They Are ROBIN AND THE HOODS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital Platforms from director Phil Hawkins, Radial Entertainment and Shout! Studios is a fight for a place full of wonder with ROBIN AND THE HOODS.

Robin (Darcey Ewart) is a young girl with a bow and arrow that lives in a mixture of fantasy and friendships while fighting in a world with perceived evil in it. Along with the Hoods, they love the world created behind their homes. In their kingdom, they have vowed to protect the crown that is wanted by Henry (Eddison Burch) who leads the Knights. Keeping an eye out for intruders is Amaya (Gloria Ishikawa) and sorcerer Glen (Bruno Edgington-Gibson).

When Robin isn’t protecting the Kingdom, she is at home with mom Cathy (Morgana Robinson) and dad Nick (Tom Goodman-Hill) who are awaiting the arrival of a new family member. Going to their village in the woods, Robin and the kids notice an adult coming out of the woods. A woman with a Clipboard (Naomie Harris) is gathering up the parents to hear about a redevelopment for their small town with the green light from the Mayor (Mark Williams).

The children are furious that their kingdom is literally under attack. Running into the woods and upset with her parents, Robin wants to find a way to save it all. A bird seen only by Little Dan (Dexter Sol Ansell), a feather and Aura the woody witch (Gwendoline Christie) come together with unexpected help that the bad guys could never see coming!

Ewart as Robin is a young girl who fits in at the Kingdom as other kids look up to her. At home, she feels a distance with her parents and not as happy as she once was. Feeling as if she should be handling everything, it is clear asking for help is difficult. Ewart is tough, charming and so relatable as Robin all while watching her character grow as a person throughout the film. Ishikawa as Amaya is a go-by-the-rules girl but also reminds Robin of the rules and what the Kingdom stands for. She is a strong character and closest to Robin who has no problem saying exactly what she means.

Burch as Henry has his own ideas of who should have the Kingdom and it’s not Robin. In a constant state of planning with his Knights, he wants to rule and more so wants the crown on his head. Edgington-Gibson as Glen is a sorcerer who believes in everything they are doing. So much so that he constantly works on his spells. I just loved watching him portray this character that is so into his art, just fun. Ansell as Little Dan is just so darn cute and at the same time seems to have no fear because the Kingdom means as much to him, maybe more. What a strong personality in a large cast.

Goodman-Hill as Nick is a father conflicted between his daughter’s happiness and helping to prepare for the new arrival. He came to understand that his daughter’s life in the woods was something she couldn’t live without. His performance is one of a dad who just wants to do the right thing. Robinson as Cathy is a mother focused on one thing, and it isn’t Robin. She seems pleased about the development like so many other townspeople.

Williams as the Mayor has a few adult issues and seems to be under the influence of money and the lady known as Clipboard. Recognized as Ronald Weasley’s father from the Harry Potter films, here he gets a chance to do something different and it works so well. Harris as Clipboard wanted to control everyone and everything going on in Robin’s neighborhood. She made is clear that nothing was going to stop her, especially not a girl with a bow. Harris is delightfully wicked and plays right into the story so well.

Christie as Aura is a woman who has issues of her own and lives deep in the woods. Not wanting contact, she sees the kids as an intrusion to her quiet life. Christie gives her character the standoffishness but it comes with a back story about her life. She is still so wonderful to watch and seeing her as part of this kid’s story is truly very cool.

Other cast include Alexa Goodall and Harry Connor as Knights, Marnie Moore, Ali Saleh and Lucas Welbourne, Jessica Whise and Olivia Lomingo as Hoods, Christine Bottomley as Bridget, Jon Chew as Yun-ho and Jessica Blake as Sandra.

SHOUT! Studios have grown into a tremendous multi-platform media company. Releasing new animated features such as the exquisite Long Way North, and the epic fantasy Beauty and The Beast. Also, their own original horror film, Fender Bender gives fans a good scare. For more of what SHOUT! Studios has to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

Radial Entertainment is a global entertainment company operating with FilmRise and Shout! Studios. They have a library of over 70,000 movies and episodes making it the largest independent catalog. Its programming spans a wide range of genre with true crime, reality, animation, action, westerns, classics, horror and so much more. Please visit www.radialentertainment.com.

ROBIN AND THE HOODS is a film that is a mash up of the fantasy life of the kids who protect their woodland Kingdom and the issues of their lives. Ewart as Robin immediately sets up the story by making it clear that she will do anything to protect it all. The cast is so diverse and wonderful to see and brings such life to the film from beginning to end. Each are so relatable and, even at my age, I understand how much the kids wanted to protect something that is good in their life.

The imagination of the story is just delightful and director Hawkins has a vision that plays out perfectly. The cinematography is like another character in the film because if it weren’t for the beautiful forest, the story wouldn’t be the same. ROBIN AND THE HOODS is exactly what a family film should be – fun, full of adventure, friendship, growing pains, changes, imagination and remembering that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but of strength in a groups convictions.

In the end – always stand up for what is right!

 

LILO & STITCH Land Home

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently stream now and coming to 4K UHD, Bluray and DVD from director Dean Fleischer Camp and Walt Disney Studios is the live action story of LILO & STITCH.

Lilo (Maia Kealoha) is a young Hawaiian girl who lives with and is being raised by older sister Nani (Sydney Agudong) since their parents’ death. Lilo has a tendency to find trouble where ever it may present itself and sometimes is brings Nani the same number of problems. Catching attention about it all is Mrs. Kekoa (Tia Carrere), a social worker who does understand that Nani is struggling to raise her little sister. After a home visit, Nani is informed that a supervisor social worker, Mr. Bubbles (Courtney B. Vance) will be visiting in a week so its time to get things together for both Lilo and Nani.

In another part of the unknown universe, Dr. Jookiba (Zach Galifianakis in human form) is in trouble with the United Galactic Federation for creating a monster called 626 as the Grand Councilwoman (Hannah Waddingham) makes it clear that neither the doctor nor the creature are welcome and are banished. Well, 626 has other plans and manages to escape! There is no other choice than to send creator Dr. Jookiba and earth “expert” Agent Pleakley (Billy Magnussen in human form) after the creature.

Back on earth, 626 has landed and made its way to the local animal shelter where no one is sure quiet what is in a cage! Following closely behind are Jookiba and Pleakley who have now chosen human forms to start the search. Lilo meanwhile has had a bit of trouble with dancing, school, other girls her age and finds solace at the local animal shelter where she meets and falls in love with 626. No one can believe she would want him but – she does! Nani isn’t the least bit happy about it especially since neighbor Tutu (Amy Hill) encouraged it.

Having to take Lilo to work with her new friend, even fellow surfer David (Kaip Dudoit) isn’t quite sure what the creature could be classified as. After a night of craziness, Nani is back looking for a job and Lilo meets Mr. Bubbles who shows an interested in the newly named Stitch. In the bushes lurking are Jookiba and Pleakley who are under pressure from the Grand Councilwoman to catch Stitch. Lilo has found kinship with Stitch and she does her best to teach him what its like to have family and how to try to fit in on earth.

As things become more chaotic, Lilo and Nani realize that there is no way they can live without the one and only Stich!

Kealoha as Lilo is a very charming little girl that plays amazingly opposite of the blue screened creature name Stitch. It does look like she is having a wonderful time and, as a kid, who wouldn’t! Her smile and laugh light up the screen and even when giving Stitch side-eye, she does so like a pro. Agudong as Nani is a sister who is missing out on her own life goals as a Marine Biologist but wants to be responsible for her sister and all that comes with it. Trying to work and take care of Lilo is really difficult for an adult, let alone a girl who isn’t even out of her teens yet. Agudong is also sweet in the role of a girl feeling she has to make a choice and neither one is good in her eyes.

Galifianakis as Dr. Jookiba takes on a human form once he is on earth. Wanting to go after Stitch for his own selfish purpose, he is under the control of the United Galactic Federation to come up with the goods. His frustration comes when he realizes that Stitch is smarter than even he thought. Galifianakis gets into stitches of trouble and it is pretty funny. Sidekick Magnussen as Pleakley is the earth “expert” comic relief of the two. Watching him embrace everything on earth, he wants to make sure that it stays exactly as it is without Jookiba blowing things up every chance he gets. These two actors together are comedy on their own!

Vance as Bubbles is a social worker in disguise on the lookout for strange happenings – and that includes Stitch. Vance is calm and cool, even when things get a little crazy. Carrere as Mrs. Kekoa the social worker seems to understand Nani’s predicament and is empathetic but still has to do her job. Carrere was actually the voice of Nani in the animated version of LILO & STITCH. Hill as Tutu is the funny neighbor that has her own way of doing things. She looks out for Nani and Lilo as she can and wants the best for them. When weird things happen, Tutu is the one that doesn’t seem to think any of it is strange!

Finally Stitch – well, let’s just say we think he’s worth every moment of fun!

Shout outs to Chris Sanders as the voice of Stitch. A bit of trivia for everyone, Sanders created the characters and directed the animated LILO & STITCH along with Dean DeBlois. Also, the luau manager is played by Jason Scott Lee who was the original voice of David in the animated film. Waddingham as the voice of the Grand Councilwoman makes it clear that Stitch can’t be allowed to go willy-nilly causing a ruckus.

Walt Disney Studios 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 please visit www.movies.disney.com.

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

Bonus Features include Deleted Scenes, ‘Ohana Means Family: Making LILO & STITCH, Drawn to Life, Bloopers, Scenes with Stitch that include Escape to Earth, Feeding Fish, Hula Performance, Stitch Gets Names, Bath Time and Watch This!

LILO & STICH as a live action is still charming, funny and will make a nice night at the movies for the family. There is laughter, color, outrageousness and everything the 2002 animated film had to offer. Families will have no problems having a good time and those who are fans of the animated version will see a few changes and recognize a few voices quite easily.

Kids will enjoy the funny, the antics, the adventure and that’s what they want to see. That’s what we all want to see which is what makes the Disney animated versions of all their releases amazing. Yes, there are serious moments but they only last a moment and then on with the laughs and charm.

Comic Con is this week so look for LILO & STITCH and have a bit of fun in the sun with families getting a chance to hang out together! In the meantime, enjoy just the time to gather up the kids, grandkids, oh well even the kids at heart and popcorn up for LILO & STITCH!

In the end – hold onto your coconuts!

TOMBSTONE Returns on 4K Digital

 

Jeri Jacquin

Now on 4K through Digital (Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home) from director George P. Cosmatos and Walt Disney Home Entertainment comes the return of the classic western TOMBSTONE.

Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell) is a man everyone knows as a retired officer of the law. It is 1879 and Wyatt meets up with his brothers Virgil (Sam Elliott) and Morgan (Bill Paxton) in Tucson, Arizona. Deciding to settle down, they are joined by Doc Holliday (Val Kilmer) who is ill with tuberculosis. The brothers decide to open up a saloon and casino to make their fortune. It doesn’t take long before they encounter the infamous Cowboys. Curly Bill (Powers Boothe) is one of them and during a stagger, he shoots the town marshal.

Watching him get away with murder, Virgil becomes the new marshal banning weapons in the city limits. Although Wyatt is in a relationship with Mattie (Dana Wheeler-Nicholson) who has a big problem, he finds himself drawn to the lovely actress Josephine Marcus (Dana Delany) who is in town performing with Mr. Fabian (Billy Zane). The Cowboys are going after the Earp brothers leading to a gunfight that brings the family in danger. If they think the brothers are going to go down easy, they don’t know the Earp brothers that includes Doc.

Now, the Cowboys are on the run because there is a new marshal in town and he vowed to put an end to the Cowboys reign of madness. A few of them have crossed over to Wyatt’s side and the chase is on. Johnny Ringo (Michael Biehn) is determined to fight on as Doc begins to fall from his illness. Taking respite at rancher Henry Hooker’s (Charlton Heston) place, one move change everything for Wyatt and his family cementing their names in history.

Russell as Wyatt is cool as a cucumber, until it is time not to be. Wanting to get away from being a lawman, he found that money owning a saloon and casino. Russell plays his role by watching everything that happens around him and sees things others might not notice which is why he is quick to draw when necessary. I just love his portrayal of Wyatt and the strength to lead his family. Even as things fall apart for him personally, Russell gives us a leader, strategist and a man who will protect his family at all costs. It is riveting to watch the story unfold and Russell’s part in the story.

Elliott as Virgil is, and let’s be honest, sheer perfection. He fits in a western with his southern drawl and tall presence so playing Virgil works. Portraying Virgil, he is a family man and wants to do what’s best for his family. When they are in danger, Elliott’s Virgil becomes a lawman with Wyatt keeping and eye on everything. Anything Elliott does is very cool indeed so having him as part of this cast is iconic. Paxton as Morgan believes in Wyatt and trusts that he will do the right thing. He sees Wyatt as the leader of the family and follows when it is time to take on the bad guys, Paxton’s Virgil is right in the mix.

Kilmer as Doc Holliday created a memorable character with line delivery that are said even today thirty years later. This role brings a sickly man with a southern drawl who would do absolutely anything for Wyatt. He sees him as a brother and Kilmer is spot on from the moment he steps on the screen. It is a mixture of admiration and sadness to see the film once again as Kilmer steps onto the scene. He gives Doc smarts, razor sharp sarcasm, an intense feel of a man who doesn’t let much get by him. Kilmer will always be remembered for his infamous delivery of the line, “I’m your Huckleberry” (it basically means ‘bring it on!’) and has been put in the world-wide vocabulary. I’ve heard so many people use it and Kilmer made it happen.

Boothe as Curly Bill is a gun slinger that isn’t afraid to take on the Earps, in fact, he makes it look like a game that nothing will stop him from winning. He gives tough looks, sly grins and the right menacing attitude, well done Boothe. Beihn as Johnny Ringo is a man who is looking for a fight, and if he can’t find it, he will create it. Chaos is a drug to him and no one will get in his way, and that includes his own gang. Beihn gives it his evil all and it works splendidly.

Delaney as Josephine falls for Wyatt knowing of his relationship at home. That doesn’t stop her from getting to know him and realizing his life is filled with danger. Delaney is lovely in this character who doesn’t rattle easy but also doesn’t suffer fools. Shout out to Charlton Heston as Hooker! He fit in with the rest of the cast and although his role is a small one, Heston is an actor for all seasons and I was thrilled to see him in the initial release of the film.

Other cast include Billy Claiborne as Wyatt Earp III, Harry Carey, Jr. as Marshal White, Billy Bob Thornton as Johnny Tyler, Peter Sherayko as Texas Jack, Jon Tenney as Johnny Behan, Stephen Lang as Ike Clanton, John Corbett as Johnny Barnes, Buck Taylor as Turkey Creek, Thomas Haden Church as Billy Clanton, Tomas Arana as Frank Stillwell, Joanna Pacula as Big Nose Kate, Michael Rooker as Sherman McMasters, Paula Malcomson as Allie Earp, Lisa Collins as Louisa Earp, Paul Ben-Victor as Indian Charlie, Terry O’Quinn as John Clum, Frank Stallone as Ed Bailey, John Philbin as Tom McLaury, Jason Priestley as Billy Breakenridge. The film is narrated by the legendary Robert Mitchum.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment 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!

Bonus Materials include The Making of Tombstone with An Ensemble Cast, Making an Authentic Western, The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, Director’s Original Storyboards: O.K. Corral Sequence, Trailer and TV Spots.

TOMBSTONE is an iconic film that hasn’t shown any signs of stopping even 30+ years later. It is a film that is cinematically thrilling to watch and if you love westerns, I think you might agree with me. The authentic look on the screen is an added character in the film. The story doesn’t hold back as the fight is not just in the streets but the saloons as well. Lines such as, “You called down the thunder!” and “I’m your huckleberry” have continued to enthrall people who are not going to let a film like this fall. Yes, I’ve used those a time or two myself and I’m proud to admit it.

Releasing the film is a mixture of thrill and sadness with the recent passing of Kilmer. Recently at CinemaCon, co-star Tom Cruise said of him, “I’d like to honor my dear friend Val Kilmer. I really can’t tell you how much I admire his work, how much I thought of him as a human being, and how honored I was when he joined TOP GUN and returned for TOP GUN: Maverick.” Even Russell said, “We had a tremendously trusting relationship. He was a sharp guy; I found his reasoning to always be solid on anything that had to do with the movie.”

This story is one that has always fascinated me being a history buff, and the story is based loosely on the events that lead up to the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. It also follows Wyatt’s revenge on the Cowboys as history refers to it as Earp Vendetta Ride. It is clear that the director was going for total authenticity down to the actor’s learning weaponry and the unmistakable mustaches. All of that is what drew audiences into theatres, then to DVD, Bluray and now amazing 4K HD and it is well deserved.

It is time to saddle up and ride once again with the Earps into history. Grab popcorn and turn up the soundbar as TOMBSTONE is a film that deserves to be enjoyed again and again.

In the end – justice is coming!

 

 

MY PENGUIN FRIEND Waddles onto Digital

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Digital and Video On Demand from director David Schurmann and Lionsgate is the unbelievable story of an unlikely friendship of MY PENGUIN FRIEND.

On the shores of Brazil lives Joao (Jean Reno), a fisherman and his wife Maria (Adriana Barraza) live a quiet life after a tragedy. Joao has spent his years avoiding the villagers and staying to himself. One morning, as he is launching his boat to fish, he sees something floating in the water. Rushing out to the object, he discovers it is a penguin covered in oil.

Rushing the penguin to his home, he spends time feeding him fish and cleaning the oil off of his feathers. When Maria arrives home, she discovers oil everywhere in her house and a penguin in the bathroom! Seeing that it means something to Joao, she watches her husband continue to spend time bathing and feeding the penguin.

Weeks pass and the penguin becomes stronger and takes to wandering the village and back to Joao and Maria’s home. When the time comes for the penguin to go back into his watery world, the young Lucia (Duda Galvao) sees the penguin in Joao’s boat. Discovering he has no name, she offers up the name Dindim and it sticks, but Dindim staying away from Joao doesn’t.

When the season changes, Dindim returns to his nest miles and miles away. Also, there are biologists studying penguins and notice that Dindim is very different than the other penguins on the beach. When the tuxedo wearing penguin returns to Joao’s, the village is thrilled and it only takes one clip going viral to change everything.

Reno as Joao is so charming in this role, especially since most of the time he spends closed off to the people of his village. It takes a little penguin for him to remember what it is to love and care for someone other than himself. Throughout the film, Reno gives his character heart and a deep well of a soul and his portrayal of this man comes through beautifully.

Barraza as Maria isn’t thrilled to have a penguin in her home but seeing how her husband seems to be opening up makes it all worth it. Barraza gives her character warmth and a sense of herself and the village she lives in. I loved that about her and the scene where she and Reno are waiting for Dindim is just so lovely and loving.

Other cast include Rochi Hernandez as Stephanie, Nicolas Francella as Carlos, Alexia Moyano as Adriana, Ravel Cabral as Paulo, Wilson Rabelo as Marcos Mauricio Xavier as Oscar, Juan Jose Garnica as Miguel, Juan Queiroz as Pedro, Roberto Borenstein as Luis and Thalma de Freitas as Calista.

Lionsgate is a global leader in motion picture production and distribution for theatres, television, home entertainment and more. Theatre franchises include THE HUNGER GAMES, and DIVERGENT along with JOHN WICK. Now, adding this film to its 16,000-motion picture and television titles you can see everything coming soon as well as available now at http://www.lionsgate.com.

MY PENGUIN FRIEND was shot on the beaches of Brazil as Patagonia is home to nearly a million penguins. I personally wouldn’t mind spending the day sitting on the beach surrounded by penguins but this is the next best thing. Telling this story of a penguin who travels stunning lengths to be with his friend is not only fantastic but will melt your heart.

The story is one of a unique friendship based on nothing more than two beings caring about one another for love, affection and understanding. Joao learns so much from his little friend and the acceptance of his comings and goings is what we should all strive for in friendship and letting the creatures of the earth live and let live.

I watched the film with my nine-year-old granddaughter who not only fell in love with Dindim but was thrilled at certain aspects (no spoilers here folks) of this unique penguin. Sharing it with her lets me know that MY PENGUINE FRIEND is truly a family film and an experience that can be talked about long after the film has ended.

In the end – this is an extraordinary friendship!

A Heavenly Blessing Comes to Bluray and Digital with FATIMA

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital and coming to DVD from director Marco Pontecorvo and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the story of three children holding their belief in FATIMA.

Professor Nichols (Harvey Keitel) arrives at the convent to meet Sister Lucia dos Santos (Sonia Braga), a woman with a story to tell. It is an incident that happened, and Nichols is skeptical.

In a small town of Fatima in Portugal, it is 1917 and World War I is having an effect on the parents of soldiers. Mayor Artur (Goran Visnijic) spends some mornings reading off the names in the town square of those who will not be coming home.

The Santos family is also waiting to hear what has happened to their eldest son. Young shepherds Lucia (Stephanie Gil) and cousins Francisco (Jorge Lamelas) and Jacinta (Alejandra Howard) find comfort in the time they spend together in the mountains. One day while together, the three children see a lovely woman who speaks to them. Lucia and Jacinta are captivated but Francisco is unable to hear her but can see her.

Going home, it is not long before Lucia's parents are upset to learn from Francisco what happened on the mountain. Believing that they are making it up, Lucia tells them that the Blessed Virgin wants everyone to pray to bring peace to a suffering world. Mother is not the only one that is upset as the Mayor, secular government and the Catholic Church.

Again, and again the children are put in situations to scare them into recanting their story. Especially when people begin to show up in droves to the town of Fatima wanting to see the children and hope for a miracle. The children are told to return again and again as Lucia sees more and more of what the future holds.

Until the Miracle of the Sun!

Braga as Sister Lucia has a sense of humor but does not seem to suffer fools. She is very straight forward with the story of what happened as a child and Braga gives her character an endearing sense of peace. Keitel as Nichols comes in ready to tear Sister Lucia apart because of his own lack of believing what he cannot see. The thing about Keitel is that he does not back down with any role he plays and trust he is not going to do it with this one either! Well done to both actors.

Gil as Lucia is a young girl who knows that what she has seen is not going to be believed yet holds fast to what the lady on the mountain tells her. She believes and nothing is going to change that, even the chance to have the chaos stop. Gil brings a young girls’ insecurities and sadness in this bold performance. Howard as Jacinta has a destiny but that doesn't deter her from holding onto the beauty she experiences with cousin Luisa.

Visnjic as Artur is a Mayor who wants to keep his job more than believing the three children of his town. He is not the first leader to care more about his title than the people he represents. Lamelas as Francisco is a young boy who trust cousins Lucia and Jacinta and even if he can't hear, he trusts and opens his heart to what is possible.

Almeida as Father Ferreira takes his time but slowly begins to understand what is actually happening in Fatima and does what he can for the children. Ribeiro as Mary gives the ethereal performance providing the children with knowledge that is powerful and sad at the same time.

Other cast includes Joaquim de Almeida as Father Ferreira, Joao Arrais as Manuel Santos, Lucia Moniz as Maria Rosa, Marco d'Almeida as Antonio and Joana Ribeiro as the Virgin Mary.

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.

The DVD Bonus Features include Andrea Bocelli: The Making of “Gratia Plena”, The Vision of Director Marco Pontecorvo, Meet the Seers of FATIMA, Meet the Cast of FATIMA, The Making of a Miracle, Behind the Lens of FATIMA, Set Design and the Art of Cristina Onori, and Costume Design and the Art of Daniela Ciancio.

Director Pontecorvo has worked on such films as THE HOUSE IN UMBRIA, THE LAST LEGION and LETTERS TO JULIET. Also works on some of my favorite shows including the 2005 series ROME and, of course GAME OF THRONES.

Growing up I was, and still am, a fan of black and white films. My first introduction was the 1943 film SONG OF BERNADETTE which I still watch to this day. Jennifer Jones is Bernadette, a lovely young girl who sees a woman with roses on her feet setting the town Lourdes town in 1858 on edge. She was constantly harassed as many attempted to make her out as a liar or crazy. She would prove them all wrong. 

Here we are in 2020 and another such film as SONG OF BERNADETTE brings hope, love and the strength of believe in the 1917 story of FATIMA. Now, three young children are in the middle of war when they also see a beautiful lady who speaks to them and shares with Lucia what the future holds. Once again, they are pit up against those who would rather trod over the children rather than believe in something greater than themselves.

That is a marvelous thing in these times, a story that reminds us all of what brightness can shine out of the darkness. The story is not a spectacle - yet it absolutely is because of the simplicity of the story Sister Lucia tells Professor Nichols. She does not waiver, she smiles when put to task and has a sense of humor that made me chuckle. That is a Sister I want to be around!

The children are so lovely in their portrayal as Lucia, Fernando and Jacinta because they gave their characters realism, an endearing child innocence and a strength that gave their performance believability. That is what makes FATIMA worth every moment of watching.

In the end - people need hope and they received a miracle!

It is Time to SAVE YOURSELVES

 

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres and coming to Digital from writer/directors Alex H. Fischer, Eleanor Wilson and Bleeker Street is a tale of unplugging in order to SAVE YOURSELVES.

In a world where putting down your phone can be cause for therapy, Su (Sunita Mani) and Jack (John Reynolds) cannot seem to find alone time without their phones. Their friend Ralph (Ben Sinclair) comes to visit and tells them that he finds peace away from technology in a remote cabin.

Thinking it is exactly they need to disconnect from the world and reconnect with one another, off they go. Spending time talking, playing games and enjoying each other's company, Suni makes sure their phones are turned off without telling Jack. After a night of fun, they wake to a, well poofy thing in their cabin. After it quickly escapes Jack and Suni wonder what could be going on.

Turning their phones on they discover that something has happened in the world. The poofy thing that came into their cabin has a bit of an alcohol problem and he is not really keen on people either. Suni and Jack try to make it back to civilization but what is attacking the planet has other plans.

Reynolds as Jack is a man who is attached to his phone and has an issue with lashing out in his sleep. His character is funny, insecure, and addicted to a phone that he believes is everything in his life dragging him away from commitments to Su.

Mani as Su wants more from their relationship but has a problem with letting go of her phone as well. When their friend offers up his cabin, Su sees this as a great opportunity to get reacquainted with Reynolds without the bother of phones ringing, messages or mindless scrolling. When the poof shows up, she springs into action, but it might not be enough.

Shout out to Sinclair as Ralph, convincing Jack and Su to spend time away. With friends like Ralph, who needs…well, you get it.

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.

SAVE YOURSELVES is a relationship-alien-survival film at its simplest. The film is about Jack and Su but then again what is a relationship without dealing with outer space. I mean every time I go to the desert; I deal with seeing UFO's and aggressive little green, grey ummm…persons so there is that.

These characters begin with the distractions of technology, take a chance on getting away from it all and end up dealing with technology from another world. It is what happens in between that is hilarious., complicated, maternal and hilarious.

SAVE YOURSELVES received nomination nods from both the Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival and a Grand Jury Prize Nominee at the Sundance Film Festival.

In the end - turning off their phones was the dumbest thing they could have done on the planet!

 

ALFRED HITCHCOCK's CLASSIC COLLECTION

 

Jeri Jacquin

This week on 4K Ultra, Bluray and Digital from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the most stunning works in filmmaking with ALFRED HITCHCOCK'S CLASSIC COLLECTION.

Hitchcock would be known as the Master of Suspense in bringing to the big screen over 50 feature films. In his career he would achieve 46 Oscar nominations and 6 wins. His first film came by way of London in 1925 with THE PLEASURE GARDEN and in 1938, it would be David O. Selznick convinced him to give Hollywood a try.

Success after success brought some accolades including a BAFTA Fellowship, a Life Achievement Award from AFI and even a knighthood. The one thing that eluded him was an Oscar for Best Director. That has not stopped film lovers from continually embracing the mystery, frights and spine-chilling story telling that we love still today. Universal Pictures Home Entertainment put together the most amazing four films to visit once again.

In the 1954 film REAR WINDOW, Jimmy Stewart plays L.B. Jefferies, a photographer who is confined to his apartment in Manhattan in a wheelchair. During a heatwave, he spends his time watching the neighbors who have their windows open. In the middle of a thunderstorm, Jeff believes that he hears a woman scream and notices one of his neighbors is gone.

Now begins his theory of what really happened that night and proving it might be the death of him! The film also stars Grace Kelly, another Hollywood icon who would later become a Princess in her own right and Wendell Corey, Thelma Ritter and Raymond Burr.

The Collection includes REAR WINDOW Ethics: An Original Documentary, A Conversation with Screenwriter John Michael Hayes, Pure Cinema: Through the Eyes of the Master, Breaking Barriers: The Sound of Hitchcock, Masters of Cinema and so much more!

The 1958 film VERTIGO brings Jimmy Stewart once again to Hitchcock's film playing John Ferguson, a retired cop who turns to being a private investigator to keep an eye on Madeleine played by Kim Novak. That can be difficult since Ferguson suffers from acrophobia and vertigo!

The film also stars Barbara Bel Geddes, Tom Helmore and Henry Jones. Bonus Features of the Collection are Obsessed with VERTIGHO: New Life for Hitchcock’s Masterpiece, Partners In Crime: Hitchcock’s Collaborators with Saul Bass, Edith Head, Bernard Herrmann and Alma, Foreign Censorship Ending, Hitchcock/Truffaut, Restoration of Theatrical Trailer and so much more!

Everyone has their favorite Hitchcock and for me its these last two. The first made people afraid of their own showers with Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins bringing us PSYCHO. Leigh plays Marion Crane, a woman who is on the run for reasons of her own and ends up at the Bates Motel run by Norman Bates played by Anthony Perkins.

Norman has problems as well when his mother is upset that he has asked a girl to dinner in their home. A home that sits up on the hill right behind the motel. That is when things go from bad to worse in a place that has frightening secrets of its own.

Additional cast include Vera Miles, John Gavin, Martin Balsam and John McIntire. The Bonus Features on the Bluray include The Making of PSYCHO, PSYCHO Sound, In the Master’s Shadow: Hitchcock’s Legacy, Newsreel Footage: The Release of PSYCHO, The Shower Scene: With and Without Music, The PSYCHO Archives and so much more!

Finally, in 1963, we all got another fright from THE BIRDS. Tippi Hedren plays Melanie Daniels, a socialite who accidentally meets Mitch Brenner played by Rod Taylor. After they meet at a local bird store, Melanie takes it upon herself to take Brenner a pair of lovebirds for his sister’s birthday. The moment she steps foot in Bodega Bay, Daniels is attacked by a bird. It won’t be the last time as more and more birds take on the human race.

The film also stars Jessica Tandy, Suzanne Pleshette and Veronica Cartwright. The Collection also includes THE BIRDS: Hitchcock’s Monster Movie, All About THE BIRDS, Tippi Hedren’s Screen Test, Deleted Scenes, The Original Ending THE BIRDS is Coming and so much more!

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.

This is an amazing four film collection that honesty has my four favorite Hitchcock films although I would not have minded the fifth with REBECCA, but I am hardly complaining. This is such a fantastic way to introduce family and friends to suspense, nail biting, jaw dropping and thrilling storytelling.

Hitchcock deserves the title of Master of Suspense and taught me how the right actor, the right setting and the right person behind the lens can create something that looks effortless and remains timeless.

In the end – he will show you frights you never knew existed!

 

 

AVENGERS: Endgame Comes to Bluray and 4K

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and currently on Digital is the highly anticipated finale with an iconic team from directors Anthony and Joe Russo, Marvel and Walt Disney Studios with AVENGERS: Endgame.

That's about the most I want to tell you about AVENGERS: Endgame and why is that?

AVENGERS: Endgame is the end of eleven years of storytelling and eleven years of a journey that has brought comic book fans to the theatres and at the same time created new comic book readers. After seeing it for myself, I agree that talking about it still spoils it for everyone so instead, lets talk about the journey that got us all here.

In 2008, we were all introduced to IRON MAN, Tony Stark and the only man who will ever be this character to my way of thinking - Robert Downey, Jr. I didn't know much about this character and turned to my two sons to talk about it. I knew Iron Man's place in the world of comics and knew what he looked like but that's about it. Robert Downey, Jr. gave me a quick lesson which was not a surprise to me.

Seeing this first offering was fantastic and I remember thinking at the time that I wouldn't mind seeing more of Tony Stark. I had no idea that somewhere in the world someone else was thinking the very same thing as the universe (to be tagged the ‘Marvel Universe’) was about to get oh so much bigger.

Then came more Marvel characters with THE INCREDIBLE HULK, more IRON MAN, CAPTAIN AMERICA, and THOR in 2012. Then the crew of GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, the second AVENGERS in 2015, ANT-MAN, the return of SPIDER MAN, the introduction of DOCTOR STRANGE, and Wakanda brought us BLACK PANTHER. All of these set the stage for the 2018 AVENGERS: Infinity Wars.

Adding the final piece of the puzzle, we meet the new CAPTAIN MARVEL. All of this guiding us to this Friday's inevitable finale of AVENGERS: Endgame.

As each film came to the big screen, the crowds of people became bigger and bigger and all for different reasons. The most interesting thing about these Marvel films is that everyone's reason for becoming part of the theatre experience is different but the kid-like excitement is the same and generationally shared.

That is what Marvel has brought to everyone who has experienced the comic-book-to-screen phenomena. Each character has something that we all can relate to in some way or another. Their stories of struggle and reconciling love and loss is relatable and heartfelt. We want them to be our heroes and cheer for them to save our planet time and time again.

So, for AVENGERS: Endgame what can I tell you? The film picks up with what has happened after Thanos snapped his Infinity Stone-laden chunky fingers and what the left-over Avengers are doing in this new reality. Each is now dealing with their losses and the wish that the world were right again. That is where a plan to make that right happen is formed.

Sounds easy right? Hardly, because everything done by the Avengers isn't a straight line from chaos to success. Obstacles get in their way, twists and turns are put into play and stories have an opportunity to be told. There is also so much raw emotion in the entire three hours of the film, there are giggles, jaw drops and I do so highly suggest keeping tissue handy.

At the premier for the film, Chris Evans aka Captain America says about AVENGERS: Endgame, "It’s a double edged sword in that you have this wonderful fan base but also the pressure to satisfy the people who's taste is from the source material. You can't deviate too much and they deserve this."

The ever so charming and never-aging Paul Rudd says, "I can't believe we are finally going to see the movie. I'm excited for audiences to experience the culmination of these films and see where this thing has landed and have a satisfying emotional roller coaster ride experience."

I'm giving Robert Downey, Jr. the final say about how he feels with, "I'm excited, nervous and have such pride. We are fans and that is the reason this has been such a great adventure."

Marvel Studios has released sixteen films since 2008 in what is known as the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Marvel is built on a library of over eight thousand characters featured in a variety of media content for over seventy years. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.marvel.com 

The Bluray includes the Bonus Extras of Remembering Stan Lee, Setting the Tone: Casting Robert Downey Jr., A Man Out of Time: Creating Captain America, Black Widow: Whatever It Takes, Deleted Scenes, Gag Reel, The Russo Brothers: Journey to Endgame and so much more!

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.

I have always found it difficult to watch a film where there is a huge cast because I always want to see more of one character over another, not the case with the AVENGERS films. Don't get me wrong, I do have my personal favorites in Tony Stark and Loki (I love a smart smart-ass and a smooth talking Asgardian what can I say!), but the AVENGERS cast mesh in the sense that each has a job to do and they don't screen-hog to do it.

The MCU is one of action, adventure, storytelling, lessons to be learned, friendship, loyalty, chaos, a lot of destruction, those who want to see the world burn and superheroes that make it their life mission to stop it and all of this brought to a hungry audience who want more. That's what Marvel does and will continue to do. Although AVENGERS: Endgame is a finale in this particular chapter of that MCU, there are so many more stories waiting in the wings to be shown to us on the big screen.

Kevin Feige attended San Diego Comic Con International the past weeks and showed fans what was to become of the Marvel Universe now that the Avengers fight was over. The joy of what is to come is a nice ointment to put on the wounds left open by the departure of some of our heroes.

I suspect the Bluray will fly off the shelves of our particular universe and the planet will be bursting at the seams as we once again spend three hours with our own closest super hero friends. AVENGERS: Endgame is a film to be experienced with your family, friends and I don't think anyone who has invested so much time and emotion into these films will be disappointed.

They started this together and each scene attempts to bring closure for fans so embrace every moment of the film. Clearly AVENGERS: Endgame was made with love, fun and a sense that the creators wanted to give fans everything – the good, the bad, the cheering and the sad. AVENGERS: Endgame is going to give everyone exactly that. 

Of course this calls for a movie marathon of everything leading up to AVENGERS: Endgame and that isn’t such a bad way to spend evenings with the family!

In the end - each of these Avengers has something to lose, something to gain and a world that needs to be set right.

Meet the new members of Section 20 when the action-packed Cinemax® hit, Strike Back: The Complete Fifth Season, comes to Blu-ray™ & DVD on August 14th. Built with the same high-intensity as past seasons with a new, fierce group of male & female soldiers, including Sergeant Thomas ‘Mac’ McAllister (Warren Brown), Sergeant Samuel Wyatt (Daniel MacPherson), Lance Corporal Gracie Novan (Alin Sumarwatta) and Captain Natalie Reynolds (Roxanne McKee), to help track down a notorious terrorist after a brutal prison break. 

For your chance to win email hellomoviemaven@aol.com with STRIKE BACK in the subject line along with your name and address (please include this!) and good luck.