It is a Story of Life and Love on a MOTHERING SUNDAY

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Eva Husson and Sony Pictures Classics comes a story of the heart and a life with MOTHERING SUNDAY. 

Jane (Odessa Young) is a young woman working as a maid in 1924 England for Mr. Godfrey Niven (Colin Firth) and his wife Clarrie (Olivia Colman). On this particular morning, Mr. Niven is giving Jane the day off since they are meeting with the Hobdays for a day outing. Quickly she receives a telephone call from Paul Sheringham (Josh O’Connor) to come and see him.

It quickly becomes clear that there is a romantic relationship between Jane and Paul, but he knows that the family will not allow him to marry her. Trying to enjoy their time together, that one thing is hanging over their head. They do not have a lot of time together because Paul should be at the outing with family.

When Paul leaves Jane at the house, she lounges eating and looking at the house until it is time to come home. She is met at the door by Mr. Niven who has tears in his eyes and news that changes their lives.

Years ahead, writer Jane Fairchild is in love with Donald (Sope Dirisu) who loves that she is a writer. More of a philosopher himself, they share their lives together in that world of the word. Working at a bookstore and given the chance to write something wonderful, her life changes again and again in the most painful but magnificent ways.

Then again, that is the mystery of life isn’t it?

Other cast include Patsy Ferran as Milly, Emma D’Arcy as Emma Hobday, Simon Shepherd as Mr. Giles Hobday, Caroline Harker as Mrs. Sylvia Hobday, Emily Woof as Mrs. Sheringham, Craig Crosbie as Mr. Sheringham, Albert Welling as Mr. Paxton and Glenda Jackson as Jane Fairchild.

Sony Pictures Classics brings television, digital content, new entertainment services, independent films and technologies to viewers. Such films as GREED, THE BURNT ORANGE HERESY, THE CLIMB, CHARM CITY KINGS, I CARRY YOU WITH ME and THE FATHER are just a few of the current and upcoming releases. For more information on what Sony Pictures Classics has to offer please visit www.sonyclassics.com. 

MOTHERING SUNDAY film is based on the Graham Smith and not the first book to screen. His works also include WATERLAND, SHUTTLECOCK and LAST ORDERS.

Young as Jane is just so beautiful not only in character but in her portrayal of this very complex story. She is a young woman in love knowing her station because of her own questionable background. Although the Niven’s obviously care about her, Jane sees there is something so much more waiting for her future, and it takes one event to send her out there to find it. Young gives the viewer all of that and so much more.

O’Connor as Paul is also a complex character hiding behind the pain of what he wants for himself and what is expected of him by his family. He clearly cares so much for Jane and enjoys being with her to the point that they are both willing to get caught. O’Connor has the unique ability to give his character the face of a tortured man hiding within a well-dressed English gentleman.

Firth as Mr. Niven has clearly had pain within his own family and enjoys having Jane around yet would do nothing to stop her from succeeding in life. It is clear that Niven trusts her and seems a bit curious but never crosses the line to ask. The scene in the car with Jane as they drive back to the house is tissue worthy because it is a car filled to the brim of sadness.

Colman as Clarrie is hiding her own deep family pain. She never really says much to Jane but when she does, the words spoken are like a brick to Jane. I just love Colman and having her with Firth is just delightful and secretly I did want more from her character but when you know the story, you understand.

Dirius as Donald is a man who falls hard for the writer Jane. He wants to know everything and share everything with her. Together they make such a lovely couple and when it is time for them to embrace another impact of life, they do so together and amazingly full of love.

MOTHERING SUNDAY is a period piece and that is right up my genre alley. That being said, it is also a story of love, the class system England of that time, pain, sadness, success and realizations. I started out watching the film sitting up and ended up curled up cuddling a pillow to the very end. That’s how you know I was entirely invested in these characters.

The costuming, cars, cinematography and soundtrack and just so rich adding another layer of texture to this multi-layered emotional story. Who could want anything more from a tale such as this?

In the end – it is Jane’s journey.

 

 

There is Love in a SUPERNOVA

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this week and soon to Digital from writer/director Harry MacQueen and Bleeker Street comes a story of love when knowing we are all part of a SUPERNOVA.

Pianist Sam (Colin Firth) and writer Tusker (Stanley Tucci) have decided to take a road trip and visit some of the people and places that they have shared. In an RV and driving on narrow roads on left side, they take loving jabs at one another until they reach one of their beautiful destinations.

Going from a beautiful lake to Sam’s sister Lilly’s (Pippa Haywood) home, they spend time with family and friends talking about what Tusker is writing and when Sam will play next. Later in the evening, Sam discovers something about his partner that he did not know before and isn’t sure how to deal with it.

Listening to Tusker and Charlotte (Nina Marlin) together in the evening air, it is clear that he is a loving person who sees the beauty in each and every star. On their way to the next destination, it is clear there is tension between the two. Once arriving, Sam must decide how to handle what he knows understanding that Tusker’s illness may make that difficult.

Firth as Sam is the music half of this relationship and is getting back into that world by preparing to play a small intimate concert. Taking the road trip with Tusker is an amazing way to revisit a few of the memorable places that mean something to them both. Firth is snappy in wit, lovely in affection and gives a beautiful performance mired in a deep sadness. This lovely actor has always had a soft spot in my heart and in SUPERNOVA, he proves why that is.

Tucci as Tusker is the writer half of the relationship and he has a lot to say. The problem is that he is having a difficult time saying it with pen to paper. Tucci matches wits with the character of Sam but then again, he has clearly made a career out of it and excelling consistently. Tucci in this role gives us a man dealing with knowing his life is slipping away and trying to accept that reality for both himself and Sam. Tucci is also an actor that I adore because he makes his roles look effortless whether it be a comedy or a drama.

Other cast include Peter MacQueen as Clive, Ian Drysdale as Paul, Sarah Woodward as Sue, James Dreyfus as Tim, Lori Campbell as Lola, Daneka Etchells as Rachel and Truffles as fur-baby as Ruby.

Bleeker 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.

SUPERNOVA is a film of love, relationships, secrets, and grief wrapped up in two men who have made a life for themselves. From the first scene it is clear that Firth and Tucci bring their characters in with such believability that it felt like being a third wheel in the RV. I wanted to hear their story and more about the life they have shared together.

That is what makes this film so totally stunning, the beauty of their trip, the reality that even love can not stop what is coming for them and the acceptance of what is to come. Firth and Tucci allows us to share in all of that in such a way that the final scene just brings tears.

Writer/director MacQueen gives us everything in its simplest form allowing us to not be distracted by anything else but the relationship between Sam and Tusker. Even their surroundings from the RV to the countryside is cinematic to be sure and reminds us the world can be so lovely, as lovely as Sam and Tusker.

In the end – in this life never forget who you love and why.

She Finds Peace and THE SECRET GARDEN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from director Marc Munden, STX Films and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the struggle for beauty until they find THE SECRET GARDEN.

Mary (Dixie Egerickx) is living in India during their revolutions. After losing her parents, she is found alone in her home and sent to Uncle Archibald Craven (Colin Firth) in England. Arriving, she is met by Mrs. Medlock (Julie Walters) and told that the life she once knew is not going to be the same. Given instructions about where she can and cannot go in the house, Mary is left alone in a very depressing room.

The next day she meets Martha (Isis Davis) and learns she has a younger brother Dickon (Amir Wilson) who roams the moors. Staying out of the way of everyone in the house, Mary finds solace in walking through the woods, especially when she meets Jemima - a stray who befriends the young girl. Meeting her uncle, Mary sees a very sad and angry man who hasn't gotten over the death of his beloved wife.

Following Jemima one day, Mary discovers a wall and behind it is a wonderful garden. She takes Dickon there and it becomes their special place. Roaming the house, Mary also discovers Cousin Colin (Edan Hayhurt) who is bedridden and believes he is ill. The one thing she has in common with her cousin is feeling unloved by their parents.

But Mary wants to help her cousin by taking him to the garden introducing him to the beauty and the history between their mothers. Mrs. Medlock is not happy about what Mary has been doing and sets it up to anger Mr. Craven enough to send Mary away to boarding school. It all turns into chaos when a fire changes everything.

But not the secret garden!

Egerickx as Mary goes through a traumatic experience with the passing of her parents. Building up her own personal wall, she is not moved by her new home and its curious rules. Egerickx gives us the curiosity with her exploring the grounds as we all would at that age. When she finds the garden, it becomes her refuge from all the trauma and gives this character a chance to bloom like the plants around her. It’s a beautiful portrayal.

Firth as Craven is a man living with the painful memories all around him yet he shuts them up in rooms and drowns them in drink. Not wanting contact with those under his own roof, he takes isolation to the extreme. Firth is amazing at portraying this sadness as with many of the roles he has done especially with period pieces such as this film.

Walters as Mrs. Medlock is straight forward and a stickler for the rules. Clearly, she isn't happy with having Mary around and makes every attempt to find a reason to send her away. Walters is just a wonderful actress who I have been following ever since seeing her in the 1983 film EDUCATING RITA. After that I have watched everything she has done and have experienced a career that is outstanding.

Wilson as Dickon is the most non-judgemental person in Mary's life. He sees her pain and instead of making it worse, he silently teachers her to enjoy the garden as she experiences what he can do as well. Hayhurt as Colin is wild in a different way than Mary but just as uninformed about the truth regarding his parents. Once called out on his behavior, he becomes more aware of life and its possibilities. Davis as Martha sees that Mary is different but knows more about what has gone on in the house than she lets on.

Other cast include David Verrey as Jeremy, Maeve Dermody as Alice, Anne Lacy as Mrs. Pitcher, Richard Hansell as George, Tommy Surridge as Billy, Rupert Young as Marcus, Jemma Powell as Grace and Sonia Goswami Ayah.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience and re-experience in our own home theaters. There are films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.

STX Films and Entertainment is a global next-generation company who has taken on the mission to unlock the value of direct connection stars have with their fans through the development, production and distribution of film, television, VR, digital video, music and live entertainment content. It is the industry leader in transforming beyond traditional platform-driven content to creating talent-driven enterprises. To experience more please visit www.stxfilms.com.

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

The Bonus Features on Bluray, DVD and Digital are Characters - Learn more more about the beloved characters of THE SECRET GARDEN and how the actors who played them brought them to life in a new and imaginative way, Concepts to Reality - From the majestic design of Misselthwaite Manor, to the creation of the enchanting garden, see how the filmmakers created the most immersive telling of THE SECRET GARDEN yet, full of vivid and magical realism, Page to Screen - A look behind the scenes of THE SECRET GARDEN and how the timeless, best-selling novel was brought to life in a modern, vivid and magical way and The Official Trailer.

THE SECRET GARDEN is a story from the classic novel The Secret Garden by author Frances Hodgson Burnett. It has been made and remade several times, but the heart of the story doesn't change. The duality of the world being cold and gray and finding a world of beauty and tranquility transfer from page to screen.

The trauma of Mary is tragic, but she discovers that there are so many different kinds of tragedy and that others experience it in different ways. The one thing they all share is the heavy sadness of trying to go through each day without letting it rule them. Mary does this by becoming the explorer of the estate and the garden which allows her to help Colin as well.

The cinematography is another character of the film because the estate and its initial surroundings are grey, dull and feel lifeless. When the garden is introduced to us, it becomes a place of color, beauty and imagination that all feels like hope. That is important in telling this particular story and works extremely well.

Gather the family and join in the adventure of finding happiness with THE SECRET GARDEN.

In the end - unlock your imagination!

1917 Brings the Realities of War to Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and 4K Ultra HD from writer/director Sam Mendes and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes the story of two young men who try and stop a fatal mistake of war in 1917.

In northern France, Lance Corporals Blake (Dean Charles Chapman) and Schofield (George MacKay) are given one of the most dangerous missions. Learning that the Germans have retreated, the British 2nd Battalion Devonshire Regiment is preparing to attack. When it is discovered to be a trap, a message needs to be delivered to call it off.

Among the 1,600 men preparing is Blake’s brother so he volunteers to take a message to commander of the Battalion to stop. Schofield isn’t very happy about being a part of the mission but goes with his friend Blake.

Through trenches, explosions, dogfights, rigged bunkers and snipers in a destroyed village, the mission becomes even more crucial with ever step to save the soldiers who don’t know what is coming.

Bravery has no limits.

Chapman as Corp. Blake knows only one thing – he needs to stop the attack. Yes, it could be said his volunteering seemed motivated by family, but Chapman’s portrayal made me believe he would have done it no matter what or who.

Mackay as Schofield doesn’t start off with the same quality. Feeling forced to take on the mission, we as the viewing audience experience his change. He is still afraid but determined to finish what was started.

These two actors carry the weight of the story squarely on their shoulders. A difficult task in a film set to a harsh time in history and yet these two actors swoop us up for the experience without any fight from us.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience and re-experience in our own home theaters. There are film of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.

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

The Bluray Bonus Features include The Weight of the World: Sam Mendes – Academy Award winner Sam Mendes discusses his personal connection to World War I, Allied Forces: Making 1977 – Learn how to the one shot, 360-degree format was executed and the pivotal role Academ Award winner Roger Deakins served in bringing Sam Mendes’ vision to life, The Score of 1917 -Composer Thomas Newman and filmmakers discuss the important role of the Academy Award nominated score, In the Trenches – Go behind the scenes with the cast of 1917, Recreating History – Filmmakers offer a detailed look at the production design challenges of recreating the First World War, Feature Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Sam Mendes, Feature Commentary with Director of Photography Roger Deakins.

1917 will also be available on 4K Ultra HD combo packs which include 4K Ultra HD, Bluray & Digital Code.  

1917 is a time of young men going to war with the basics of everything. Yes, there were weapons and crude by todays technological standards, so it is stunning people survived at all. Mendes makes sure we are fully aware of it in every frame from start to finish.

In telling this story, Mendes enlists the like of Benedict Cumberbatch, Colin Firth, Daniel Mays, Billy Postlewaite, Andy Apollo and Mark Strong to complete the road this film takes us down.

1917 is a start to the senses with a continual tension line to the very end. It works beautifully and the proof is in the 3 Academy Wards including Best Cinematography as well as two Golden Globe awards for Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Director for Sam Mendes. The film has won 48 awards with 154 nominations and all this before Oscar nominations have been announced.

Mendes edited the film to be one continual shot. “You don’t want an audience thinking how you shot the film, it’s a constant dance between character and landscape and you have to allow for constant movement and create a real experience.” The story is inspired by Mendez grandfather’s experience with “The Autobiography of Alfred H. Mendes: 1897-1991.”

1917 is heartfelt and heart stopping wrapped up in an intense story of sacrifice, bravery and the ugly reality that is war. It has everything that an epic war film should but added serious intensity theatre viewers talked about for weeks and now on Bluray will keep us talking.

In the end – time is the enemy!

1917 Brings the Realities of War

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Sam Mendes and Universal Pictures comes the story of two young men who try and stop a fatal mistake of war in 1917.

In northern France, Lance Corporals Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) and Schofield (George MacKay) are given one of the most dangerous missions. Learning that the Germans have retreated, the British 2^nd Battalion Devonshire Regiment is preparing to attack. When it is discovered to be a trap, a message needs to be delivered to call it off.

Among the 1,600 men preparing is Blake’s brother so he volunteers to take a message to commander of the Battalion to stop. Schofield isn’t very happy about being a part of the mission but goes with his friend Blake.

Through trenches, explosions, dogfights, rigged bunkers and snipers in a destroyed village, the mission becomes even more crucial with ever step to save the soldiers who don’t know what is coming.

Bravery has no limits.

Chapman as Corp. Blake knows only one thing – he needs to stop the attack. Yes, it could be said his volunteering seemed motivated by family, but Chapman’s portrayal made me believe he would have done it no matter what or who.

Mackay as Schofield doesn’t start off with the same quality. Feeling forced to take on the mission, we as the viewing audience experience his change. He is still afraid but determined to finish what was started.

These two actors carry the weight of the story squarely on their shoulders. A difficult task in a film set to a harsh time in history and yet these two actors swoop us up for the experience without any fight from us.

1917 is a time of young men going to war with the basics of everything. Yes, there were weapons and crude by todays technological standards, so it is stunning people survived at all. Mendes makes sure we are fully aware of it in every frame from start to finish.

In telling this story, Mendes enlists the like of Benedict Cumberbatch, Colin Firth, Daniel Mays, Billy Postlewaite, Andy Apollo and Mark Strong to complete the road this film takes us down.

1917 is a start to the senses with a continual tension line to the very end. It works beautifully and the proof is in the two Golden Globe awards for Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Director for Sam Mendes. That is all before the wide release this Friday. 1917 has won 48 awards with 154 nominations and all this before Oscar nominations have been announced.

Mendes edited the film to be one continual shot. “You don’t want an audience thinking how you shot the film, it’s a constant dance between character and landscape and you have to allow for constant movement and create a real experience.” The story is inspired by Mendez grandfather’s experience with “The Autobiography of Alfred H. Mendes: 1897-1991.”

1917 is heartfelt and heart stopping wrapped up in an intense story of sacrifice, bravery and the ugly reality that is war. It has everything that an epic war film should but add serious intensity and it will have viewers leaving the theatre talking about Oscars.

In the end – time is the enemy!

Disney’s MARY POPPINS RETURNS Lands Down on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

On Bluray/DVD and Digital from Walt Disney Home Entertainment comes our favorite Nanny as MARY POPPINS RETURNS.

Back in 1930s London, Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw) is living with his three children Annabell (Pixie Davies), John (Nathanael Saleh) and Georgie (Joel Dawson) after the passing of his wife. Sister Jane (Emily Mortimer) visits the childhood home regularly and living a busy life.

The Fidelity Fiduciary Bank is back with a new chairman in Weatherall Wilkins (Colin Firth) who is in their lives as Michael has borrowed money and the Banks family is being threatened with repossession of the family home. Remembering that their father left them shares, the two go through the attic to desperately find them – instead they find a kite but Michael throws it away.

Annabel, John and Georgie find the kite and decide to take it to the park. That is where they meet a very straight forward and no-nonsense nanny named Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt) who takes the children home. Much to the surprise of Michael and Jane, Mary Poppins announces she is taking charge of the children.

That gives Michael time to go and look for the shares but Wilkins is no help. That’s when Annabel and John get the idea to sell something of their mother’s hoping it will help pay off the debt. Georgie has an accident and Mary enlists the help of her friend Jack (Lin-Manuel Miranda) as they set off on an adventure to fix the bowl.

When that doesn’t work, Mary takes the children to visit Topsy (Meryl Streep) who tells them the bowl won’t help their problem. The children decide to go straight to Wilkins to ask for help only to discover what is really going on.

The family learns that it only takes a moment to turn back time but will it be enough to save their iconic home?

Blunt as Mary Poppins is charming and looks like she is having an amazing time. To me that’s important when you are taking on such an iconic character. It is good to see those shoes back in the house on Cherry Tree Lane and Blunt makes sure that we remember every minute of the return.

Whishaw as Michael is now raising his own children in the house of his childhood. It makes the transition for those of us who remember everything from 1964. Dealing with the bank is such an adult issue but then again it is nothing new to Michael. Mortimer as Jane has much of her mother’s women empowerment issues but doesn’t forget where they came from as children.

Davies, Saleh and Dawson as the new Banks children have some big shoes to fill and they do it quite nicely thank you very much. They are charming, sweet, funny and have hearts as big as their father and aunt. There isn’t anything they won’t do for their family and with Mary Poppins’ help, they are about to prove it.

Firth as Wilkins has the wonderful ability to be absolutely sympathetic on one hand (and be believable about it) and in the next breath he is as horrible as he wants to be – all while grinning with no shame. Streep as Topsy is very funny and of course she has the pipes to pull off any song you put in front of her.

Miranda as Jack gets a chance to be the next generation chimney sweet as well as “Jack” of all trades. He fits in with his soot laden face and dancing on the London night cobblestone streets with all of his friends – including Mary Poppins.

Shout out to Julie Walters as Ellen because I have adored her since first seeing her in the 1983 film EDUCATING RITA. She is a chameleon and there isn’t a role she has done that I am not enthralled with. As Ellen she is hilarious!

It must be said, this film could NOT have been any more endearing without Dick Van Dyke who just made me absolutely giddy. Returning as Dawes was the smartest thing Disney could have done allowing us slightly older movie lovers to embrace someone who still dances in paintings that are drawn on our hearts.

Other cast include Julie Walters as Ellen, David Warner as Admiral Boom, Jim Norton as Mr. Binnacle, Jeremy Swift as Hamilton Gooding, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith as Templeton Frye, Angela Lansbury as the Balloon Lady, Noma Dumezweni as Miss Penny Farthing, Sudha Bhuchar as Miss Lark, Tarik Frimpong as Angus and Dick Van Dyke as Mr. Dawes Jr.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment began distributing under its own label in 1980 and continues to bring quality programming to kids and kids at heart. Home of the most beloved animated features including SNOW WHITE, PINOCCHIO and SLEEPING BEAUTY to name a few is what keeps families coming back for more. To see what is currently available to add to your own family library please visit. www.movies.disney.com for their At Home titles!

The Bluray Bonus Extras contain over an hour of Bonus Including a Sing-Along Edition Deleted Song: The Anthropomorphic Zoo, Bloopers, The Practically Perfect Making of MARY POPPINS RETURNS, Deleted Scenes and so much more!

MARY POPPINS RETURNS is absolutely a must have on Bluray to sit right next to the 1964 original MARY POPPINS. You can have both, love both and binge watch both with what I think could be three or four generations of family members loving every moment.

MARY POPPINS RETURNS is colorful, musical, fun, animated and everything we would expect not only from Disney but from Mary Poppins’ herself.

In the end – in a place we hold dear where wonder once lived…soon from above, a new story begins – again!

MAMA MIA! Here We Go Again Sings & Dances onto Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray/DVD this Tuesday from writer/director Ol Parker and Universal Home Entertainment is the return of MAMA MIA! Here We Go Again.

Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is working hard to reopen the Bella Donna Hotel with the help of Fernando Cienfuegos (Andy Garcia). Husband Sky (Dominic Cooper) is away working and making her feel a bit lonely. While putting her mother Donna's (Meryl Streep) belongings away, she begins to explore Donna's life that initially brought her to the island.

Donna (Lily James), in 1979, graduates college with friends Rosie (Alexis Davies) Tanya (Jessica Wynn). Deciding what to do with her life, Sophie begins her travels and meets a young Harry (Hugh Skinner) who becomes instantly infatuated with her. Finding her own way to the island she meets the charming sailboat racer Bill (Josh Dylan) who takes her to the docks and promises he will see her again.

As a storm breaks, Donna finds herself needing a bit of horse help when on the road she meets Sam (Jeremy Irvine) and her heart is captured and then broken.

Back to Sophie's life, the opening of the hotel is stressing her out as she turns to Sam (Pierce Brosnan) for support and wishes Dads Bill (Stellan Skarsgard) and Harry (Colin Firth) could be there. She does have Rosie (Julie Walters) and Tanya (Christine Baranski) who wouldn't miss the opening for anything. The two ladies are having emotional flash backs of their own.

When a storm hits and threatens to ruin all of Sophie's plans, it is those she loves who come to her rescue as the hotel opens as it always should have, especially when Grandma Ruby (Cher) shows up.

But, they are family and nothing is impossible with their love!

Seyfried returns as Sophie who has grown up a bit and decided that she wants to follow in her mother's footsteps by finishing what Donna started. Wanting to make the hotel a huge success also comes with allot of questions still about her mother and how they have all made it to this point in their lives. Seyfried sings beautifully and carries her role.

James as a young Donna is a chance for viewers to explore her side of the story and how she came to be part of the plan for the hotel. Along the way she just happens to meet three very different men who become an important part of her life - and then Sophie's. Lily is daring and at the same time very strong in her convictions as to what she wants and how she will get it.

Irvine as Sam gives us a look inside how deep the relationship was with Donna when they were young but also the truth behind the heart ache that would follow them both for so many years Brosnan as Sam has remained with Sophie as a support and a man who has settled into a life that works for him.

Dylan as a young Bill is the reckless one of the bunch and believes his charms will win the heart of Donna but she has other plans.  Skarsgard as Bill has mellowed a bit and even regrets his behavior towards Rosie. When he needs to be there for Sophie, Skarsgard gets a chance to play two roles in the film, even if only briefly.

Skinner as young Harry clearly is as uncomfortable in his youth as he continued to be into adulthood. Skinner manages to capture all of that angst it really works into understanding Harry later. Speaking of that, Firth as Harry is still so darn sweet and sensitive but starting to get a little more outspoken about what he wants in life.

Davies as young Rosie is just as cute and funny as Walters return as the more mature version. Dealing with a jolt from Bill has not changed her one bit and she's going to make sure he knows it. Wynn as a young Tanya is just as witty as her counterpart Baranski. These two actresses didn't miss a beat playing this character and I loved it.

Cher as Ruby was perfect with her drop in and drop dead look. Of course Cher is going to be amazing - she's Cher! I recently saw her in Las Vegas performing the song 'Fernando' and I just got a little fan crazy with my cheering. She continues to have a voice that is rich and memorable.

Garcia as Cienfuegos is charming and has a line for everything. That's not necessarily a bad thing as this character always shows up at the right time and always knows the right thing to say. He also believes in Sophie and that makes all the difference.

Other cast include Gerard Monaco as Alexio, Anna Antoniades as Apollonia, Panos Mouzourakis as Lazarus, Maria Bacratsis as Sophia, Naoko Mori as Yumiko, Tayo Igawa as Dr. Horvath and Susanne Barklund as Alma.

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 Bonus Features of the 4K and Bluray include Deleted/Extended Songs and Scene with Commentary by Director/Screenplay Writer Ol Parker, Enhanced Sing-Alongs, Cast Meets Cast: Tanya Meets Tanya - Jessica Wynn interviews Christine Baranski about playing the sassiest Dynamo - Tanya, Rosie Meets Rosie - Alexa Davies interviews Julie Walters as the two actresses share their experiences playing Rosie, Cast Chats, High Jinks, Choreographing MAMA MIA! Here We Go Again, Dancing Queen: Anatomy of a Scene, Performing for Legends, and Class of '79.

Also on the Bluray/DVD and Digital are The Story - Producer Judy Craymer reveal how the MAMA MIA! legacy began, evolved into the first feature film and how she teamed with executive producer/co-writer Richard Curtis and director/screenplay writer Ol Parker to develop the perfect sequel, MAMA MIA! Reunited, Playing Donna, Meeting Cher, Costumes and The Dynamos, Curtain Call, NBC's Today Show Interview with Cher & Judy Craymer, Feature Commentary with Director/Screenplay Writer Ol Parker and Feature Commentary with Producer Judy Craymer.

MAMA MIA! Here We Go Again is a chance to get to know more about the characters that audiences embraced in 2008 with answers to the questions so many of us had. It's a story of family, relationships, the past, who comes into our lives and leaves footprints in our hearts. The characters learn understanding, love and that none of us is perfect in the choices we make but at least we get in the game and make them!

The cast mostly returns to have a little more fun with their musical talents and with the addition of Cher, well, it all works! The film is filled with the music audiences may have forgotten but it was all still in the back of our playbook minds as ABBA will always be one of my favorites. Along with the music is dancing and no one is immune to toe tapping and lip synching when watching the film or even after.

That's what makes musicals work on the big screen and now everyone has a chance to revisit the island again and again to laugh, dance and sing with MAMA MIA! Here We Go Again as a companion to the original film in your home entertainment library.

In the end - we get to once again have the time of our lives!

KINGSMAN: The Golden Circle

Jeri Jacquin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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