated for best film at the BAFTA Scotland New Talent Awards, while his claustrophobic psychological drama BENEATH won Best Student Film at the Courant 3D festival in France.

OUT OF DARKNESS has received attention from the British Independent Film Awards for Best Debut Director Cummings, a win for Best Breakthrough for Oakley-Green, Best Music for Adam Bzowski, Best Hair and Makeup for Niamh Morrison and Best Debut Screenplay for Ruth Greenberg.

The story is that of the exploration of this group of humans looking to start their own village. Believing they had found a place that was unoccupied by others, it quickly became clear that humans weren’t the only thing that seem to be missing – there is nothing else either. The sounds coming from the dark seemed to be nothing like they had ever heard before.

Beyah is determined to not only find out what is happening but what is responsible. I enjoyed this character so much because there is the feeling of a young woman who was stronger than those around her realized and had leadership qualities. It reminded me of the articles I have read where women warriors are becoming more mainstream in history than realized, Beyah would certainly fit the bill.

Filmed in much darkness, it adds to the intensity, fear, shock and discovery of the story director Cummings is trying to tell calling it a “paleolithic horror” film. Filmed in the Gairloch in Scotland, the location offers up such a fantastic place with its vast lands, woods, fogs, just perfection. This is a mystery that can lead to death.

In the end – we are them!

The New Year Brings a New Thriller with I.S.S.

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Gabriela Cowperthwaite, LD Entertainment and Bleecker Street is a welcoming in of the new year with a thriller in space aboard the I.S.S.

The Americans and Russia are having their difficulties on earth but up on the I.S.S. The American crew with Gordon Barrett (Chris Messina), Christian (John Gallagher Jr.) and newcomer Dr. Kira Foster (Ariana DeBose) each have a job to do. The Russian crew with Nicholai (Costa Ronin), Weronika (Maria Mashikova) and Alexey (Pilou Asbaek) do their job as well.

But in tight quarters, of course they have their moments to share a bit of alcohol, laughs, music and together time. Showing newcomer Kira the ropes, she settles in quickly and discovers a camaraderie among her shipmates. They even show her an amazing view of their world from an observation bubble.

All of it quickly brings chaos when Kira notices bright lights coming from Earth. At first, she believes it is a volcano but the other crew quickly get back inside the craft and seal the hatch. Each side of the crew try to contact their commands but they are getting nothing, no information, no contact, nothing.

That is until Barrett receives a message telling him that the United States and Russia are at war and to take control of I.S.S. Believing that the Russians have received the same message, a feeling of distrust begins to take over each side. The problem with mistrust and being friends is a very thin line – duty vs. friendship come into play.

Until contact can be resumed, orders are orders, by any means necessary.

Messina as Barrett seems to be the figurehead for the group and he maintains a close friendship not only with Nicholai but Weronika as well. Barrett is the level head on the ship from the get go. I enjoy the roles that Messina choses to play because they are so uniquely different. In this role he truly does try to keep a level head when it seems all others are losing theirs. Ronin as Nicholai truly does have a friendship with Barrett as they talk of home and chess. Ronin’s character is the figurehead for the Russian group as he makes it clear what his goals are from the start. I must admit I absolutely loved his character in the Showtime series HOMELAND, unpredictable and sly which is a role he is so deliciously good at playing

DeBose as Kira chose space to explore medical experimentation in space. She is tough, reasonable and realizes as the ‘newbie’ to the group, she knows less about her shipmates which just might be to her advantage. DeBose embraces what is happening and rather than lose it, she takes it step by step. Asbaek as Alexey, Kira’s Russian experimentation counterpart, gets a chance to break away from his GOT role and board a different kind of ship. He is that character in the middle of it all and making decisions gets difficult as well. I have been a fan of Asbaek’s since first seeing him in 2010 in the hit series BORGEN (find and binge immediately!). He is every changing and I’m always surprised at what he accomplishes with a role. 

Mashikova as Weronika is a woman who seems to love being in space and knows how to make it more bearable which she immediately shares with Kira. In space she has also found a care for Barrett and cannot comprehend nor agree with what is being asked of them. I like a woman who doesn’t take any guff and stands her ground. Gallagher Jr. as Christian is the odd duck on ship, but then again there is always one in space films. He knows the inner workings of the ship and makes it clear to Kira that they need to stick together. That being said, space and fear make people do crazy things.

Bleecker Street is a New York City film company that has brought outstanding films to the public. Their library includes TRUMBO, DENIAL, THE LOST CITY OF Z, BEIRUT, HOTEL MUMBAI, ORDINARY LOVE and THE ROADS NOT TAKEN. For more information on the titles from Bleeker Street please visit www.bleeckerstreetmedia.com.

Director Cowperthwaite has chosen her projects so very well beginning with the 2013 documentary BLACKFISH that stunned audiences world-wide, MEGAN LEAVEY became her first feature film in 2017, and in 2019 she squeezed hearts in the drama OUR FRIEND. Watching her films, I see a director that is very clear about her vision and with I.S.S. she takes risks in every scene and I went for it absolutely.

With a cast of six, let us not forget the seventh character – space itself. It has a big part to play from its view of what people on earth are doing to one another to the reality that outside the ship you are on your own. When I watch films about space, that last one is always on my mind because if you can’t trust those inside to have your back, you might as well unhook and float away!

On the International Space Station, the room inside the I.S.S. is very tight not leaving much room to do things quietly. Space station cameras everywhere and everyone having access to the same places, that is what gives the story its intensity and thrill. It is all out in the open and being secretive won’t work as each of the characters discovers.

I usually don’t have much hope for films in January but I.S.S. has given me a glimmer of hope. It goes straight into survival mode immediately and we hang-on until literally the end credits as the paranoia become so palpable. It becomes a who-do-you-trust game in a place that will call out each character for who they are and what they are willing to do.

There are a few more surprises but I think definetly I.S.S. is a film for everyone to experience for themselves. You don’t need me spoiling it for you so suffice to say I had a grand time from start to finish with this so well done film. Put on your space suits – the ride is going to get a bit rough!

In the end – the war on earth will be decided in space!

Reminisce with WHAT HAPPENS LATER

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Meg Ryan and Bleecker Street comes a rom-com that remembers things differently when WHAT HAPPENS LATER.

Wilhelmina Davis (Meg Ryan) is trying to catch a plane to Boston, William Davis (David Duchovny) is trying to catch a plane to Austin. At the same airport at the same time, they both run into a huge problem, well two huge problems. One, a cyclone bomb of a winter storm is grounding airplanes and the second, they know one another.

Doing the “I hope he/she doesn’t see me” dance of covering their faces and hiding behind pillars, it doesn’t help when they finally come face to face. Their story immediately spills out as they were together in their early 20’s. Willa remembers it was William who did the leaving, William believes they parted on good terms – neither is remembering the truth.

Now, William/Bill is dealing with his own marriage and the fact that he upset his 15-year-old daughter with words he regrets saying but doesn’t know how to fix. Willa is trying to help a friend get out of a stick situation in her own home. Knowing they can’t avoid one another; they almost instantly fall into old bantering patterns which is their way of flying around the truth of how they really feel.

As the airport shuts down leaving the two passengers/lovers/acquittances stranded, there is nothing left to do but drink, reminisce, try to dig through the honestly of their parting and come to terms with the pain that that happens when you are 20 and remembering when you are 50+. It’s never to late to speak of the past, understand the pain and then look into each other’s eyes and forgive.

It could happen!

Ryan as Willa is a woman who seems to be stuck somewhere between Bill leaving and a grounded airplane. Knowing that blaming him for everything has solved nothing as the years have gone by and a rain stick isn’t about to give her answers – only telling the truth. Ryan gives us her 1993 YOU’VE GOT MAIL quirkiness and 1989 WHEN HARRY MET SALLY vibe clothing choice along with a mixing of every character she has played in a rom-com. That’s not a bad thing because if the formula works then don’t change it. The role of Willa is charming in all respects so it works for Ryan.

Duchovny as William/Bill gets a chance to flex his comedy muscles and tackle the Ryan-clock of verbal witticisms and timing. He takes his punches but doesn’t hesitate to make sure that a sword can cut both ways. Not meaning to wound, only to poke a little at the fabric that Willa has woven regarding their past relationship. Bringing in a little light is meant to help her see but also forces Duchovny’s Bill to reevaluate his own perspective of what he has been telling himself about that time so long ago.

Bleecker Street is a New York City film company that has brought outstanding films to the public. Their library includes TRUMBO, DENIAL, THE LOST CITY OF Z, BEIRUT, HOTEL MUMBAI, ORDINARY LOVE and THE ROADS NOT TAKEN. For more information on the titles from Bleeker Street please visit www.bleeckerstreetmedia.com.

WHAT HAPPENS LATER is a comedy absolutely geared toward a certain age group of viewers because, quite honestly, I can’t imagine someone in their 20s being all that interested. The pull is the late 80’s early 90’s when Ryan reign supreme as the queen of rom-com’s. The film is based on the 2008 play Shooting Star by Steven Dietz but it is quite clear that Ryan paid attention to creator/director Nora Ephron’s ability to give us love, loss and soulful reconciliation and nods her in the credits.

This is plainly a story of two people finding themselves of a certain age (don’t you hate those two words put together, certain and age?) who find themselves coming face to face with their younger selves trapped in older bodies. Let’s face it, in our 20s we all do stupid stuff, make crazy decisions and jump to conclusions that, as our characters discover, are all wrong. That being said, and if you believe in fate, then we are destined to do those things to find our way around life. No one gets it right and W. Davis and W. Davis are proof of that.

It is a charming film with moments of good punch lines, good sucker punches and sweet seconds when these characters let down their guard. Ryan and Duchovny make it work and even give it a little rain stick magic as they carry the film on their own with no outside help (pun intended). Turn on the fireplace, cozy up with a soft blanket and a glass of whatever and enjoy their journey together, or is it trip? You decide.

In the end – they missed their connection!

She is the Iconic GOLDA

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Guy Nattiv, writer Nicholas Martin, ShivHans Pictures and Bleecker Street comes the story of strength, courage and moments of pain when you are GOLDA.

Golda Meir (Helen Mirren) is the Prime Minister of Israel in the 1970’s and the country is still vying for recognition. It is when she is informed that the enemies in Egypt and Syria are coming that she leans on her military for guidance and planning. Israeli Defense Force leader Dado Elazar (Lior Ashkenazi) and the head of Mossad Moshe Dayan (Rami Heuberger) give Golda their plans. So begins the Yom Kippur War.

Watching over Golda is Lou Kaddar (Camille Cottin) who sees to her personal and medical needs knowing the struggle she is going through. Another ally is Henry Kissinger (Liev Schrieber) who wants to help Golda but also has an obligation to the United States, especially as Nixon is on the ropes for Watergate.

Golda struggles with the staggering human life consequences and keeps notes of the toll is it taking on the country. Even her trusted military staff have their moments of struggle with the anxiety of what Egypt is capable of.

Although grandmotherly in her concern for staff who have sons, brother, husbands and other family members fighting, Golda cannot let herself steer from the larger picture. She makes decisions for all of Israel and some of them are extremely painful. Being a leader comes with heavy baggage as she also fights her own personal battle.

Yet, she stands, each and every day, with what must be done to make it clear that Israel will not fall, never.

Mirren as Golda has certainly played her fair share of historical figures from Queen Elizabeth in both THE QUEEN and THE AUDIENCE, to Catherine the Great in the film by the same name. I have been in awe of Mirren since I first saw her in 1981 as Morgana in EXCALIBUR. She has been in several of my favorite films such as 2014’s THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY and THE 2015 WOMAN IN GOLD. Her body of work has such range and always unexpected and as Golda, she has once again proven (as if she needs to) that she can do any role.

Cottin as Kaddar plays such an unsung heroine role as the woman who understands Golda and stays with her every grueling step. She understands the amazing importance of Golda being the Prime Minister but, more importantly, what she can accomplish. Ashkenazi and Heuberger also understand that her presence for the people of Israel is crucial and their roles are equally as important in telling this story.

Schreiber as Kissinger gives us a man who wants to do more for Israel and realizes the importance of doing so. The problem is he is also Secretary of State for the United States and that country is dealing with President Nixon and Watergate. Even having a bowl of borscht, Schreiber’s Kissinger knows Golda is going to do what Golda is going to do.

Other cast include Ohad Knoller as Ariel Sharon, Dominic Mafham as Haim Bar-Lev, Ellie Piercy as Shir Shapiro, Ed Stoppard as Benny Peled, Rotem Keinan as Zvi Zamir, Dvir Benedek as Eli Zeira, and Emma Davies as Miss Epstein.

Bleecker Street is a New York City film company that has brought outstanding films to the public. Their library includes TRUMBO, DENIAL, THE LOST CITY OF Z, BEIRUT, HOTEL MUMBAI, ORDINARY LOVE and THE ROADS NOT TAKEN. For more information on the titles from Bleeker Street please visit www.bleeckerstreetmedia.com.

GOLDA has its world premiere at the 2023 Berlin International Film Festival.

The pain in many scenes is clear on Mirren’s character’s face and it comes straight through the screen. It was not necessary to show death because the sounds coming from the short-wave radio that Golda and military staff hear are heartbreaking. Continual decision-making military plans are done sitting in Golda’s home where cake and cigarettes are served in large supply and it adds to the authenticity of the story director Nattiv and writer Nicholas Martin are trying to convey.

It is easy to sell this off as a bio-pic, which it is, but GOLDA is so much more than that. It is a story of a woman in an impossible situation making life and death decisions while she, herself, is in a life and death situation. Puffing away on her cigarettes continually, I imagine it was the only way that Golda could maintain calm and thought.

Mirren gives Golda everything from the pinned up greyish hair to the iconic shoes and purse. Quite honestly, if you didn’t know it was Mirren then you wouldn’t know it was Mirren. The makeup is so well done and moves with ease as she speaks and the cankle legs are realistically familiar, just like grandmas.

The filming is beautifully done and being a period piece, it is filled with everything would expect of the time period. I remember being a kid in 1973 and the Yom Kippur War being mentioned on the nightly news. I even remember seeing the face of Golda Meir on the screen and thinking she looked like my great-grandmother Emma. The equipment is a reminder of the time as well as the telephone, typewriters, televisions etc. That adds such richness to the film and the story.

In the end – one woman stood between victory and defeat!

They Are in Awe of JULES

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Marc Turtletaub and Bleecker Street is the story of outer space and inner emotions all brought on by JULES.

Milton (Ben Kingsley) is a local elderly man who lives life on his own terms. Going to city council meetings to making sure his street and city name suggestions are heard, he spends his days in routine. Daughter Denise (Zoe Winters) stops by occasionally to see how Milton is up to. Also, neighbor Sandy (Harriet Sansom Harris) enjoys her moments with Milton although he seems oblivious.

One fine day, Milton’s routine is interrupted by the crash landing of a space ship in his beloved garden. He is surprised finding a small alien who is hurt and makes himself comfortable on the porch and then inside Milton’s house. Deciding to try and help, Milton discovers that his unofficial roommate likes apples. He tries to tell daughter Denise about it all but she is convinced that her father’s medical issues are more severe than she thought.

Sandy gets wind of his story about an alien in his garden and stops by to discover for herself and she is instantly smitten. So much so that it is given the name Jules. Milton and Sandy decide it is best to keep Jules a secret or, according to Sandy, those in power will do horrible things to Jules.

Wondering what is happening at Milton’s house is nosy neighbor Joyce (Jane Curtin) who also catches on and decides it is better to stay quiet. Their job now is to help Jules fix the broken spacecraft so that he can get away but Jules needs something quite unique to make that happen.

But time is not on their side as eyes and ears are looking for Jules!

Kingsley as Milton is stunning beyond measure. Portraying a widower who passes his time mainly alone, it is clear there is something more happening. With the arrival of Jules, he is intrigued by the greenish/blue friend and sees quite clearly the need to help him get away as soon as possible. That being said, Kingsley’s portrayal is also that of a man who discovers that past issues are still present in his life and friendships are important. Milton is a lovely man at heart and Kingsley makes it happen.

Harris as Sandy clearly cares for Milton and becomes concerned when she hears about what happened at his home. The connection she makes with Jules is that of a woman who has a lot on her mind and no one to share it with. Naming Jules is her way of making a beautiful connection and, importantly, someone to cook for again. Harris is so charming from start to finish.

Curtin as Joyce is the female version of Milton with her open opinion on any matter in front of her with the added uncaring of what anyone else thinks. She also finds herself drawn to Jules (who she calls Gary) and opens up about what is happening in her life. When the time comes for them to part, Curtin’s Joyce shows a side that no one else has been privy too. These three actors combined make one heck of an elderly person!

Jade Quon plays the very quiet character of Jules. Even though Jules doesn’t have a lot to say, shim (she-him) is an amazing listener and has eyes full of compassion. As the days pass, the connection with Milton, Sandy and Joyce becomes moving enough that even Jules cannot help but feel the pull of humanness.

Other cast include Anna George as Dr. North, Donald Paul as Agent Mann, Blair Baker as Diane Strauss, Eric T. Miller as Tim, Teddy Canez as Mayor Martinez and Cody Kostro as Danny.

Bleecker Street is a New York City film company that has brought outstanding films to the public. Their library includes TRUMBO, DENIAL, THE LOST CITY OF Z, BEIRUT, HOTEL MUMBAI, ORDINARY LOVE and THE ROADS NOT TAKEN. For more information on the titles from Bleeker Street please visit www.bleeckerstreetmedia.com.

JULES is such a love story on so many levels. Starting with Milton who is dealing with being a widow, a daughter that can be a tad over protective and a strained relationship with his son, this character finds solace in himself so as to not have to cater to an emotional life. Jules not only shakes the ground of his garden but the foundation of Milton’s life. There is something pretty cool about that happening because what Milton thought was a life inevitable turns into a life of surprising change.

Harris and Curtin offer up their opinions on Jules and are amazing side-kicks for Milton. Seeing Kingsley with these two fine actresses opposite and alien could have been awkwardly done but Turtletaub directs with a big heart and very gentle hands. Of course, this is a story about being people of a certain age and it seems Jules was okay with that, but it is also a story of connection and a life-history that the three humans share.

Jules shimself is sweet, attentive and, yes, slightly alien-ish but in a way that is protective and caring. I refuse to give anything away regarding this awesome alien but know that I wouldn’t mind a crash landing in my garden. Let’s just say I was charmed beyond belief and absolutely adored the ending that almost made me cry and THAT, my friends, is hard to do!

In the end – you won’t believe what just crashed into Milton’s azaleas!

The Heart of MR. MALCOLM’S LIST

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Emma Holly Jones and Bleecker Street is a romantic story of the unexpected on MR. MALCOLM’S LIST.

Selina Dalton (Freida Pinto) and Julia Thistlewaite (Zawe Ashton) have been friends since they were young girls in finishing school in 1800’s England. Now young ladies, Julia attempts to find marriage with the mysterious and wealthy Mr. Jeremiah Malcolm (Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù). After a night at the opera, she is devastated to learn that society notices that Mr. Malcolm did not come calling again.

Asking cousin Lord Cassidy (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) to discover why it happened, it becomes clear that Julia did not meet Mr. Malcolm’s requirements for a wife. Angry, she enlists the help of cousin Cassidy to make him regret his decision. Writing to Selina asking her to come for a visit, the plan really is to use her friendship in order to humble Mr. Malcolm.

Explaining what she is trying to do, Selina begrudgingly agrees and attends a party accidentally meeting Mr. Malcolm. There is an instant spark causing Selina to rethink what it is Julia wants her to do. Selina is delighted when she sees Captain Henry Ossory (Theo James) explaining to Mr. Malcolm that they know each other through an aunt.

The chase of love, friendship and secrets begin at a party held at Mr. Malcolm’s home. So many hearts, so much heartbreak.

Pinto as Dalton is sweet, no-nonsense and clear that she cannot possibly judge Mr. Malcolm by Julia’s standards. Spending time with the object of Julia’s anger, she sees something deeper and misunderstood about him. Pinto gives us the other side of a coin that does not have the same intent as her friend. This is a wonderful role for Pinto.

Dìrísù as Mr. Malcolm seems cold, distant and knows what he wants. The list is just a guideline of what he will and will not tolerate thinking it is finite to his way of thinking. Of course, it is easy to have a list but much more difficult to actually follow it. Dìrísù keeps his character straight forward with no apologies but his disposition will be his undoing.

Ashton as Julia is spoiled, mouthy and a bit spiteful in her dealings. Yes, Julia is completely upset by her treatment by Mr. Malcolm but then again, looks can only take one so far and she is about to learn that the hard way.

James as Captain Ossry is quick, not at all interested in games and is keen on figuring out who everyone is and what they are about. What I love about his character is his biting humor and, eventually, his ability to never expose his feelings until necessary. Slightly different from Malcom because it is less calculated and more ‘appropriate’ for the times.

Jackson-Cohen as Lord Cassidy is not at all interested in playing Julia’s game and keeps his role in it all as minimal as possible. I enjoyed this character very much and wished there had been love for him by the story’s end.

Shout out to Ladwa and Gregory because they are so dang cute. They hear all and react slightly but when they do its hilarious. I just love the moments when their characters pop in.

Dona Croll as Lady Kilbourne has to be mentioned here. Her role might be small but as Mr. Malcolm’s mother, she knows how to observe everything and make sure her son knows that instead of blaming others, perhaps he should look inward a little. I loved Croll’s grace and elegance. She is mesmerizing.

Other cast include Naoko Mori as Mrs. Thistlewaite, Sophie Vavasseur as Lady Gwyneth Amberton, Danielle Ryan as Lady Margaret, Paul Tylak as Mr. Dalton, Emma Willis as Lucy, Ashley Park as Gertie Covington, Divian Ladwa as John and Sianad Gregory as Molly.

Bleecker Street is a New York City film company that has brought outstanding films to the public. Their library includes TRUMBO, DENIAL, THE LOST CITY OF Z, BEIRUT, HOTEL MUMBAI, ORDINARY LOVE and THE ROADS NOT TAKEN. For more information on the titles from Bleeker Street please visit www.bleeckerstreetmedia.com.

MR. MALCOLM’S LIST is a charming period piece that has to be seen by those who love the era. It has everything, love, family, friendship, revenge, twists, turns and characters that have you choosing sides.

I am a complete sucker for a period piece film because of the grandeur, costuming, cinematography, setting, music and a good story to complete the picture. When done and done well, the viewer is transformed to another time yet can relate because, and let’s face it, when it comes to love human beings are pretty predictable in both good and bad ways.

Suzanne Allain wrote Mr. Malcom’s List in 2009 and also wrote the script and later discovered by director Emma Holly Jones. To my way of thinking, Jones found a diamond in the rough and polished it to MR. MALCOM’S LIST in a lovely way.

Such a delightful treat of a film that will sweep you off your feet, as love should!

In the end - seeking love unconditionally!

She Cannot Outrun the INFINITE STORM

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Malgorzata Szumowska and Bleecker Street is the true story of a life change when she least expects the INFINITE STORM.

Pam Bales (Naomi Watts) is an experienced climber who packs intently to spend the day hiking up Mount Washington, New Hampshire after telling friend Parker (Denis O’Hare). Climbing to the top of a peak, she sees that a blizzard is heading her way and begins to climb down. As the wind picks up, she struggles to stay on her feet but notices a set of footprints that look strangely out of place.

Following each step, it leads her to a man sitting as the storm swirls around him. Dressed in shorts, tennis shoes and nothing to keep him warm. The man refuses to respond to Pam who is yelling over the sound of the wind. Trying to get him covered the best she can with what is in her backpack; Pam struggles to get the man to cooperate.

Giving him the name ‘John’ (Billy Howle), Pam navigates him through the snow as best she can. The storm is relentless, but she knows that if they are both to survive, she must keep John awake and motivated to continue. Even when they are able to stop for moments, Pam realizes that there is something emotionally going on with John.

Finally at the bottom, Pam realizes that her own tragedy has kept her from moving forward and perhaps their journey saved each other!

Watts as Pam has taken the character out of the world and into a life where she does not feel the need to have people around her. Everyone has a past, but Pam has a past filled with a pain that has basically caused her to live a paralyzed life. Hiking in the mountains gives her a reason to steer clear of humanity. The snowstorm and John pushes Watt’s character to remember that life is precious and that even with unforeseeable tragedies, Pam can be part of the world in a wonderful way.      

Howle as ‘John’ is a frozen human during a snowstorm that is equal in emotional and physical pain. Being pushed to survive by a stranger, John fights at every turn making things even more dangerous for both Pam and himself. Howle’s character has his own story to tell yet, like his journey of survival, he will tell it in small steps.

Bleecker Street is a New York City film company that has brought outstanding films to the public. Their library includes TRUMBO, DENIAL, THE LOST CITY OF Z, BEIRUT, HOTEL MUMBAI, ORDINARY LOVE and THE ROADS NOT TAKEN. For more information on the titles from Bleeker Street please visit www.bleeckerstreetmedia.com.

INFINITE STORM is based on the Ty Gagne article High Places: Footprints in the Snow Lead to an Emotional Rescue written about Pam Bales. Joshua Rollins wrote the screenplay based on that article to bring the film to screen. 

Watts turns in a stellar performance as Pam Bales and has proved for the second time in a few weeks that she is perfectly capable of carrying a film on her own. In February she starred in THE DESPERATE HOURS as a mother who is miles from home when her children are in danger and now with INFINITE STORM, she carries the story of a woman who must break away from her past.

This film is a dual fight for both Pam and ‘John’, the fight for survival against Mother Nature who has her own weather plan and the fight with emotional pain from tragic events in both their lives. The character of Pam is a woman who hikes to not think about it until she is put in a position to ignore her pain any longer, Watts gives us all of that emotion and more.

In the end – the mountain brought them together!

He Lives for SUNDOWN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Michel Franco and Bleecker Street comes the story of leaving life and family for a little SUNDOWN. 

Neil (Tim Roth) is enjoying drinks and sun in Acapulco with family when they receive terrible news from home. Alice (Charlotte Gainsbourg), Alexa (Albertine McMillan) and Colin (Samuel Bottomley) pack up and head to the airport. Neil realizes he can not find his passport and has to return to the hotel while the others fly ahead of him.

But he does not return to the hotel, instead Neil finds a hotel and finds a chair on the beach – and literally drinks the days away. On the phone he tells Alice everything is being done to get him home and that buys him time. To do what?

He meets shop owner Bernice (Iazua Larios) and they spend their days together just sunning and drinking. Until Alice shows up on the beach demanding to know what Neil has been doing and why. He makes it clear that he has checked out of her life including asking family lawyer Richard (Henry Goodman), the family and everything else – he just wants to be left alone.

Being left alone is going to cost everybody!

Roth as Neil is a man who clearly has checked out of everything. Nothing seems to phase him or cause great distress. He spends his time trying to keep the world at bay and even when it comes calling, he walks away with ease. Roth’s character is full of secrets but as they begin to rise to the surface, we get a consistent performance, and I would expect nothing less.

Gainsbourg as Alice can not understand the way Neil is behaving. She just wants to get him home and realizing he has his own plans, does everything possible to get their life right for her own family. Goodman as Richard is clear about the family and nothing surprises him, well maybe almost nothing surprises him. This lawyer is all about signing and making the stipulations quite clear.

Larios as Bernice is interested in Neil and does not ask to many questions about his life. She enjoys the sun, a few drinks and just being with him. McMillan and Bottomley are relatives that just do not understand, they want to, they just see a man who does not seem to care.

Bleecker Street is a New York City film company that has brought outstanding films to the public. Their library includes TRUMBO, DENIAL, THE LOST CITY OF Z, BEIRUT, HOTEL MUMBAI, ORDINARY LOVE and THE ROADS NOT TAKEN. For more information on the titles from Bleeker Street please visit www.bleeckerstreetmedia.com.

SUNDOWN is a slow-paced film that asks questions and demands patience to get the answers. When Alice asks the question, “what the f@#k is wrong with you?”, we are already ahead of her. Roth’s Neil does not give up anything and that is probably because the character does not think he has to – for any reason.

None of us could possibly imagine the decisions that this character makes, and irritation easily follows until there is the proverbial ‘oh, I see’ or ‘wow, okay’ follows. There is also irritation in the thought of ‘well, must be nice to sit in a chair all day drinking letting the water wash over your feet’ – now back to irritation no matter what Neil’s reasonings.

So, SUNDOWN just takes the viewer on a roller coaster ride of wanting to understand Neil and then not caring since he does not care but we still want answers. When it all becomes clear, then the process of deciding about Neil comes into play and so does the conversation with others about the film. Yes, it is one to be talked about!

It is about family, secrets, mystery’s, realities and how far will a family go to change someone who does not want to be changed.

In the end – his path is his own!

INDIA SWEETS AND SPICES

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from writer/director Geeta Malik and Bleecker Street is the story of going home to INDIA SWEETS AND SPICES.

Ending the school year Alia Kapur (Sophia Ali) is dreading going home to her Indian family. Not home five minutes before dad Ranjit (Adil Jussain) suggests she help at his clinic and mom Sheila (Manisha Koirala) tells her it would be rude not to go to a family gathering. The only one she really wants to see is bestie Neha (Anita Kalathara). Going around the room serving samosas, she gets a peak back into the home gossip.

The next day mom Sheila sends Alia to the store and there she meets Varun (Rish Shah) who are the new owners of the grocery story. Mom wonders why she would do that and now her nerves on edge. The night of the party, Varun and his family arrive, and they feel a tad out of place. What makes it more interesting is that Varun’s mother Bhairavi (Deepti Gupta) went to college with Sheila. 

Immediately they are all uncomfortable but there is obviously a story between Sheila and Bhairavi. The other aunties cuddle up to her to get any information they can about the situation. Rahul (Ved Sapru), Vahru and Alia watch the adults dancing but its what they see at the top of the stairs that is not worth dancing about.

Alia can not seem to get past it, Rahul wants to act like nothing is happening and Vahru just wants to be supportive as much as he can. Each gathering brings the secret out more and more because the Aunties can not stop talking about it!

Ali as Alia is a young woman who has a life off at college but when the real-world hits back home, she must learn about the past in order to understand.

Koirala as Sheila is a woman who has gone in the opposite direction of the life she once knew. There is so much in her past that is now coming out and she continues to act as if she is embarrassed. Koirala is beautiful in playing the role of a woman who comes from a difficult culture. 

Gupta as Bhairavi is a woman who has stayed to true to herself. Imagine her surprise at seeing Sheila again and the second surprise at seeing her be someone completely different.

Shah as Varun is a young man who helps his parents with their store and is ready to go to university himself. There is an attraction between he and Aila that is lovely as they learn there is more to their parents than they could have imagined.

Jussain as Ranjit is a bit of a narcissist and does not seem to understand why his family is having difficulty. He is the cause and does nothing to fix it. Sapru as Rahul also does not seem to want to deal with the issue. He plays the game just as good as the others in the community.

Other cast include Christina Burdette as Mindy, Kamran Shaikh as Kamlesh as Dutta, Richa Chandra as Swati, Thomas Kasp as Sterling, Moses Das as Nitin Varma, Raj Kala as Gurvinder Singh, Krishna War as Shilpa, Ashritha Kancharla as Reema and Rupal Pujara as Bina.

Bleecker Street is a New York City film company that has brought outstanding films to the public. Their library includes TRUMBO, DENIAL, THE LOST CITY OF Z, BEIRUT, HOTEL MUMBAI, ORDINARY LOVE and THE ROADS NOT TAKEN. For more information on the titles from Bleeker Street please visit www.bleeckerstreetmedia.com.

INDIA SWEETS AND SPICES is a story of family and the pasts that parents have that their children have no clue about. It is also a story about the culture Aila and Varun’s family, but they are not so different than our own. We all have our shortcomings and images that we do not realize until too late that it has a ripple effect.

The story of each of these main characters are presented because it is time for the past to be forgiven, the present to be celebrated and the future to be whatever it will be. In the mix are the rich traditions of the Indian community filled with food, aunties and everything that comes with it. I love that about this film.

In the end – let the aunties talk!

I'M YOUR MAN Gives Her the Dream

 

Jeri Jacquin

 

Coming from writer/director Maria Schrader and Bleecker Street comes the story of asking for the perfect man and then not knowing how to handle him with I'M YOUR MAN.

Alma (Maren Eggert) is a scientist who needs funds to continue her work and so she decides to volunteer to participate in an experiment with Tom (Dan Stevens). The catch is that Tom is very human looking robot who is designed to please Alma. From flowers to candlelight, Tom comes out guns blazing to try and make Alma happy.

The problem is Alma does not want to be that happy. Trying to avoid Tom at all costs, he tries to understand why she is behaving so coldly. After a few days, she begins to understand that she isn't being very nice, even if Tom is not human. Bringing him around the people she knows, Tom is charming, intelligent and is enjoying it all.

Alma runs into Julian (Hans Low) and it is clear there is a history there that she has no desire to discuss with anyone, especially Tom. She does introduce him to co-workers, and they discuss the three-year research which fascinates him. But in a single moment, Tom has to tell Alma what he has discovered about her work!

All of it sends Alma into a tailspin of decisions and spewing of words that would make a mere mortal run for the hills. Tom takes it on the humanoid chin until the next morning when it is clear that cruel is too nice a word for how she had been treating him.

Deciding to get away from it all, Alma takes Tom to meet her family and father Felser (Wolfgang Hubsch). Time together, Alma sees that Tom truly wants to understand the human condition, but she also knows that continuing this experiment is to much for her. It is at that moment that she must decide how to move forward without letting emotions get in the way of a person that is not, in her mind, real.

How do you say goodbye?

Eggert as Alma is a woman on a mission, to get her research published and when she needs funding, agrees to something she really does not want to. From the moment she meets Tom, Eggert’s character gives us nothing to work with because she is giving up nothing when it comes to emotion. That is the amazing part about this character, showing nothing would seem like a robot’s way of expressing things. It takes time for Alma’s story to come out and Eggert makes darn sure to keep that tension up until we get our answers – brava!

Stevens as Tom is delightful, funny, sweet, innocent, and the target of some serious verbal human abuse. My jaw hit the ground with the way this character was being referred, I felt so horrible for him. Now there is genius, making me feel so emotionally horrible for – wait for it – a robot! For the longest I was more concerned about Tom than I was Alma, how is that for a twist? Stevens did that with such finesse and made it all look so easy. I am a big Stevens fan from way back and to watch him in this role is just everything uber cool.

Shout out to Low as Julian for bringing in the right amount of tension in a situation that humans would see as awkward but to Tom, it is a ‘here have a coffee’ kind of thing.

Other cast includes Falilou Sek as Dean Roger, Annika Meier as Cora, Henriette Richter-Rohl as Steffi, Inga Busch as Regina, Karolin Oesterling as Chloe, Marlene-Sophie Haagen as Jule and Gabriel Munoz as Mr. Barmann.

Bleecker Street is a New York City film company that has brought outstanding films to the public. Their library includes TRUMBO, DENIAL, THE LOST CITY OF Z, BEIRUT, HOTEL MUMBAI, ORDINARY LOVE and THE ROADS NOT TAKEN. For more information on the titles from Bleeker Street please visit www.bleeckerstreetmedia.com.

The film is in German, but it is the acting that makes it a wonderful film, even with subtitles. Premiering at the 71st Berlin International Film Festival, it was also selected for Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards.

I’M YOUR MAN has so many levels to it, and I experienced all of them. First, it is ‘be careful what you ask for’ because Alma certainly got it. The problem was once she got it, she was not sure she wanted it or what to do with it. It was a trade off and me thinks we got the best of it with Tom! Another issue is trying to replace humanity to be happy. It is in Alma’s final assessment that she hits it straight on because I do not believe we, as humans, would know what to do with ourselves if happy 24/7 for the rest of our lives.

Tom teaches us a few lessons to in that the character is constantly being told that ‘it’ does not know how a human feels. Now emotionally that may be true but, when you take the emotions out of it and stare it straight in the face, Tom knows exactly why we constantly struggle. Alma just did not want to hear it.

The twist of it is that Alma acted more like a robot and Tom the ‘human’ with childlike wonderment and embracing what we take for granted. The switch is so interesting to watch play out because, as with any relationship, there are always twists whether we like it or not.

I’M YOUR MAN is such an enjoyable film and that is all because of writer/director Shrader, Eggert and Stevens without question. It is a different kind of romance, an unusual story of love, and coming to terms with why we allow our pasts to dictate the possibilities for happiness in the future. I could analyze the film all day!

In the end - what do you do when what you wanted stands right in from of you?