PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN is Brilliant on Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from director Emerald Fennell and Focus Features is the story of a woman on a mission away from being a PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN.

Cassie (Carey Mulligan) works in a coffee shop with Gail (Laverne Cox) and is content with that. Living at home with her parents Susan (Jennifer Coolidge) and Stanley (Clancy Brown) can be a bit contentious at times. Dropping out of medical school does not help Cassie but after her friend Nina was raped, it became clear that the affect it has had on Cassie is extreme.

Her evening hours are spent at bars picking up strangers and then putting a notation down in a book. That is until meeting Ryan Cooper (Bo Burnham), a pediatric doctor who remembers Cassie from medical school. Not wanting to get serious with anyone, Cassie does not want to be distracted from her goal.

But, finding someone who makes her laugh and spend time with has made Cassie a bit softer but no less determined. One of her visits to talk about Nina is to Dean Elizabeth Walker (Connie Britton) and remind her of what happened to her friend. Dean Walker is given a dose of reality as Cassie makes it clear that she has not forgotten what happened.

When Cassie begins to put even more of the pieces of Nina night together and discovers that the horror is more than she could have possibly imagined. She knows there is only one thing left to do and they are never going to see it coming – none of them.

Mulligan as Cassie is completely and unequivocally stunning in this role. From the moment the story begins there is something about Cassie that you can not take your eyes off of. Clearly, she is a woman who has been through something tragic and it has had a lasting impact on her. There are moments she seems checked out of everything and then she becomes laser focused on the only thing she understands – making others pay for how she feels. Mulligan is just brilliant to the point where I watched the film a second time, that is how incredible she is.

Burnham as Ryan is the calm in the midst of Cassie’s emotional storm. He makes her laugh, does not judge what she has been through and tries to bring her some happiness in her life. Remembering Cassie from medical school, their friendship blossoms and Burnham gives us hope that good guys do exist. Britton as Dean Walker is someone Cassie is not going to forget or let get away with what she pretends not to know.

Shout out to Coolidge as Mom Susan and Brown as Stanley who, as parents, just do not seem to understand their daughter and the choices she has made. Cox as Gail shows up on the screen with her beautiful self, brought sarcasm along for the ride and does it so damn well.

Other cast include Chris Lowell as Al Monroe, Adam Brody as Jerry, Max Greenfield as Joe, Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Neil, Sam Richardson as Paul, Alfred Molina as Jordan, Angela Zhou as Todd and Molly Shannon as Mrs. Fisher.    

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.

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, DVD and Digital Bonus Features Include: A Promising Vision -Writer/Director Emerald Fennell discusses her inspirations for writing this bold, genre-bending film, Two-Sided Transformation – A look at why Carey Mulligan was the perfect choice to play “Cassie” and how filmmakers used wardrobe, hair, and makeup to express the balance between light and dark.

Also, Balancing Act – Cast members discuss their unexpected reactions to the careful balance of levity and tragedy in director Emerald Fennell’s take on female revenge, and Feature Commentary with Writer/Direction Emerald Fennell.

PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN is a film that deserves award after award for several reasons. First and foremost is Mulligan’s engrossing performance down to the last frame of the film. It has been a while since I invested so much into a film only to be shocked by the final ten minutes.

Second, a screenplay that does not hold back in its feeling and that includes revenge, fear, love and a deep friendship. A character like Cassie has layer upon layer and the way the story is told brings an unpredictability that I thoroughly enjoyed. It brings about a rollercoaster with deeps valleys and high highs and anyone watching will be more than happy to take the ride.

Finally, this has been a year where good films are few and far between with a pandemic keeping theatres mainly closed. It is my hope that everyone has a chance to see PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN in whatever platform they can because this is definetly a film you do not want to miss.

Hear that Oscar?

In the end – revenge never looked so promising!

 

 

A PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from director Emerald Fennell and Focus Features is the story of a woman on a mission away from being a PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN.

Cassie (Carey Mulligan) works in a coffee shop with Gail (Laverne Cox) and is content with that. Living at home with her parents Susan (Jennifer Coolidge) and Stanley (Clancy Brown) can be a bit contentious at times. Dropping out of medical school does not help Cassie but after her friend Nina was raped, it became clear that the affect it has had on Cassie is extreme.

Her evening hours are spent at bars picking up strangers and then putting a notation down in a book. That is until meeting Ryan Cooper (Bo Burnham), a pediatric doctor who remembers Cassie from medical school. Not wanting to get serious with anyone, Cassie does not want to be distracted from her goal.

But, finding someone who makes her laugh and spend time with has made Cassie a bit softer but no less determined. One of her visits to talk about Nina is to Dean Elizabeth Walker (Connie Britton) and remind her of what happened to her friend. Dean Walker is given a dose of reality as Cassie makes it clear that she has not forgotten what happened.

When Cassie begins to put even more of the pieces of Nina night together and discovers that the horror is more than she could have possibly imagined. She knows there is only one thing left to do and they are never going to see it coming – none of them.

Mulligan as Cassie is completely and unequivocally stunning in this role. From the moment the story begins there is something about Cassie that you can not take your eyes off of. Clearly, she is a woman who has been through something tragic and it has had a lasting impact on her. There are moments she seems checked out of everything and then she becomes laser focused on the only thing she understands – making others pay for how she feels. Mulligan is just brilliant to the point where I watched the film a second time, that is how incredible she is.

Burnham as Ryan is the calm in the midst of Cassie’s emotional storm. He makes her laugh, does not judge what she has been through and tries to bring her some happiness in her life. Remembering Cassie from medical school, their friendship blossoms and Burnham gives us hope that good guys do exist. Britton as Dean Walker is someone Cassie is not going to forget or let get away with what she pretends not to know.

Shout out to Coolidge as Mom Susan and Brown as Stanley who, as parents, just do not seem to understand their daughter and the choices she has made. Cox as Gail shows up on the screen with her beautiful self, brought sarcasm along for the ride and does it so damn well.

Other cast include Chris Lowell as Al Monroe, Adam Brody as Jerry, Max Greenfield as Joe, Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Neil, Sam Richardson as Paul, Alfred Molina as Jordan, Angela Zhou as Todd and Molly Shannon as Mrs. Fisher.    

Focus Features’ mission is to make a lasting impact on global audiences by creating the home for artists to share diverse, distinctive stories that inspire human connection. Focus Features is part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies that brings entertainment and news to a global audience. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.focusfeatures.com.

PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN is a film that deserves award after award for several reasons. First and foremost is Mulligan’s engrossing performance down to the last frame of the film. It has been a while since I invested so much into a film only to be shocked by the final ten minutes.

Second, a screenplay that does not hold back in its feeling and that includes revenge, fear, love and a deep friendship. A character like Cassie has layer upon layer and the way the story is told brings an unpredictability that I thoroughly enjoyed. It brings about a rollercoaster with deeps valleys and high highs and anyone watching will be more than happy to take the ride.

Finally, this has been a year where good films are few and far between with a pandemic keeping theatres mainly closed. It is my hope that everyone has a chance to see PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN in whatever platform they can because this is definetly a film you do not want to miss.

Hear that Oscar?

In the end – revenge never looked so promising!

Nothing Prepared Them for the BOMBSHELL

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Jay Roach and Lionsgate comes an explosive story about women and a power they fought against when preparing for the BOMBSHELL.

On the Fox News channel, women like Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman) and Megan Kelly (Charlize Theron) are making a name for themselves. Seeing it for herself is incoming wanna-be Kayla Pospisil (Margot Robbie) who is one of the producers for Carlson's show and wants more. So much so that Kayla takes a position with Bill O'Reilly which infuriates Carlson.

Luring above all the newsrooms is Roger Ailes (John Lithgow) who made Fox News a sensation and runs a tight ship with the okay from Rupert Murdoch (Malcolm McDowell). No one dare challenge Ailes as he made is very clear that he could make or break a career. That is what Carlson faced when she begins to suspect that her news days on air are numbered. Seeing legal counsel before that happens, she is told that going directly for Ailes instead of the company would be her best option.

At Kayla's new position she meets producer Jess Carr (Kate McKinnon) and the two quickly become friends. One day Kayla takes it upon herself to make her way up to Ailes office to introduce herself. Accepting the meeting, Ailes begins calming talking to her about what it is she wants. Once the politeness is done, Ailes claims he needs to get a closer look at Kayla since television is a "visual medium". She leaves his office knowing what transpired was frightening.

Once out and the Carlson sexual harassment lawsuit filed, Kelly must come to terms with what she knows, but she isn't the only one. One woman after another comes forward while Kelly remains silent. Telling her husband what is happening doesn't help her decision on what to do next easier. Kayla also keeps her head down and avoids Ailes office as much as she can but Carr notices something is wrong.

Trying to coax people to help, Ailes wife Beth (Connie Britton) wonders why Kelly isn't coming out in support of the man who gave her a career. Ailes vehemently denies the accusations against him and cannot fathom why the women would say such things. The bigger the story gets, people begin to take sides and finally Murdoch knows that a decision must be made to safe what is left of Fox News.

Standing together the women realize there is safety in numbers.

Theron as Kelly is ridiculously scary because after a minute of watching her on screen I forgot that I was watching Theron. Her movements and speech are spectacular to the point of being brought into the story with ease. Theron has always been a consummate actress in my book and I have never really found fault in anything she has done but let me say in this film just absolutely blew me away. From start to finish I was riveted by her performance and, although not a huge fan of Kelly herself, do have a healthy dose of respect for her. She can thank Theron for that anytime.

Kidman as Carlson is a woman who sees the writing on the wall knowing it comes directly from Ailes and his eyes ever watching his news kingdom. The smartest thing for me was her knowing it was coming and did whatever she could to make sure things were 'documented'. I mean really, did Ailes truly believe he was untouchable? I don't comprehend that thinking except to chalk it up to an old school mentality where it's all fun and games until someone gets hurt. Kidman gives Carlson stealth and determination in a world that Ailes seem to feel was a gift he gave her with a stipulation of silence.

Robbie as Kayla is a young woman on the move and doesn't think too much before changing lanes. It seemed that all this character wanted to do was get to the top fast and try not to leave to many high heel marks on the backs of others. Idolizing Carlson and even Kelly, the character of Kayla doesn't seem to have the maturity to handle what is about to happen to her.

McKinnon as Carr is a woman who is hiding who she is because she wants to keep her job. Knowing the environment around her isn't kind to everyone, McKinnon brings her own hurting brevity to this character and it makes a hard point. Britton as Beth holds fast to her husband innocence even though I have a gut feeling she knows he's not so innocent trusting in the 'that's just who he is' line of defense.

Now let's talk about Lithgow as Ailes because his performance is just so disturbing. Thinking that he should get an award for his portrayal it set my mind ablaze thinking 'how do you give an award to someone for doing a stellar job without once again giving Ailes airtime'. I know, it's making a mountain out of a mole hill but - is it? Anyway, Lithgow is riveting, yucky and portraying a man who used his powers in the most unspeakable of ways. This performance is just…wow!

Shout out to Allison Janney as Susan Estrich because she deserves a shout out. McDowell as Murdoch waltz's into a room and shows Ailes how it's done.

Other cast include Liv Hewson as Lily Balin, Brigette Lundy-Paine as Julia Clarke, Rob Delaney as Gil Norman, Stephen Root as Neil Mullen, Robin Weigert as Nancy Smith, Amy Landecker as Dianne Brandi and Mark Duplass as Doug Brunt.

BOMBSHELL is a film that gives a look inside the fall from Fox News grace of Roger Ailes definitely but more importantly, what it took for Carlson to take a stand. The film isn't shy about putting it right out there that Ailes had power of such magnitude that he managed to shut down these women for years and years while up in his tower.

I was impressed with Kidman, Theron and Robbie as the film addresses their story's individually and I think that's important. Ailes abuses started early and as he got bolder, so did his 'requests' of these women and he talk about them later. As what usually happens when a powerful man is confronted with his misdeeds (by almost everyone's standards), Ailes thinks he is above it all. That he barks and everyone cowers - well, Carlson decided to cower no more in 2016.

BOMBSHELL is definitely a film that needs to be seen and then discussed. Whether it all happened the way its portrayed on screen or not, it is a conversation that can stop even a hint of something like this from ever happening again. I don't care if these women were on Fox News and I'm not a fan of Fox News - no one and I mean no one deserves to live their lives with fear - in family or at a job.

In the end - based on a scandal that shook a new empire!

FOX Brings the Intensity of the Job with 9-1-1: The Complete Season One

Jeri Jacquin

Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuck and Tim Minear have created a series for FOX that follows Los Angeles first responders and its time to catch up before the new season with 9-1-1: The Complete Season One.

The series begins with an introduction to Abby (Connie Britton), a 9-1-1 operator who has been caring for her mother. Patricia (Mariette Hartley) suffers from dementia which puts Abby’s life on hold being a working caretaker. Athena Grant (Angela Bassett) is a police officer whose home life is another kind of stress. When her husband breaks unexpected news, Athena must find a way to make it work with her two children.

Buck (Oliver Stark) is a firefighter who witnesses a tragic event and isn’t sure how to deal with it. During a call with Abby, the two seem to find solace in speaking to one another. Athena and partner Hen (Aisha Hinds) are called to a home where a dog has kept the homeowner at bay but it’s at home where Athena almost loses her daughter.

LAFD Captain Nash (Peter Krause) is not a personally outgoing person but as a captain he knows what needs to be done. When Chimney (Kenneth Choi) is on his way to work, he is involved in an accident and relies on his Captain to keep him calm. Athena is dealing with the consequences of her daughter’s serious actions trying to figure out how to make the family heal itself.

Not even a plane crash can slow down what is going on in the lives of these first responders as it becomes clear that Bobby has a drinking problem and it’s not the first time. Abby realizes that she might not be able to care for her mother without serious help when a situation arises. As much as the rest of the family wants to place Patricia in a facility, Abby can not bring herself to do that. Athena believes that the only way she can help her daughter is, reluctantly, to confine herself to desk duty.

Hen is devastated when her Eve, an ex-girlfriend, makes a request in helping her get out of prison. The problem is that Hen is married now to Karen (Tracie Thoms) and hides the information about Eve until she can figure out how to make it all work. Buck and Abby grow closer when they work together about Patricia. It finally becomes clear why Bobby remains aloof from his team when coming clean about what happened to his family and how he is involved.

Buck and Abby want to celebrate Valentine’s Day together so Bobby and Chimney take over duty. It doesn’t exactly go as planned and Abby ends up performing a tracheotomy! Athena isn’t doing much better when she meets a woman who is having a difficult time with Valentines Day. Trying to help, she discovers that there is more lurking on this day than she could have imagined.

As if Abby didn’t have enough to deal with, a 9-1-1 call she took has her believing that there is something missing. She isn’t about to give up until she has a chance to go back to the calls and listen carefully for clues. Hen is about to put her marriage in jeopardy as Eve becomes a problem.

The team tries to stay one step ahead of a flood of calls when Bobby discovers that he has blood that can save lives. He must decide if he wants to be a part of something that could bring a change in his life. Athena’s husband Grant (Rockmond Dunbar) must finally come clean with his children about the reason for their divorce.

Buck begins to question his relationship with Abby after they’ve already taken it one step further than just talking on the phone. All of Eve’s intentions become clear when Hen must now take on a custody battle hoping that Karen is going to be a part of it.

If the life of the first responders isn’t difficult enough, a death at the local psychiatric hospital brings a raising from the grave, per se. Abby is about to make a major life change as she finally does something for both her mother and herself. Karen isn’t happy when she discovers what Hen has been doing feeling that she sacrificed their family for someone who only plays games.

In the biggest twist of all – Bobby and Athena go on a date and discover they not only enjoy each other’s company but understand the struggles of each one’s job.

Britton as Abby takes on the role of a 9-1-1 operator who has the calmness it takes to handle situations from people who are struggling for help. At the same time she is also struggling herself taking care of a mother with Alzheimer’s and realizing that she has cut herself off from a personal life. Britton is so very good in this role and I am hoping she returns soon.

Krause as Nash is the Captain of his firefighting team and leads them with a manner that is a little off putting to some of the crew. He has a story to tell that explains his demeanor and it is one of sadness and guilt. Trying to find a way to live with his past, it is the team he works with that show compassion and care that can change everything. Krause is a strong character with human frailties and I am betting season two will be when he grows past his demons.

Bassett as Athena is a police officer that can claim to almost seeing it all in human nature. She is quick and doesn’t let much get past her – professional that it. At home there are changes happening that she avoids until it can’t be avoided any longer. She sees the family as falling apart instead of seeing that it is just changing. Bassett has always been a strong actress and having a television role gives us a chance to see more of her chops.

Stark as Buck is the cocky firefighter that believes his charm will get him everywhere. That is until he learns that being cute doesn’t do a darn thing for the job that he has to perform. Wanting to make different choices, he finds himself drawn to Abby wanting to help make things easier for her. Sometimes people change to fast and in Buck’s case it means questioning everything. Stark has the good looks and attitude to get my attention but when the story line moves forward, we should see Buck go through it the hard way.

Hinds as Henrietta ‘Hen’ also takes her police job serious and is happy at home with wife Karen and family. In one instant she puts that all in jeopardy and knows that getting it all back is going to take every emotion she has to set things right. Thoms as Karen is a strong woman who deals with the long nights away from Hen but once a line is crossed, she must decide what she will and will not tolerate in her life.

Choi as Chimney is a bit of comic relief in a strange way. He enjoys his job and those he works with but one accident puts things in perspective.  Hartley as Patricia is a Mother who is being looked after by her daughter. That’s difficult enough but when things start getting tougher, Hartley’s character is heart wrenching to watch. Amazing performance.

Other cast include Connie Massiah as May Grant, Marcanthonnee Reis as Harry Grant, Cocoa Brown as Carla Price, JC Gonzalez as Kyle, Todd Williams as Aaron Brooks, Rachel Breitag as Tatiana and Brielle Barbusca as Cooper and Josephine Lawrence as Georgina.

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment brings award-winning global product and new entertainment to DVD, Bluray, and Digital HD. There amazing collection offers fans an opportunity to expand their own home libraries with the best films. To discover what other titles they have please visit www.fox.com.

The three-disc DVD includes the episodes Pilot, Let Go, Next of Kin, Worst Day Ever, Point of Origin, Heartbreaker, Full Moon (Creepy AF), Karma’s a Bitch, Trapped and A Whole New You.

9-1-1 explores the intensity of being a firefighter, police officer, paramedic and operator. On any given day these jobs call on people to go in where other people run out. From helping injured and sick people to accident victims to rescues, each of these jobs is one that calls for dedication and stamina – both emotional and physical.

The first season of 9-1-1 introduces us to these characters that are dedicated to what they do even in the midst of their own personal problems. There are stories that unfold in this first season that are going to be continued on 9-1-1’s Second Season which begins next week.

9-1-1’s first season didn’t mince storylines and kept each episode moving and I enjoyed that most of all. First seasons are for getting to know the players and in the cast of this series there is a duality of professional life and home life which brings an intensity and a lot of emotion that works perfectly.

In the end – they are on the line every day!