They Make THE COVENANT

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from direction Guy Ritchie and STX Films comes the story of war, the men who fight it and THE COVENANT.

In Afghanistan, Sgt. John Kinley (Jake Gyllenhaal) is looking for the Taliban and needs an interpreter. He is assigned Ahmed (Dar Salim), who has his own personal reasons for wanting to be a part of the squad. Kinley is known to do things his way and quickly discovers that Ahmed is not afraid to throw himself in the middle of things.

Receiving intel that there is a ammunitions factory out in the desert, Kinley takes his team to investigate. They not only find the bombs but a shoot out ensues as he, along with Ahmed manages to escape, but briefly. The Taliban soldiers catch up to them and Kinley is hurt as Ahmed begins his journey to get him home avoiding the Taliban leaders order to capture them alive.

Rescued and in the hospital, Kinley learns that Ahmed and his family are in hiding. As an interpreter, Ahmed had applied for a Visa and without it, hiding is his only options. That doesn’t sit well with Kinley as he plans to return to Afghanistan and complete a mission to honor the covenant.

Gyllenhaal as Kinley is the tough as nails, compassionate and determined Sgt. of a team that move in sync. Wanting to do more, he is sort of taken off the leash to find the Taliban. When it comes time to right a wrong, the same determination motivates him. Gyllenhaal gives the film a character that isn’t swayed by what others might call the impossible, instead it fuels his own personal mission. His performance is uniquely one note, and that note is no nonsense and intense. Gyllenhaal understands this role uniquely from his experience in the 2005 film JARHEAD.

Salim as Ahmed is a man on his own mission as well. Protecting his family is his first priority and with the invaluable knowledge of his people and the Taliban, he is uniquely perfectly matched with Kinely’s intensity. Saving Kinley and avoiding the enemy takes Ahmed on his own personal journey. Salim brought me deep into the story and bought on that nervous feeling when a character is in danger. His performance matches the intensity of Gyllenhaal as these two actors are marvelous together. If Salim looks familiar, perhaps you might recognize him as one of Khal Drogo’s Bloodrider’s, Qotho, from GAME OF THRONES.

Other cast include Antony Starr, Bobby Schofield, Emily Beecham, Jonny Lee Miller, Jason Wong, Sean Sagar, Sina Parvaneh, Cyrus Khodaveisi, Christian Ochoa, Rhys Yates, Fahim Fazli, Swen Temmel, Fariba Sheikhan, Reza Diako, Gary Stennette, Abbas Fasaei, and Alexander Ludwig.

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

THE COVENANT is the story of two men with the same goal, remove the enemy from where they are and get home to their loved ones. Easier for Kinely until he discovers Ahmed has become a wanted man. Gyllenhaal gives the performance of a man who will not take no for an answer when it comes to completing the agreement the U.S. has made with Ahmed. Salim gives his own performance of a man who understands the world he is interpreting and the danger that comes with what his is doing for the military.

During the Afghan/Iraq war, translators or interpreters were able to apply for visas. The process is long and I went to the government website to see for myself what steps a translator must take in order to get a visa. As much as it is outlined, I can not imagine how difficult it must have been/be to try to do it all in a war zone. Knowing this brings an even deeper respect for the role Salim played as Ahmed.

This is also a story of two men who are alike and although they are two men from two different worlds, there is an intense, non-spoken connection that makes them more alike than they realize. Neither Kinley or Ahmed has a lot to say but when they do, everyone needs to hear them. Director Ritchie captures the story written by

Writers Ivan Atkinson, Marn Davies and Guy Ritchie have written a story based on the amalgamation of stories about Afghan translators and the soldiers they worked with. The US left thousands of interpreters behind who were waiting for special immigration visas when the government left Afghanistan in 2021. Their fate could quite possibly be that of Ahmed’s and worse.

In the end – two men, one war and a covenant!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SNATCH Returns to 4k Ultra HD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Returning to 4K Ultra HD and Bluray this week from writer/director Guy Ritchie and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment comes the plan to SNATCH.

Franky "Four-Fingers" (Benicio del Toro) is told by Cousin Avi (Dennis Farina) to go see Doug "the Head" (Mike Reid) about an 86-carat diamond that has been conveniently stolen. Franky goes to see Boris "The Blade" (Rade Serbedzija) to pack some heat but an interesting phone calls brings up another twist and a big favor.

Turkish (Jason Statham) smooth talks Brick Top (Alan Ford) into putting his boxer "Gorgeous George" (Adam Fogerty) up for a fight. Tommy (Stephen Graham) and George take on a favor for Turkish that leads to a knuckle boxing in the streets with Mickey O'Neil (Brad Pitt) which adds to twist in favors. When that favor goes wrong, Furious and Brick Top decide they are going to take matters into their own hands.

Boris looks for Franky, Brick Top looks for Sol (Lennie James), Vinny (Robbie Gee), Tyrone (Ade) and Yardie "Bad Boy" (Goldie)! Avi hires "Bullet-Tooth" (Vinnie Jones) to find Franky but they take Boris who is being followed by Sol, Vinny, and Tyrone. The only way to fix things is for Mickey to fight again and that twists up things but the next morning brings a dog walk and a discovery of more than anyone can imagine.

Confused yet?

The cast has to be kept together because there is no way I can describe the amazing performances one by one. Del Toro starts the film and as each cast member comes in, they put their stamp on HARD to the film. Of course, I adore Pitt in the film as O'Neil throwing Stratham into the mixer along with James makes a strong Irish drink with shakes of Serbedzija, Fogerty, Graham, Gee, Ade, Goldie and Jones.

The cinematography also makes these gentlemen look amazing in everything that they do giving SNATCH its look and feel. Trust me when I say that all of this makes the story important. Yes, I just love this film in all its form and function.

Other cast include Velibor Topic as The Russian, Sam Douglas as Rosebud, Ewen Bremner as Mullet, Andy Beckwith as Errol, Dave Legeno as John, William Beck as Neil, Sorcha Cusack as Mrs. O'Neill, Jason Flemyng as Darren, Jason Buckham as Gary, Mickey Cantwell as Liam, Teena Collins as Susi, Nicola Collins as Alex, Andy Beckwith as Errol and William Beck as Neil.

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 Bonus Material includes: Newly Remastered in 4K Resolution from the Original Camera Negative, All New Dolby Tracks, Theatrical Trailer, Director and Producer Commentary, Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary, “Making Snatch” Featurette, Storyboard Comparisons, Video Photo Gallery and more!

SNATCH is ridiculously smart and very funny with a story that keeps the action going and a cast that makes it all look so seamless. I happen to like films with this kind of humor, and it might be considered dark humor, but it still makes me laugh no matter what category it falls under.

This is a cast that puts their all into it with Ritchie at the helm guiding the mayhem. It is like my messy desk, and someone comes along and tries to clean it up and I scream, "don't tough that, I know where everything is" - that's Ritchie. Yes, I'm using a lot of analogies here because, dang it, this is a treasure chest of fights, sparklies, gangsters, getaways and a dog. Seriously, who could ask for more!

SNATCH has become a fan favorite and found cult status among those who enjoy a film that never lets its secrets out which is why this review is kind of vague. Released in 2000, This film has held up and is just as fresh to watch today as the day it found its way into theatres.

In the end - they are stealin' stones and breakin' bones!

They Are About to Experience the WRATH OF MAN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Guy Ritchie and United Artist is a story of revenge and diversions when it comes to the WRATH OF MAN.

H (Jason Statham) has recently been hired for a security company that is dealing with constant robbery. Passing the test, he is paired up with Bullet (Holt McCallany) and Boy Sweat Dave (Josh Hartnett) to see how everything works. It is not long before H has to come to the rescue of his co-workers, and it makes everyone wonder who he really is, especially boss Terry (Eddie Marsan).

What they do not know is that H is looking for somebody, somebody in particular that he wants to make pay. Revenge is his motive and there is a good reason. Taking one step at a time, he calls in his own crew to start looking at every person possible.

Jackson (Jeffrey Donovan) has a crew of men with Jan (Scott Eastwood), Brad (Deobia Oparei), Carlos (Laz Alonso), Sam (Raul Castillo) and Tom (Chris Reilly) who served together. Unhappy with how they have been treated, they decide to make a point and that is when things start to come together in the worst way.

Follow the money!

Statham as H is as quiet and stealthy as ever. He does not talk much and keeps his focus on finding who is responsible for causing his family pain. Slowly and surely the character of H is not about to let any bad guys get away with anything. That’s typical Statham! This actor has also shown he can cover most genres with action, humor and even a megalodon (I can not wait for THE MEG 2 personally).

Hartnett as Dave does not like H one bit and has no problem making it clear he finds him annoying. It is not until his armored car is hit that H is not as quick to get on H’s nerves. This is an interesting role as Hartnett is not exactly the hero type. McCallany as Bullet takes H under his wing and actually enjoys his standoffishness. Watching how he handles the crew actually amuses him a bit. McCallany gives us a laid-back armored car driver who is just trying to stay clear of robberies. 

Donovan as Jackson is equally as focused as H in the job he wants to get done. Calm and cook, the problem is that the same cannot be said for the rest of his crew. Eastwood as Jan has a hair trigger both on the gun and with his attitude.

Other cast include Niamh Algar as Dana, Tadhg Murphy as Shirley, Alessandro Babalola as Stuart, Mark Arnold as Super, Gerald Tyler as Armourer, Alex Ferns as John, Eli Brown as Dougie and Andy Garcia as Agent King.

United Artists is an American production company founded in 1919 by DW Griffith, Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks (now THAT is a line up!). The premise was to allow actors to control their own on-screen destinies but was later acquired by MGM.

WRATH OF MAN is just about everything you would expect from both director Ritchie and star Statham. There is action, chasing, weaponry, twists in the story, egos and not knowing who to trust. The film takes on every angle of revenge you can possibly imagine. Advanced warning, it can get pretty bloody at times.

Do not blink or you can easily become disoriented but then again, I think that is what was intended all along. To make sure we focus (in my case on Jason Statham) on what H is up to leading to the film examining and re-examining why all of it is happening.

Coming in a smidgen under two hours, it is an assault on the senses and does not stop to give anyone a breather. Every time you think the story is wrapping up, think again! There is always more to the story and this film is going to make sure every bit of it is told.

In the end – he will never stop, ever!

THE GENTLEMEN Charms us all on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

This week on Bluray, DVD and Digital from writer/director Guy Ritchie and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment comes the story of a different kind of shill game with THE GENTLEMEN.

Fletcher (Hugh Grant) has decided he wants to tell Ray (Charlie Hunnam) a story. It’s quite a detailed story about a man named Michael Pearson (Matthew McConaughey) who learned early in life that the way to grow a bank account is by growing marijuana on several estates in London. Married to the lovely Rosalind (Michelle Dockery), the couple become part of the elite in the social circles.

Deciding it might be time to leave the game, Pearson meets with Matthew (Jeremy Strong) who is interested in purchasing the business for a large sum of money. Things are going well until a group of kids raid one of the farms. Pearson sends Ray to investigate who is responsible which leads him to the Coach (Colin Farrell) and a group of his boxing boys.

Coach helps Ray find Dry Eye (Henry Golding) who is linked with Lord George (Tom Wu) believing there is a connection. In the meantime, Pearson is trying to finish the deal with Matthew, but Matthew has decided that with the recent hit that the business may not be worth it.

While wife Rosalind is trying to keep her own business together, she lets her husband know that no one is going to get in their way. Yet Fletcher is a distraction who has a story he wants to either sell to Hollywood for big bucks or get a payday from Pearson, he doesn’t mind either way.

Are you confused? Well, let’s just say that nothing is as it seems, and everything is as it seems and run with that!

McConaughey as Pearson is charming, well spoken and doesn’t lose his cool in the midst of reasons to lose his cool. He comes to the edge of it a few times but still manages to remain – gentlemanly. I love when McConaughey gets a chance to be this cool because he does so with such ease that it made me laugh on a few occasions.

Hunnam as Ray is equally a cool customer and Pearson’s right-hand man. Trusted and informed about the business, he is willing to hear what Fletcher has to say about what he thinks he knows. Their conversation is filled with colorful language, yet it is in those conversations that everything becomes clear. It’s good to see Hunnam back on the screen and this role is so suited for him.

Grant as Fletcher is a sleazy journalist that is looking for a big pay day. He doesn’t care who pays him as long as someone pays him. Telling Ray the story, Fletcher feels that this situation has the biggest chance of a payout – plus a wagyu steak. It is clear that Grant had a good time playing this role but then again, I would have too. It’s a great character!

Dockery as Rosalind is charming, endearing, beautiful and if that isn’t enough – very, very smart. She stands behind her husband not because she’s a woman but because she’s a businesswoman in all aspects. It must be said that Dockery gave chic a whole new and stunning look. Strong as Matthew jumps into the business proposition given to him by Pearson. Seeing what it could do for his own business, he does his homework.

Golding as Dry Eye is a gangster who wants to rid himself of anyone who doesn’t see things his way. Not afraid to take everybody on, Golding gets the chance to shed his romantic/thriller roles and embrace his badass side from start to finish.

 Farrell as Coach just wins me in this film. He is engaging, a respectful gentleman and with that said, just as gangster as any of the others wearing a fine suit! I just loved every minute he was on the screen because, like Pearson and maybe even more so, he kept his cool at all times. A killer combination and winning role for Farrell.

Other cast include Lyne Renee as Jackie, Chidi Ajufo as Bunny, Simon Barker as Frazier, Jason Wong as Phuc, John Dagleish as Hammy, Lily Frazer as Lisa, Gershwyn Eustache Jr. as Roger, Samuel West as Lord Pressfield, Geraldine Somerville as Lady Pressfield, Eliot Sumner as Laura, Franz Drameh as Benny, James Warren as Jim, Sean Sagar as Mal, Bugzy Malone as Ernie, Tom Harries as Power, Danny Griffin as Aslan, Ashley McGuire as Maureen, George Asprey as Lord Snowball and Eddie Marsan as Big Dave.

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 Bluray includes the Bonus Features of Behind the Scenes of THE GENTLEMEN: Get up close with the talented cast of THE GENTLEMEN as they give an inside look at the making of the film and share their experiences working with legendary directory Guy Ritchie, Best Gentlemanly Quips: A selection of some of the funniest lines from THE GENTLEMEN that spotlights the witty writing behind the film, Glossary of Cannabis: Viewers are given a fun educational montage highlighting the numerous nicknames of Marijuana shown throughout the film, Photo Gallery.

THE GENTLEMEN is nothing short of brilliant and so much fun to watch. You almost need a score card to keep up which makes this film all the more fun. Yes, it is filled with action which comes in always at just the right moment but also so very much more.

I found myself jaw dropping, laughing, yelling “I knew it!”, clapping, laughing some more. The cast is responsible for so much of this. They each brought their best to the table and I couldn’t help but thing they had a good time making this film.

Keeping the film’s story line in generalities is important because I want each person to unravel it all on their own. We are all in a stressful time right now, but THE GENTLEMEN is such a marvelous distraction from all of that. That’s what a good film does, distract us with such a good yarn that all else gets pushed aside, even if for only a little while.

This is definitely a film for the adults as the colorful language gets sassy and salty at times, oh who am I kidding, it’s in the film from start to finish. So be aware and wait for the kiddies to go to bed if they happen to be around.

THE GENTLEMEN is a story of what money can do to those who have it and those who want it.

In the end – criminals with class!

ALADDIN Brings Live Action and Animated to Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from director Guy Ritchie and Walt Disney Home Entertainment is the story of a princess and a thief named ALADDIN.

Aladdin (Mena Massoud) is a young man who finds his way around the city of Agrabah stealing to survive along with his friend, the monkey Abu. He also sees what the people of the city endure and tries help when he can. One day he meets Jasmine (Naomi Scott) who also wants to help those in need.

Telling Aladdin that she is the hand maiden to the Princess, they outrun the guards and spend a little time together. While looking out over the city, Jasmine realizes that a new suitor has landed and makes her leave from Aladdin to get back to the palace.

Once there she is introduced to Prince Anders (Billy Magnussen) by her father the Sultan (Navid Negahban) with Jafar (Marwan Kenzari), the Sultan’s Vizier watching on. Jasmine isn’t impressed and along with her real hand maiden Dalia (Nasim Pedrad) and tiger Raja, she saunters away.

That’s when Aladdin makes his way to the palace to return a bracelet and is apprehended by Jafar. Sitting on the desert floor, Jafar explains that he doesn’t stand a chance with the princess but, if he does one thing for him, Aladdin could be paid handsomely. All he has to do is enter the Cave of Wonders and return a lamp – and just a lamp.

Things go awry and Aladdin along with Abu get caught in the cave. It is what comes out of the lamp that could save them – a Genie (Will Smith). Given three wishes, Aladdin tries to choose a life with Jasmine by becoming a Prince. Of course the one person who isn’t happy about this is Jafar. He has plans that don’t include the Sultan or Aladdin.

Jasmine finds herself thrilled with Prince Ali but plays a little hard to get. The Genie has an eye for someone as well so both are enjoying life. That is until it is all about to come crashing down as Jafar has his own little spy in a parrot named Yago.

In Agrabah, anything and everything is possible if you believe!

I’m sure families are going to be thrilled to add ALADDIN to their home entertainment library because it is always a joy to be able to see a film that is oriented for kids. Making of colorful characters along with song and dance is always a good afternoon. That’s what Disney has been known for and attempts with this film to follow in its history.

Massoud and Scott as Aladdin and Princess Jasmine play their roles and although difficult to break the mold of the 1992 animated version, this is cartoon come to life. The same can be said of Smith attempting to fill the role that Robin Williams made so iconic.

In the case of these three characters I applaud their attempt to embrace their animated counterparts. Massoud and Scott work well together bringing Jasmine and Aladdin to live action/

Smith as the Genie is blue, he sings and he is charming bringing his own brand the character. Pedrad as Dalia get to throw out a few clever lines and be thrilled that a man has taken interest in her.

Kenzari as Jafar doesn’t exactly give the same frights and sense of doom as his animated counterpart but he did make me laugh. I’m not sure that was the point of his performance but he does give it a different perspective.

Other cast include Jordan A. Nash as Omar, Taliyah Blair as Lian, Aubrey Lin as Omi, Amir Boutrous as Jamal, and Numan Acar as Hakim.

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

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

The Bluray Bonus Extras include Deleted Scenes, Bloopers, Deleted Song ‘Desert Moon’, and Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Magic of ALADDIN and Much More!

ALADDIN is colorful, filled with music, dance and filled with special effects and as I said, that’s the Disney way. Enjoy ALADDIN with your family with a big tub of popcorn, a fluffy sofa and sing along because you’ll know the words - that hasn’t changed.

The magic is live but wait – there is more! It is a perfect time to revisit the 1992 animated ALADDIN as Walt Disney Home Entertainment Signature Collection is added. Hearing Robin Williams as the animated blue Genie is absolutely everything we have all come to love about this version. The splendor, spectacle and hilarity along with song, dance, Abu and Yago back to win our hearts.

The animated Bluray of ALADDIN includes the Bonus Extras of Two Ways to Watch: Original Theatrical Version and the Sing Along Mode, Alternate Ending, Aladdin on ALADDIN with Scott Weinger’s Personal Journey as the Voice of Aladdin, Let’s Not be Too Hasty – Join the Cast in the Recording Booth, Plus Classic Bonus Including Genie Outtakes and Filmmaker Commentary and so much more!

It was my own children’s favorite film for many, many years as we went from VHS to DVD now to Bluray. The film has grown along with my family and it is equally thrilling to watch it with my grandchildren who find it just as funny as we all did back in 1992. It hasn’t lost any of its charm and fascination and I’m guessing it never will.

So there is no reason to give up one for the other because Disney has made it clear that we can love them both and to prove that, both can be found on astounding Bluray. Make it a magical marathon as ALADDIN rides in on a carpet we all want to ride.

In the end – magic still comes alive!

ALADDIN Brings Live Action to the Screen

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Guy Ritchie and Walt Disney Pictures is the story of a princess and a thief named ALADDIN.

Aladdin (Mena Massoud) is a young man who finds his way around the city of Agrabah stealing to survive along with his friend, the monkey Abu. He also sees what the people of the city endure and tries help when he can. One day he meets Jasmine (Naomi Scott) who also wants to help those in need.

Telling Aladdin that she is the hand maiden to the Princess, they outrun the guards and spend a little time together. While looking out over the city, Jasmine realizes that a new suitor has landed and makes her leave from Aladdin to get back to the palace.

Once there she is introduced to Prince Anders (Billy Magnussen) by her father the Sultan (Navid Negahban) with Jafar (Marwan Kenzari), the Sultan’s Vizier watching on. Jasmine isn’t impressed and along with her real hand maiden Dalia (Nasim Pedrad) and tiger Raja, she saunters away.

That’s when Aladdin makes his way to the palace to return a bracelet and is apprehended by Jafar. Sitting on the desert floor, Jafar explains that he doesn’t stand a chance with the princess but, if he does one thing for him, Aladdin could be paid handsomely. All he has to do is enter the Cave of Wonders and return a lamp – and just a lamp.

Things go awry and Aladdin along with Abu get caught in the cave. It is what comes out of the lamp that could save them – a Genie (Will Smith). Given three wishes, Aladdin tries to choose a life with Jasmine by becoming a Prince. Of course the one person who isn’t happy about this is Jafar. He has plans that don’t include the Sultan or Aladdin.

Jasmine finds herself thrilled with Prince Ali but plays a little hard to get. The Genie has an eye for someone as well so both are enjoying life. That is until it is all about to come crashing down as Jafar has his own little spy in a parrot named Yago.

In Agrabah, anything and everything is possible if you believe!

I’m sure families are going to be thrilled to see ALADDIN mainly because it is always a joy to be able to see a film that is oriented for kids. Making an afternoon of colorful characters along with song and dance is always a good afternoon. That’s what Disney has been known for and attempts with this film to follow in its history.

Massoud and Scott as Aladdin and Princess Jasmine play their roles and although difficult to break the mold of the 1992 animated version, this is cartoon come to life. The same can be said of Smith attempting to fill the role that Robin Williams made so iconic.

In the case of these three characters I applaud their attempt to embrace their animated counterparts. That being said, there seems to be a sense of detachment in their portrayals that I couldn’t get past. Massoud and Scott work well together but there are hits and misses along the way. Scott’s rendition of a woman’s empowerment tune just seemed more like a cry for help.

Smith as the Genie is blue, he sings and he is charming. I like Smith, don’t get me wrong, I just have a hard time embracing this version of him or the Genie. He also had a few missteps with his songs except obviously for the raps. Pedrad as Dalia get to throw out a few clever lines and be thrilled that a man has taken interest in her.

Kenzari as Jafar doesn’t exactly give the same frights and sense of doom as his animated counterpart but he did make me laugh. I’m not sure that was the point of his performance but he does give it a different perspective.

Other cast include Jordan A. Nash as Omar, Taliyah Blair as Lian, Aubrey Lin as Omi, Amir Boutrous as Jamal, and Numan Acar as Hakim.

ALADDIN is colorful, filled with music, dance and filled with special effects and as I said, that’s the Disney way. The problem is that there didn’t feel as if there was a need to make it a live action film. I would have been thrilled to see the original cleaned up a little and put back on the big screen for a special engagement.

Yes, it’s fairly clear that I am not a fan of taking films that have delighted fans and families for years and feel the need to make them “live”. I know the song and dance of ‘but it’s for a new generation’ – welp, I am still here and breathing and I’d appreciate it if Hollywood would put a moratorium on remaking, retelling, reimagining or rethinking any more films for oh, say seventy-five years.

Instead, put the money where it could be better spent – on originality and new stories for the next generation to enjoy. That’s my soapbox and I’m happy standing on it.

In the meantime, enjoy ALADDIN with your family with a big tub of popcorn and sing along because you’ll know the words, that hasn’t changed.

In the end – the magic is live!

KING ARTHUR: Legend of the Sword Strikes in Theatres

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres this Friday from writer/director Guy Ritchie and Warner Bros. Pictures comes a different telling of KING ARTHUR: Legend of the Sword.

Arthur (Charlie Hunnam) is a young man raised in a brothel in the middle of Londinium with his friends Back Lack (Neil Maskell) & Wet Stick (Kingsley Ben-Adir). Taking care of business and saving his riches, it is a life he’s known.

Vortigern (Jude Law) is a vicious ruler who will stop at nothing to keep his crown, including the murder of his brother King Uther (Eric Bana). When the waters begin to recede around the castle, it exposes the sword Excalibur that is embedded in the stone. The evil king discovers that his brother’s son is alive and could stop him with the mere pulling of the sword out of the stone.

Calling for young men to try and receive a mark of testing, Arthur finds himself in the line after the brothel is raided. To the surprise of prisoners and guards a like, the sword glides out of the stone with ease sending Arthur into a state.

Rescued by Bill (Aidan Gillen), Bedivere (Djimon Hounsou) and helped by the young Mage (Astrid Berges-Frisbey). Told the story of his parents and how Vortigern came to power, Arthur isn’t sure he wants to help. Changing his mind is Vortigern himself when he comes after everyone he has come to respect.

The only way to stop the evil is by taking down the tower where Vortigern’s evil geminates and Arthur has learned the power of Excalibur and wields it as only a king could.

That’s what happens when you are raised in the brothel but born to be King!

Hunnam as Arthur gives it his all in biting line delivery and knock down drag out fight scenes. I actually enjoyed his performance but then again so did about every other gal in the theatre. There is a pull between wanting to be the regular guy running a brother Arthur and knowing that there is something more to his life.

Law as Vortigern takes evil to another level in that he does it with such calm. Sometimes that’s much scarier than crazy shouting evil characters. Of course if I had a crazy creature living in my basement I might feel good about ruling my world. I just love the fact that Law is so versatile and makes being a bad king kind of fun to watch.

Berges-Frisbey as the Mage is quiet but careful in everything she does. Knowing that ever move it to rid their kingdom of Vortigern, she also knows that only Arthur can make that happen. Maskell as Back Lack believes in Arthur and is actually one of my favorite characters because he does stand by his friend so steadfastly.

Gillen as Bill is a determined arrow shooting man who isn’t about to let evil take over anything which is quite a change for this actor given his Game of Thrones character. Hounsou as Bedivere is a strong leader and wants Arthur to accept his heritage and the power of the sword.

Other cast includes Freddie Fox as Rubio, Craig McGinlay as Percival, Tom Wu as George, Geoff Bell as Mischief John, Annabelle Wallis as Maggie, Zac and Oliver Barker as Young Arthur.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give KING ARTHUR: Legend of the Sword three tubs of popcorn out of five. Here’s the problem, from the moments of the opening scene I felt as if I’d been in this scene before. A tower with a red glow? Fighting elephants? Did someone break into the Weta Workshop and revive Sauron? Apparently not as my plus one revealed to me that it was his second cousin once removed Ted.

And then there is the humor that is fantastic and I couldn’t stop myself from laughing. The scene where Arthur is explaining his wear-a-bouts to a town official is nothing short of well done. The exchange between Arthur and his friends is equally funny.

So in lies the dilemma – I’m not actually sure how I feel about the film. I honestly didn’t go in expecting much so in that sense I wasn’t disappointed. Perhaps I wanted more, perhaps I wanted not so much predictability or perhaps I am asking too much since the films coming out of Hollywood lately keep me out of theatres and into Netflix.

Hunnam and Law fans will be happy to see the two go head to head but whether that is enough I will leave up to the audience. It isn’t going to be an easy opening because Arthur and the gang are still up against some heavy hitters that aren’t going to go down quietly.

In the end – from the stone to the throne!