It is the Story of POOR THINGS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital and coming to Bluray from acclaimed filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos and Searchlight Pictures is the story of POOR THINGS.

Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe) is a surgeon in London and he takes in Max McCandles (Ramy Youssef) as his assistant. Arriving to begin, he meets Bella (Emma Stone), a young woman who clearly is different as Dr. Baxter explains her circumstances and that she has the mind of a child. Max and Bella work together to help her mind grow.

There are still things Bella needs to learn about the world but Dr. Baxter encourages Max to marry Bella. She accepts but, when she meets unscrupulous lawyer Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo) Bella decides she wants to explore the world and all it has to offer. Dr. Godwin tells Max to let her go while they start with a new experiment named Felicity (Margaret Qualley).

Bella and Duncan start in Lisbon as the couple are exploring each other as well as their surroundings. As Bella becomes more and more aware, she discovers that Duncan is actually just as trapping as her home in London. Duncan decides to smuggle her onto a ship where she meets Marth (Hanna Schygulla) and Harry (Jarrod Carmichael) who her expand her mind and Bella likes it. Duncan, however, is becoming possessive and Bella decides its time for a change.

She takes on the challenges of earning her own money in a way that doesn’t seem to bother because it allows her to explore the city and learn more about being a doctor. She returns to Godwin and Max asks if she has returned permanently. But there are more twists to this story and Bella is ready for whatever comes…are you?

Stone as Bella is extraordinary in the role as we watch a child become a woman in the weirdest set of circumstances. Being told what to do, how to behave, where she can go, what to think and what is possible is dictated by men and Bella isn’t about it. She is polite in listening but always makes her own choices with her own way of being emotional. It is all Stone from frame one to frame end and she deserves all the accolades she is receiving.

Ruffalo as Duncan is a man who has a narcissist attitude that he has won a prize in Bella. He spends his time keeping her uneducated on the world and very close to him. When Bella decides to explore her world, each time Duncan becomes more and more crazed. Watching Ruffalo go from up to the lowest was a bit entertaining for me in a strange way but no stranger than the whole story being told. Ruffalo is good at being a little nutty.

Dafoe as Dr. Baxter is an eccentric surgeon who clearly sees Bella as a daughter. Having a rough life himself and the results are clearly on his face, Dafoe still gives us an oddly touching man who wants only the best for Bella. Youssef as Max comes into Dr. Baxter’s life only to discover Bella and the twists that come with being in the situation. Having feelings for Bella complicate but he is a lot like Dr. Baxter in wanting the best for Bella. Yousseff gives his characters charm, loyalty and the ability to see past the flaws of others. I adore this character so much for that.

Other cast include Christopher Abbott as Alfie, Suzy Bemba as Toinette, Kathryn Hunter as Swiney, Vicki Pepperdine as Mrs. Prim, Keeley Forsyth as Allison, John Locke as David, Kate Handford as Kitty, and Owen Good as Gerald.

Searchlight Pictures is responsible for such films as SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, 12 YEARS A SLAVE, THE SHAPE OF WATER and THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI. They have an extensive film library as well as documentaries, scripted series, and limited series. For more information, please visit www.searchlightpictures.com.

Bonus Features include Featurettes, Possessing Beauty - The Making of Poor Things. Join Yorgos Lanthimos, Emma Stone, cast and crew in the making of this fantastical film. Explore the costumes, makeup and prosthetics in detail. Take a tour with Willem Dafoe and see how Godwin and Bella’s home mirrors and accommodates them both, Deleted Things, Brothel Doctor, Alfie’s Chapter, and Bella’s Notebook.

POOR THINGS is the winner of Best Motion Picture and Best Actress/Emma Stone at the Golden Globe Awards. Also, the film is a winner for Best Actress/Emma Stone and Best Costume Design. POOR THINGS is currently nominated for eleven Academy Awards.

This film is stunning in cinematography with color, vibrance and the hints of the Victorian era splashes with fantasy. There isn’t a scene that isn’t full of beauty making it a character unto itself. I was fascinated by it. Adding to the story and bringing us into it with ease and grace is just amazing.

Stone and Ruffalo are the ‘crazy kids’ of the story with the twists that are just so stunning it is impossible to look away. Dafoe is the creator and Max is the man who is not judgmental regarding any of the behaviors around him. The rest of the wonderful cast adds the lovely border around this intensely beautiful story.

In the end – the world is her but they don’t know it yet!

 

Our Favorite Cave Family Return with THE CROODS: A New Age on Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from director Joel Crawford and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes THE CROODS: A New Age.

The Croods are a family consisting of Dad Grug (Nicolas Cage), Mom Ugga (Catherine Keener), older daughter Eep (Emma Stone), son Thunk (Clark Duke), Gran (Cloris Leachman) and baby Sandy (Kailey Crawford) as well as Eep’s love Guy (Ryan Reynolds) and they are looking for a safe harbor in the caveman world.

Being an overprotective Dad, Grug is not happy about the romance between Guy and Eep mainly because he thinks his daughter will leave the pack. To his surprise on their continued walk, Grug finds a wall calling everyone over to see it. Guy seems to have a remembrance of it but can not seem to place it until seeing Phil (Peter Dinklage), Hope (Leslie Mann) and daughter Dawn (Kelly Marie Tran) Betterman (emphasis on ‘better’)! This couple are friends of Guy’s parents.  

Thrilled to see them again, the Betterman’s are interested in the Crood family and surprised to learn they can even speak believing cave people were gone. Almost immediately Grug is irritated with Phil and Ugga is not to thrilled with Hope. The only ones that seem thrilled are Eep and Dawn discovering that they get to be besties!

The only rule that Phil asked of the Croods was to leave the bananas but as the irritation of the Croods begins to build and they realize that they are being treated as, well, simpletons, Grug fights back eating the bananas. Well, there was a reason for those bananas, and they are now pounding at the gate.

Either the Croods and Bettermans work together to survive or they might all become bananas!

Cage as Grug is still overprotective, wary of Guy and easily manipulated but such a loveable guy with great intentions. He truly loves his family and would do anything for them, and Cage uses his vocals to bring all of that front and center to this big lug headed character. Keener as Ugga tries to make friends with the Bettermans but something is nagging at her and embraces her daughters desire to want more out of life. Keener is totally the nurturer of this clan and keeps them in check.

Stone as Eep is still strong willed, opinionated, and not about to be told what to do by anyone – even if she has heart thumps over him. I just love Eep and love even more that Stone has given her a strong personality through words (even if she is a little hostile at times) and it is so enjoyable. Reynolds as Guy is clearly heart struck on Eep but does not seem to know how to handle her way of handling things. That does not mean he is not hung up on her but now must decide what home means to him.

Dinklage as Phil is a stone aged hippie trying to find the most natural way to live, the problem is he is a little like Grug without wanting to admit it. Having Guy back in the fold means he can expand his pack and will stop at nothing to make that happen – even manipulating Grug. Mann as Hope is a woman who has issues with the Croods and looks down at their ways instead of trying to understand them. She is about to get a lesson in manners!

Tran as Dawn is just happy to have another girl to talk to because her parents are getting to be to much. Having Eep teach her about the outside world means exploring and deciding what she likes about it all. Clark as Thunk gets to be his usual unusual self when discovering stone age television and Crawford as Sandy has something new and she wants to share.

Leachman as Gran gives one heck of a performance as her story is loud, large and needing to be shared. I laughed hard when that story is told and Leachman gives it her all and deserves to be applauded. She made her mark as Frau Blucher and cemented that mark becoming Gran for the Croods. What a career, what an actress!

Other cast includes Chris Sanders as Belt, James Ryan as Sash, and Gabriel Jack as little Guy.

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 Bonus Features include Two All New Exclusive Shorts, Family Movie Night: Little Red Bronana Bread, Dear Diary: World’s First Pranks, Deleted Scenes, How to Draw: Caveman Style, Stone Age Snack Attack, Family Album and more!

THE CROODS: A New Age is colorful, hilarious and everything that a family film should have to make it a movie night at home. The Croods are a family we already knew had charming issues and being a cave family is only one of many so having them return for a second installment is everything we could ask for and more.

This film tells a little more of the Guy’s story, how the Croods manage to continue being a loving family, adding the Betterman’s and giving Gran an amazing story as well. There are new creatures and returning creatures that are just as fun and crazy as both families.

Pop the popcorn and prepare for the fun because that is what the THE CROODS: A New Age brings.

In the end – work together or go extinct!

The Band is Back Together with ZOMBIELAND: Double Tap on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Start the new year with good laughs from director Ruben Fleischer and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and the continuation of rules to survival with ZOMBIELAND: Double Tap on Bluray and DVD.

So, a few years have gone by since we last checked in with the apocalypse survivors as Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) are taking a zombie break living in a big white house. Columbus and Wichita have settled into being a couple, Tallahassee is working on a new vehicle and Little Rock is getting itchy feet.

Thinking that Wichita might need something to look forward to, Columbus does his best to clear a path for their life. Spooked by his suggestion, both the girls pack up and hit the road. A month later, Columbus is heartbroken and Tallahassee is about to lose his mind with his whining so hitting up the local mall the two get more than they bargained for. Cute and fluffy Madison (Zoey Deutch) has survived in a mall and is happy to see others.

So happy that she latches onto Columbus which doesn't work out really well when Witchita resurfaces with the news that Little Rock has taken up with a non-gun-toting-pacifist named Berkeley (Avan Jogia). On their way to Graceland perks Tallahassee up and all four jump into a vehicle to make their way to see the King - oh yea, and to get Little Rock Back.

Finding a hotel, the gang (minus one and plus one) meet Nevada (Rosario Dawson), Albuquerque (Luke Wilson) and Flagstaff (Thomas Middleditch). In a scuffle to end all scuffles, the gang (minus one with no plus one) heads off for a place called Babylon where Little Rock is supposed to be.

Well, to make a long story short (I know, too late!), Babylon is a perfect place for Berkeley with their non-gun-pacifist-giving-post-apocalyptic-peace-a-chance. All that would be wonderful except for one thing, a new breed of zombies affectionately called T-800's are headed toward the drum circle and the only people that know how to stop them are going to do just that!

Eisenberg as Columbus is sticking to his rules (well, except for Madison) and knows that since they've been laying low for a bit their zombie skills might be a little rusty. Once Wichita comes back the tension is full of well-deserved shade. Eisenberg doesn't miss a Columbus step. Stone as Wichita is still a strong lady who doesn't know what she wants relationship wise and her protective sister instincts are strong. She is just fun all the way around.

Breslin as Little Rock has itchy feet because she's tired of hanging out with people not her age. It isn't easy and when she meets Berkeley, Little Rock sees a chance to do something different while paying homage to Cheech & Chong with a little road trip. Jogia as Berkeley reminds me of every cliché about guitar playing pacifists to the point that agreeing with Tallahassee is hilarious.

Speaking of Harrelson as Tallahassee, he has become the father figure to the group whether he likes it or not. When Little Rock runs off you can see his 'dad' side come out with wanting to do only one thing - end Berkeley. I love that Harrelson finally got a chance to ham it up with some Elvis impersonating.

Shout out to Deutch as Madison because her character is just everything, we never thought we wanted for Zombieland. She is hilarious, speaks her mind even if it doesn't make sense, isn't judgmental towards the situation the world finds itself in, is just the happiest survivor I think I've ever seen. Plus, she looks absolutely fabulous through the entire film!

Dawson as Nevada is a nice addition to the storyline, Wilson as Albuquerque has a truck bigger than Tallahassee's and Middleditch as Flagstaff knows his Terminator movies and quotes. That's all I'm saying about that because you should have all the giggles, I did with the new additions to the Zombieland universe.

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

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 Exclusives are Extended Blooper & Outtakes, Alternate & Extended Scenes, The Doppelgangers and A Day with Bill Murray. Also included are The Rides of Zombieland, Rules of Making a Zombie Film, Making Babylon, New Blood and Filmmaker Commentary.

First, what I love best about ZOMBIELAND: Double Tap is that the storyline doesn't try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it picks up a few years later without missing a sarcastic beat. The characters have become a little lazy behind the walls of their big ole house so adventures in zombie land are inevitable. What hasn't changed is their idiosyncrasies, their need to not admit that they are feeling anything out of the ordinary like commitment, or the fact that they treat each other exactly as they did in 2009.

Think about that for a minute, it's been 10 years since we were introduced to ZOMBIELAND and the only one that has aged is Abigail Breslin. Harrelson, Eisenberg and Stone look fantastic and I can't express enough how glad I am that they all came back to make this sequel. Let's be honest, sequels don't always work out well and it is mainly because the expectations are really high. In ZOMBIELAND: Double Tap, the only thing I expected is that the humor be at the same level as before and I wasn't disappointed in any way.

I had a fun time, enjoyed getting reacquainted with old friends and understanding that the rules that Columbus introduced us to in 2009 are what kept these characters alive. In their world all bets are off because the only thing they need to do is remember they are a family - oh and stay alive!

That's right folks, no spoilers here because there is oh so much more to see AND what makes the arrival of the Bluray so very cool is making it a double ZOMBIELAND night and watch both films back to back. Oh yes, that is exactly what is happening in my household this weekend.

In the end - it's their world and we just get to enjoy it.

The Band is Back Together with ZOMBIELAND: Double Tap

Jeri Jacquin

Just in time for the spooky and creepy season from director Ruben Fleischer and Columbia Pictures is the continuation of rules to survival with ZOMBIELAND: Double Tap.

So a few years have gone by since we last checked in with the apocalypse survivors as Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) are taking a zombie break living in a big white house. Columbus and Wichita have settled into being a couple, Tallahassee is working on a new vehicle and Little Rock is getting itchy feet.

Thinking that Wichita might need something to look forward to, Columbus does his best to clear a path for their life. Spooked by his suggestion, both the girls pack up and hit the road. A month later, Columbus is heartbroken and Tallahassee is about to lose his mind with his whining so hitting up the local mall the two get more than they bargained for. Cute and fluffy Madison (Zoey Deutch) has survived in a mall and is happy to see others.

So happy that she latches onto Columbus which doesn't work out really well when Witchita resurfaces with the news that Little Rock has taken up with a non-gun-toting-pacifist named Berkeley (Avan Jogia). On their way to Graceland perks Tallahassee up and all four jump into a vehicle to make their way to see the King - oh yea, and to get Little Rock Back.

Finding a hotel, the gang (minus one and plus one) meet Nevada (Rosario Dawson), Albuquerque (Luke Wilson) and Flagstaff (Thomas Middleditch). In a scuffle to end all scuffles, the gang (minus one with no plus one) heads off for a place called Babylon where Little Rock is supposed to be.

Well, to make a long story short (I know, too late!), Babylon is a perfect place for Berkeley with their non-gun-pacifist-giving-post-apocalyptic-peace-a-chance. All that would be wonderful except for one thing, a new breed of zombies affectionately called T-800's are headed toward the drum circle and the only people that know how to stop them are going to do just that!

Eisenberg as Columbus is sticking to his rules (well, except for Madison) and knows that since they've been laying low for a bit their zombie skills might be a little rusty. Once Wichita comes back the tension is full of well-deserved shade. Eisenberg doesn't miss a Columbus step. Stone as Wichita is still a strong lady who doesn't know what she wants relationship wise and her protective sister instincts are strong. She is just fun all the way around.

Breslin as Little Rock has itchy feet because she's tired of hanging out with people not her age. It isn't easy and when she meets Berkeley, Little Rock sees a chance to do something different while paying homage to Cheech & Chong with a little road trip. Jogia as Berkeley reminds me of every cliché about guitar playing pacifists to the point that agreeing with Tallahassee is hilarious.

Speaking of Harrelson as Tallahassee, he has become the father figure to the group whether he likes it or not. When Little Rock runs off you can see his 'dad' side come out with wanting to do only one thing - end Berkeley. I love that Harrelson finally got a chance to ham it up with some Elvis impersonating.

Shout out to Deutch as Madison because her character is just everything we never thought we wanted for Zombieland. She is hilarious, speaks her mind even if it doesn't make sense, isn't judgmental towards the situation the world finds itself in, is just the happiest survivor I think I've ever seen. Plus she looks absolutely fabulous through the entire film!

Dawson as Nevada is a nice addition to the storyline, Wilson as Albuquerque has a truck bigger than Tallahassee's and Middleditch as Flagstaff knows his Terminator movies and quotes. That's all I'm saying about that because you should have all the giggles I did with the new additions to the Zombieland universe.

First, what I love best about ZOMBIELAND: Double Tap is that the storyline doesn't try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it picks up a few years later without missing a sarcastic beat. The characters have become a little lazy behind the walls of their big ole house so adventures in zombieland are inevitable. What hasn't changed is their idiosyncrasies, their need to not admit that they are feeling anything out of the ordinary like commitment, or the fact that they treat each other exactly as they did in 2009.

Think about that for a minute, it's been 10 years since we were introduced to ZOMBIELAND and the only one that has aged is Abigail Breslin. Harrelson, Eisenberg and Stone look fantastic and I can't express enough how glad I am that they all came back to make this sequel. Let's be honest, sequels don't always work out well and it is mainly because the expectations are really high. In ZOMBIELAND: Double Tap, the only thing I expected is that the humor be at the same level as before and I wasn't disappointed in any way.

I had a fun time, enjoyed getting reacquainted with old friends and understanding that the rules that Columbus introduced us to in 2009 are what kept these characters alive. In their world all bets are off because the only thing they need to do is remember they are a family - oh and stay alive!

That's right folks, no spoilers here because there is oh so much more to see and make sure you don't run out of the theatre just because you see credits!

In the end - it's their world and we just get to enjoy it. 

THE FAVOURITE Stars Three Dazzling Women

Jeri Jacquin

I absolutely love period pieces so I have been anxiously waiting for director Yorgos Lanthimos and Fox Searchlight Pictures offering of THE FAVOURITE.

Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) sits on the throne in 18^th Century England and Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) is her constant companion. Their relationship is one of straight forwardness and longing. England is also at war with France and Lady Sarah is keeping an eye on it while taking care of the Queen’s frailties and occasional childlike temper tantrums.

Enter Abigail (Emma Stone) a fall aristocrat turned servant girl who isn’t well received in the kitchen of the Queen. Sarah sees how her cousin is treated and becomes a mentor to the young girl. Abigail wants nothing more than to return to the life she once knew and realizes this just might be the way for that to happen.

During one of the Queens outbursts, Abigail takes pity on her and starts a friendship over the royals “children” (rabbits). The Queen is delighted as they spend the afternoon sharing and laughing together. Sarah catches wind of what is happening with the Queen and lets it be known in her own way that trying to weasel in to the Queen’s favor might not be such a good idea.

Now that the gauntlet is thrown down – Abigail and Sarah go toe to toe for the Queen’s attentions and who truly cares for the monarch is at stake.

I must start with Colman as Queen Anne because she is absolutely stellar, absolutely. From her tantrums to her insecurities to her loyalties, Colman portrays the woman as most would never see a monarch – vulnerable. Knowing that parliament is consistently against her, she attempts to turn to those she should be able to trust. I love Colman’s performance with ever emotion lay plainly before us, I do so hope her performance is recognized and that accolades are given. She most definitely deserves them for this role.

Weisz as Lady Sarah is the smart, politically savvy and is the no-nonsense taking companion to the Queen. She works hard at keeping the crown on her royal head and makes it her business to know what everyone is doing at all times. Weisz can pull off sassy and sarcastic in the same breath better than other actress I know. Of course she does have her hands full with Ms. Stone.

Stone as Abigail is a fallen aristocrat who doesn’t want to stay that way. Getting into the Queen’s kitchen is the first step and getting into her heart may just get Abigail off her knees and high in the rankings. Stone begins as a fawn-eyed girl who is thrilled to have Lady Sarah show an interest in her, but of course we all know that Stone can pull off fawn-eyed girl with the best of them. I loved her antics from start to finish and kept thinking about Abigail, ‘just because you can play the game doesn’t mean you should!’

Other cast include Jennifer White as Mrs. Meg, LillyRose Stevens as Sally, James Smith as Godolphin, Mark Gatiss as Lord Marlborough, Edward Aczel as Earl of Stratford, Carolyn Saint-Pe as Madame Tournee, Joe Alwyn as Masham and Nicholas Hoult as Harley.

THE FAVOURITE is a gloriously fascinating film about three women who are filled with so much want that goes in so many different directions. That being said, Abigail and Sarah have much different relationships with Queen Anne although you’d have a tough time convincing Abigail of that.

Sarah and the Queen understand one another clearly and it is also clear that Sarah runs the part of the kingdom that the Queen is to busy being petulant to deal with. That’s the crux of their relationship – one is clearly and adult, the other is drowning from the weight of the crown. Yet in that is a relationship of hilarity and sadness mixed together.

Abigail being the new girl to all of this is a distraction for the Queen when Sarah is gone. The Queen believes she has a new and understanding friend when it is clear Abigail has decided to get what Sarah has and take a lot of short cuts to get there. She doesn’t have the understanding of the other two and that’s where she makes mistakes.

This is a film that spans every human emotion possible in that you don’t know at times whether to laugh, cry or be outright shocked. In an era of excess and political gain, this cast revels in that history with marvelous results. The surroundings only adds to the story telling with its opulence and grandeur along with stunning clothing and jewelry.

THE FAVOURITE has already been recognized by the British Independent Film Awards, Camerimage, and Ghent International Film Festival Gotham Awards. The Hollywood Film Awards gave a win for Rachel Weisz and Costume Designer Sandy Powell. The Venice Film Festival win came for Director Yorgos Lanthimos and Best Actress for Olivia Colman (well done!).

This is one of my favorite films of the year so when deciding what regurgitation to see in theatres, chose something new and amazing with THE FAVOURITE!

In the end – some wounds do not close!

More Than a Tennis Match – BATTLE OF THE SEXES Serves on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from directors Valerie Faris, Jonathan Dayton and 20^th Century Fox Home Entertainment is the BATTLE OF THE SEXES.

This film tells the story of two tennis players in 1973 – Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) who is frustrated by the treatment in pay of women players and Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell) who is frustrated by life!

When King discovers that women players are still being overlooked when it comes to the tournament winnings, she confronts Jack Kramer (Bill Pullman). Kramer tells her that people want to pay to see men play more than they do women which enrages King to the point of a mutiny.

Deciding to break away, she recruits other women players to start their own tournaments and find companies willing to make the winnings worth while. That means more time away from home as husband Larry (Austin Stowell) cheers on her career. Riggs is watching all of this with interest much to the irritation of his wife Pricilla (Elisabeth Shue) who wants him to forget the court life.

Stopping before a tournament in San Diego, King meets Marilyn (Andrea Riseborough) and finds herself drawn to her. Dealing with her feelings of betraying her marriage and who she truly is comes with a price for King. Someone who notices is teammate Margaret Court (Jessica McNamee) who predicts doom.

Riggs decides he wants back in to the tennis life and comes up with the idea to take on the top women’s tennis player in a battle for court superiority. Thinking it is King he will be playing, it quickly becomes clear that Court is woman he will play. The media turns the match into a frenzy that hits women players the hardest at its end.

Not to take it, King agrees to play Riggs next and another frenzy begins both on and off the court. Riggs marital life has hit an all time low and King’s husband realizes that their life together is fracturing.

Neither one of them is going to let anything stop what is to come for game, set and match!

Stone as King is actually quite stunning in this role. She totally made me forget that she wasn’t King and I don’t mean just in the haircut and glasses. During this era it was clear that the majority believed a woman’s place was in the kitchen (a saying used many times by Riggs) and Stone plays this duality with strength and grace.

Carell as Riggs is just crazy with his ability to rev up a crowd. We are use to seeing Carell in roles that are quiet, contemplative or hilarious but never as a man who couldn’t stop himself from grabbing attention any way he could. He also gives an uncanny performance that brings Riggs front and center but also reminds us of how far we’ve come from such a display.

Riseborough as Marilyn clearly lives her life as openly as one could in the early 70’s and wants King to do the same. When she meets Larry in the hallway scene I can honestly say my jaw dropped not knowing what was to happen next. Shue as Pricilla thought she had tamed her wild tennis player/gambler/womanizer but clearly the caged animal escaped. It was good to see Shue in the film.

Other cast include Wallace Langham as Henry, Ashley Weinhold as Kristy Pigeon, Mickey Summer as Valerie Ziegenfuss, Fidan Manashirova as Judy Tegart Dalton, Martha MacIsaac as Peaches, Natalie Morales as Rosie Casals, Sarah Silverman as Gladys Heldman and Alan Cumming as Ted Tinling.

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.

BATTLE OF THE SEXES brings fantastic performances by Stone and Carell who carry this film from beginning to end. Yes this is about a tennis match watched around the world but more importantly it is a closer look at the lives of these two amazing tennis players.

King’s life began to change in so many different ways because she decided to stand up for herself. Knowing that her work & sport was not being valued, I wonder if she knew that it would also change her personal life as well. What an time to be living a double life and Stone’s performance gave us that look.

Riggs was just a man wanting to find a place for himself when the world his wife created for him just didn’t fit. Taking the chance of putting himself as the loud-mouthed bad guy in the early 70s, it worked and allowed him to find his own life. Carell brought all of that out and showed us the insecurities as well.

This is a story that needed to be told and directors Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton dared to take it on. A story that delves into the lives of sports figures could be touch and go but the two directors gave it humor, tension and a peek at the world in the 1970’s and not just in sports.

In the end – he made a bet and she made history!