The Holidays are Here with RED ONE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday to really put a jingle in the holidays from director Jake Kasdan and Amazon MGM Studios is the story of RED ONE.

Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson) is the ELF (Enforcement Logistics and Fortification) security for Santa Claus (J.K. Simmons) and answers to M.O.R.A. (Mythological Oversight and Restoration Authority). Now Callum wants to retired after a few hundred years becoming disillusioned by how badly the world and those in it are behaving. Agreeing to one more flight, everyone is preparing and Ms. Claud (Bonnie Hunt) whips it all into shape.

All of a sudden, things go haywire and Callum realizes that Santa has been kidnapped on Christmas Eve! Who is responsible for this you might ask? Well one person is Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans) who unknowingly helped someone hack into Santa’s business giving out top secret information. He also has an estranged relationship with son Dylan (Wesley Kimmel). Tracking him down is Director Zoe Harlow (Lucy Liu) and after questioning him realizes he doesn’t know where Santa is. However, teaming him up with a disgruntled Callum, the two may be able to track down where he is.

That’s when they discover that Gryla (Kiernan Shipka), the winter witch, is responsible for everything. Callum thinks maybe she is working with Santa’s adopted brother Krampus (Kristofer Hivju) since he and Gryla once had a thing together. While Callum and Jack are running around the world, Gryla has started her own idea of how to handle the naughty and she already has someone in mind to test it out on.

Taking on Gryla, Callum and Jack aren’t not about to give up and an unexpected bit of help comes from an unlikely place!

Johnson as Callum is a rugged, tough looking and a bit solemn bodyguard for Santa Claus. He has the job down pat and does not have the patience for anything other than doing his job. When “Red” goes missing, Callum is not about to let anybody else find him. This is the perfect role for Johnson because he does gruff with ease and that’s not a bad thing. This is the first of two films he’s bringing this holiday season with MOANA 2 just waiting in the wings. Here, he gets to jump back into an action hero role once again and we are here for it.

Evans as Jack is a man who has, since childhood, made it clear that he has his own opinion about everything and owes no one nothing. Jack makes his money working for the highest bidder and that’s where he gets in trouble. Also, not spending quality time with his son doesn’t seem to faze him relying on Dylan’s mom to do the rearing. Coming across someone like Callum who isn’t dealing with excuses or nonsense. takes Jack on an adventure that has pitfalls coming close to loved ones. Evans runs with the role and since his sordid moments in DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE, he shows that adult humor pours out of him and it works.

Shipka as the winter witch has her reasons for wanting to take on the naughty list her way and it is ingenious actually. Her shapeshifting ways are very cool (with the help of special effects). Shipka gets a chance to be a bad girl herself and does so her own way. Hivju as Krampus is clever, hilarious and unexpected but I’d know that voice anywhere. He has a grudge against Santa so helping isn’t part of his master plan, he’d rather slap a few people around for fun.

Simmons as Santa is not what one would expect from a Claus. He is not round but he is physically fit and believes in what he does. Of course, his favorite part of the job is seeing the kids but he also takes care of the thousands of elves in his care and has a soft spot in his heart for Callum. I am thrilled Simmons gets to play Santa because I have always been a fan and followed his career. So, why not take on the role of Red and take it to levels we would never think of. He gives this ‘character’ just the right amount of twinkle in his eye and understanding in his spirit.

Lui as Director Harlow gets a chance to Charlies-Angels-up again with her moves but her job is to do one thing, get Red back to home before he misses Christmas! Lui is a strong character who matches Johnson’s toughness but then again, anyone in her role as Director would need to be I’m thinking. Kimmel as Dylan is a young boy who seems to resemble his father in the troubled department but it seems to happen in order to get his wayward father’s attention.

Other cast include Gursham Arya as Drako, Marc Evan Jackson as Uncle Rick, Mary Elizabeth Ellis as Olivia, Nick Kroll as Ted and Reinaldo Faberlle as Agent Garcia.

MGM is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and global distribution of film and television across all platforms. Owning one of the world’s deepest libraries of premium film and television content and is home to two of the longest-running and most successful film franchise in cinematic history with JAMES BOND and ROCKY. For more please visit www.mgm.com.

RED ONE is so much fun filled with adventure, lore, wonderment, surprises and twists. We screened it as a family and we all had such a good time watching the film. You can feel the holidays are just gearing up and in the air so starting it off with this particular story, well, it begs that families get together for a night out at the theatres.

Putting the Johnson and Evans together was a stroke of genius as they played off one another so well. Bouncing off with a good-guy-not-so-good guy seasonal relationship, it takes the film full circle in the best of ways. The film brings everything with action, adventure, polar bears, crazy snowmen, a dash of mythology and more. As the holidays approach, there will be a fair share of seasons greetings on the big screen and small and RED ONE is a fantastic way to start.

In the end – you better watch out!

The Fight is Off the Field for the NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from director Ric Roman Waugh and STX Films is the story of college sports and a different kind of win with NATIONAL CHAMPIONS.

A big college championship football game has come to town as the coaches, players and everyone involved spend a few days before preparing. Coach James Lazor (J.K. Simmons) is a coach who has been waiting for the day that his team wins the National Championship. His quarterback LeMarcus James (Stephan James) and Emmett Sunday (Alexander Ludwig) have other plans.

LeMarcus makes the announcement that he will not play until college athletes are fairly compensated for what they do. Upset that everyone off the field makes billions of dollars, LeMarcus, supported by Emmett, makes it clear there will be no run onto the field until it happens.

Coach Lazor learns from Richard Everly (David Koechner) that LeMarcus is not even in the hotel and is talking to other players to follow his lead. Mark Titus (Jeffrey Donovan) knows what must be done and brings in the big legal guns with Katherine Poe (Uzo Abuda). As LeMarcus continues on his mission, the press and social media catch on to what is happening, and it blows up.

As Titus tries to reign in the problem, Katherine begins digging into LeMarcus’ medical history and life bringing problems he could not imagine. Coaches’ wife Bailey (Kristin Chenoweth) picks now to inform her husband that she is leaving to ‘go find herself’, she does not tell him it is with Elliott Schmidt (Timothy Olyphant), a professor at their university.

Trying to bring the game back on track, sides are pushed, secrets are revealed, and decisions are made that are not because of money or fame.

Simmons as Coach Lazor is excited and believes he has a winning team to bring to the National Championship. What he does not know right away is that his star quarterback is about to bring dreams crashing down. Simmons plays a man that does not see a lot of things coming not only in his football life but personal life as well. Believing things would work themselves out as the game comes closer, it is not until he comes face to face with his player do the two men understand each other and not for the better.

James as LeMarcus is a young man who is tired of watching other people make a lot of money based on his performance. He may not have been prepared for those who went digging into his life, but he did participate in doing the same thing himself and it is who helps him that is shocking. When the fight gets dirtier and dirtier, LeMarcus must decide how far he is willing to go and what it will cost not himself, but others.

Abuda as Katherine is a woman who is all about her job and is going to do it well. Even though she has moments where she considers what is happening, it is the scene between Katherine, LaMarcus and Emmett that is startling, moving and painful to hear about. Abuda gives us the duality of her character and it is powerful.

Donovan as Titus is not about to play games with LeMarcus and does not have any problem with dredging up the past. It is the game and only the game that matters as Donovan gives us a cool and collected man who is laser focus the business of football. Koechner as Everly is trying to protect Coach, keep Titus happy and find out where LeMarcus is and what it will take to get him back on the field.

Chenoweth as Bailey is a football widow who has finally had enough. Not choosing the best time to decide what to do about her marriage, she makes a decision that is going to turn on her. Olyphant as Elliott is playing a dangerous game in many ways and I will leave it at that!

Other cast include Tim Nelson as Rodger Cummings, Andrew Bachelor as Taylor Sheridan and appearances by Russell Wilson, Malcolm Jenkins, Jemele Hill, Mike Greenberg, French Montana, Karl-Anthony Towns and Steve Levy.  

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

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

Bonus Features include Behind the Scenes, The Music and more!

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS is a film that takes on the issue of college sports and the money that is made off those who play sports without pay. There is a trifecta story happening here with the players, the coaches and those who make sure the money is made. LeMarcus wants to end the ‘no pay no play’ attitude for college athletes, the coaches just want to win at all costs and the money men want more and more to keep butts in the seats.

The story is so intense as LeMarcus tries to make everyone see that there is something wrong with the system believing that the only way to do that is to not play. Sometimes that is what has to happen to make those with money actually listen!

In the end – it is student athletes against billions of dollars!

This is the Story of BEING THE RICARDOS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and then to Prime Video from writer/director Aaron Sorkin and Amazon Studios tells the story of BEING THE RICARDOS.

In 1952, Lucille Ball (Nicole Kidman) and Desi Arnaz (Javier Bardem) are televisions power couple of television and are very married. Going into a critical week, Lucy is dealing with stories of Desi’s infidelity, script problems and being called a communist all while preparing for the Friday night performance of I Love Lucy. Desi makes it clear to everyone that he is going to take care of it all.

On the set, the writers Madelyn Pugh (Alia Shawkat) and Bob Carroll Jr. (Jake Lacy) are arguing changes with Jess Oppenheimer (Tony Hale) tries to keep the peace at a table read. Not helping is the William Frawley (J.K. Simmons) who plays Fred and Vivian Vance (Nina Arianda) who plays Ethel being just as sarcastic with each other off stage as well as on.

Tensions rise when Lucy tries to make changes and hits a wall with Oppenheimer. Believing she is right; it is Frawley who tries to guide her into getting the changes she wants. Desi is still jumping through hoops proving that he has more control of the show than the network would like.

As the "Ricardos" and the staff try and handle each disaster, they also tell the story of a young Lucille Ball who sees the young Cuban singer Desi Arnaz and how their affair began. As both of them try to find their way into Hollywood, their life really takes off when I Love Lucy hits television.

All of this leads to Lucy trying to keep her family together, Desi dealing with the CBS network and Phillip Morris agency. The television family comes together to fight it all, but some things can not be re-written into the script.  

Kidman as Lucille Ball is changed a bit with the help of prosthetics and makeup and gives us the best Ball we could have imagined. The actress invites us into Ball’s world behind the camera of a tough woman who knew what needed to be done but had to fight for every inch to move forward. Knowing that there were murmurs of Kidman playing the iconic Lucille Ball, those who spoke out (and you know who you are) can now just pipe down. Kidman gave it everything and everything pays off.

Bardem as Desi Arnaz gave us the Cuban bandleaders life prior to Hollywood and although they do not go into detail, what is shared is sad but at the same time gave Arnaz motivation to succeed. Bardem wraps himself in the role with singing and drum playing and makes it look effortless. He gives Desi’s view of the relationship with Lucille Ball as quick, passionate, loaded with transgressions, successful and protective – but sometimes it is not enough. Well done Bardem!

Simmons as Frawley is so cool, I cannot even stand it. He gives Frawley the quick wit, grumpy sarcasm yet keenly aware of what is going on and supports in surprising ways. I have always been a firm believer that the person who seems less interested in the room is taking in everything in the room. Simmons does all of this while wearing old man chest high well-creased pants. I so enjoyed his performance.

Arianda as Vance is like Lucille Ball, does not take any garbage and does not hold back her emotions. There comes a moment in the script where her looks are called into question and Arianda rolls up her sleeves and gives Vance a voice. I appreciated that so much knowing that even back in the 50’s, women like Vance who were struggling with who she wanted to be against who the public saw her as.

Shawkat as Pugh is a woman script writer in a man’s world with the same sharp wit at the women around her, sometimes too sharp. Lacy as Bob is Pugh’s verbal sparring partner and script writer who stands back at times and lets the chips fall where they may. Hale as Oppenheimer is someone who not only created a show but stays with it through everything, even when those he protects the most sometimes tests his patience.

Other cast includes John Ruben as elder Oppenheimer, Linda Lavin as elder Madelyn Pugh, Ronny Cox as elder Bob Carroll, Dana Lyn Baron as Miss Rosen, Daniel Sachoff as David Levy, Nelson Franklin as Joe Strickland, Jeff Holman as Roger Otter, Baise Buzan as Mary Pat, Christopher Denham as Donald Glass, Max Silvestri as David Hart, and Clark Gregg as Howards Wenke.

Amazon Prime offers television shows and original content included in its Amazon Prime subscription. Original programs such as CARNIVAL ROW, THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, and THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL are hit shows. Coming soon is the next series with GOLIATH starring Billy Bob Thornton and it promises to another successful and intense series.

BEING THE RICARDOS is funny, sad, interesting, intriguing, surprising and gave me several ‘wow’ moments. This is the 1950’s and the world may have seemed like a different time but interestingly enough, not so different at the same time in the ways of values and barriers. That was the very first thing I noticed but then, the story took me over (not to negate the above).

Kidman and Bardem are absolutely fantastic together and Lucy and Desi. I was not looking to see if Kidman could be Lucille Ball because all I saw was Lucille Ball and the same applies to Bardem. I watched these two characters weave in and out of a week of mayhem and chaos. Of course, although the events may be real, the only thing that did not happen was it all happened in a week. That’s Sorkin doing what Sorkin’s writing does.

From pregnancy to infidelity to communism to friendship, BEING THE RICARDOS tackles each of these because they had an impact on the Arnaz family and marriage. The reverberations were felt throughout their friendships, the studio and the production of a series that changed American television.

The cinematography and costumes put a seal on the entire project giving is a look of authenticity and kept me totally involved. From Lucy’s big eyes and red lipstick to Desi’s perfect hair and stunning suits, the film is so darn inviting and I fell hook, line and red headed sinker.

In the end – television would never be the same!

 

THE TOMORROW WAR

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to help ring in the fourth of July weekend from Amazon Originals and director Chris McKay comes the story of the future who want help fighting THE TOMORROW WAR.

Dan Forester (Chris Pratt) has fought in a war and taken his G.I. Bill bringing him to teaching science at the local high school. During daughter Muri’s (Ryan Armstrong) birthday party and watching a soccer game with wife Emmy (Betty Gilpin), a shock happens right before a goal with a lightening blast landing mid-field.

Out of the light comes Lt. Hart (Jasmine Matthews) telling everyone listening that they are from the future of 2051. The planet is systematically being destroyed by a creature that wants nothing more than to exterminate human life and they need help. Soon after, a draft is begun to bring people from this time to the future aiding in the battle.

Teaching his science class, Dan does not know if or when he could be called, and that question is quickly answered. Emmy wants the family to run, and Muri just wants her Dad. Dan decides he must do what is asked of him if Muri is to have a future of any kind. With a quick fitting and relatively no training, Dan finds himself in the middle of a hellish situation.

He meets fellow soldier Charlie (Sam Richardson), Dorian (Edwin Hodge) and Romeo Commander (Yvonne Strahovski) but there is no time for fellowship! The creatures instantly fixate on the new arrivals, and it is the Commander who gets them to a place looking for scientists. What is important is to find the work that can stop the creatures in 2051 and save the time Dan is from.

The future can save the present!

Pratt as Dan gives us the facial expressions of a warrior that we all have come to expect and with THE TOMORROW WAR he once again delivers. As a man who wants a future for his child, there is nothing he would not do but guarantee he does not expect it to be like this. The thing with Pratt is that he can be as bad ass as he wants but you can bet there are going to be one liner that are memorable in every role he takes – and Dan is no exception. His wit is mixed in with his brawn and it makes the film from start to finish.

Richardson as Charlie is a character I am never likely to forget. His nervousness brings a reaction that might be hard to keep up with but once you think about it – he makes sense. He is also a brain that when put together with Dan makes a team that is awesome. Hodge as Dorian is a man with issues of his own and he is not going to be talked out of how he handles his life. Dorian might be a little cold, but he has his reasons.

Matthews as Hart is a very strong soldier and even though what is happening in 2051 is truly horrendous, she knows her job and has to keep that strength and Matthews gives her the backbone to make it all happen.

Armstrong as young Muri is a girl who has a great relationship with her Dad. She quickly becomes a young girl that has to see adult scary things but stands by him. Gilpin as Emmy does not want him to go to war (and who would), trying to find a way out of it. When Dan decides to go, Gilpin puts on her support face and does so the rest of the film.

Shout out goes to J.K. Simmons and I mean that seriously! Who ever decided to pair Pratt with Simmons needs to do it again because dang these two guys have mean stares, sharp wit and no fear of spikey creatures. Simmons has always been a favorite of mine so to see him buff up and gun up was pretty dang cool and I will not mind seeing that again.

Other cast include Mary Lynn Rajskub as Norah, Keith Powers as Major Greenwood, Mike Mitchell as Cowan, Jared Shaw as Tank, Alex Louder as Diablo, Seychelle Gabriel as Sgt. Diaz, Chibuikem Uche as Lt. Ikemba, Rose Bianco as Rose, Alan Trong as Lt. Tran, David Maldonado as Dodd and J.K. Simmons as James.

Amazon Prime offers television shows and original content included in its Amazon Prime subscription. Original programs such as CARNIVAL ROW, THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, and THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL are hit shows. Coming soon is the next series with GOLIATH starring Billy Bob Thornton and it promises to another successful and intense series.

There is something spectacular about a big action film that opens during the Fourth of July holiday, and I have always looked forward to them. THE TOMORROW WAR is one such film that lends itself to the resilience of the human spirit and, in this case, the future of the human spirit with the addition of creatures that think we are so easily wiped out.

Pratt and crew make a story full, and action packed which is, lets face it, why we love them. But this film gives us something so much more. Part of good action films is that sometimes the ending just leaves us wanting more and with a few more questions. THE TOMORROW WAR takes it all a step further.

Instead of just beating the aliens, director McKay makes darn sure that in the films two hours and twenty minutes, we get to experience everything. Not just the fact that the creatures want us all as a snack but the how, why and what are these characters going to do about it.

There are reminiscences of films I have seen before, and I see them more as a kudo to the alien-action genre like INDEPENDENCE DAY and even a bit of THE X-FILES, but I am thrilled with every moment of it.

Honestly, I had a good time. I yelled, I hollered, had my own one-liners that probably are not fit for print, applauded and laughed so much. That is the sign of a good film in getting to just have a fantastic experience AND plan to see it again on my Christmas gift 70-inch TV with surround sound (you have been warned neighbors unless you care to join in…bring popcorn).

See it for what it is, THE TOMORROW WAR is why we love our movies loud, action packed and actors that make it just about the best way to spend time with family and friends.

In the end – to save the present they must fight the future!

The Family is all about DEFENDING JACOB

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on AppleTV+ from creator Mark Bomback and director Morten Tyldum is the story of a family that loses who they are all because they are DEFENDING JACOB.

In Massachusetts, Andy Barber (Chris Evans) is the towns prominent District Attorney and is well respected by the community. Laurie Barber (Michelle Dockery) is busy working with local school and their son Jacob (Jaeden Martell) attends the local high school. The family keeps a busy pace and Jacob can be found on his electronics.

What would seem normal to the Barber family is about to be shaken to its core. Jacob’s classmate Ben is found murdered on the path on the way to school. Andy and officer Pam Duffy (Betty Gabriel) go immediately to the murder scene as the school is placed on lockdown. Looking for suspects, Duffy brings up sexual predator Leonard Patz (Daniel Henshall) but holds off speaking to him until there is more to go on.

Baker and Duffy take the time to talk to classmates and it seems that Sarah (Jordan Davis) is more uncomfortable than the rest. Each tell the story of Ben being somewhat of a bully and friend Derek (Ben Taylor) recalls being harassed by Ben a time or two. Later that evening the online chat among the teens brings panic to Baker with fingers being pointed.

Duffy questions Patz but has to let him go and back at the D.A.’s office, Baker finds out that there is one lone fingerprint found at the crime scene – Jacob’s. Baker is immediately removed from the case and the police swarm the house as Laurie watches items being taken out of their home. It is Jacob’s response that causes the most worry.

The Baker’s immediately hire Joanna Klein (Cherry Jones) to represent Jacob. Klein tells the family to not give interviews, no posting on social media and to lay low without trying to seem like they are laying low. What the family has not seen yet is the response from the town but that is coming, and it won’t stop until there are answers.

Klein has Jacob see behavior therapist Dr. Vogel (Poorna Jagannathan) and, along with Andy and Laurie, feelings begin to emerge and memories flood through Laurie about her son. Jacob tells his parents he is innocent but more and more comes out about the relationship with Ben that causes his own mother to question her thoughts.

Barber also must come to terms with his past as his father Billy Barber (J.K Simmons) injects himself into the problems the family already has. Andy is staying out of the office and Laurie has to stay away from her work, Jacob turns to homeschooling and an unlikely friendship with Sarah begins and that is the new normal at the Barber home. Eight weeks may seem a long time before the trial is to begin but not when each day brings new and frightening revelations.

Andy is not going down without a fight; Laurie does not know what to fight and Jacob acts like he has no fight in him. What is the truth of the Baker family and an even bigger question …

…who killed Ben Rifkin?

Evans as tough D.A. Andy Baker is known for his tenacity in prosecuting cases and is dedicated to his family. When Jacob is accused, it throws Baker on the other side of the table. Now, he sees everything from a new perspective and does not like it. Evans as Baker refuses to see what everyone else thinks is clear cut. Shedding his Captain America suit to sink himself into this dark role is well done. There are a few moments when I wanted to shake him (as if I could ever do that!) but that is a parent right? Refusing to see what is right in front of him and Evans takes it to an extremely dangerous edge.

Dockery as Laurie is caught up in a web of unspoken life events and a son that she cannot read so easily. The moment Jacob is accused, Laurie starts playing out their lives in her mind and it becomes a place she cannot seem to get out of. Dockery gives her character the motherly perspective mixed in muck with the reality of it all. There are moments I will say that are a bit melodramatic, but then again who is to say that is not how we would all react.

Dockery says of her role as Laurie Baker, “There were moments where I really had to go into a zone because it required a lot of emotion. The moments that are more difficult are the quiet moments with no dialogue because those small moments I really have to go to a different place.”

Martell as Jacob is the sullen angst filled teenager who would rather stay in his room on social media or playing Xbox than hang out with his parents. There is a quiet disconnect that is easily relatable for anyone who had a teenager that is easily overlooked as ‘normal’. Martell quietly dives right into the role of Jacob and never gives away anything that would tell the viewer one way or the other if he is responsible for the death of his classmate. Well done young man and I loved you in KNIVES OUT!

Jones as attorney Klein is the stable force in this very unstable story being told. She knows exactly what to do and how to do it, of course she is dealing with a family that thinks they know better because of Andy. I am not sure I would have had the patience Jones gives us but damn its good to see her once again on screen.

Davis as Sarah is a young girl that is not sure how to handle any of what is happening. She sees what Jacob is going through and tries to be a comfort, but everyone has their secrets. Taylor as Derek has his own part to play and is hiding until pushed onto the witness stand. Both of these young actors add the right amount of tension as teens are good at secrets.

Now, J.K. Simmons as Billy Barber, what can I say about this actor that has not been said already. He continues to be an actor that captivates on screen. In this role, he carries a look and attitude about him that is nothing short of terrifying. Even his sharp retorts are filled with a special kind of venom reserved for a man who knows he is going nowhere (nope, that is all I’m saying about his character). Impressive as always Mr. Simmons, impressive.

Shout out to Pablo Schreiber as Neal Loguidice who is assigned to prosecute Jacob Barber. There is a history with Andy that makes their relationship one based on jealousy and indifference. Which one is which is for the viewer to decide.

Writer William Landay knows a thing or two about drama in the courtroom having served several years as the Assistant District Attorney in Massachusetts. He also found time to write the John Creasey Dagger award novel Mission Flats followed up by The Strangler. The novel Defending Jacob hit the shelves in 2012 and became an immediate best-seller. Winning several awards, it is not surprising that it would become a mini-series giving the audience time to get to know the characters.

Other cast include Myra Taylor as Judge Rivera, Carrie Quinn as Kathleen Daryl Edwards as Judge French, Cheryl McMahon as Mrs. Mandel, Devon Diep as Reiko, Shawn Fitzgibbon as Detective Peterson, Ted Arcidi as Kingston, Tamara Hickey as Toby, Patrick Fischler as Dan Rifkin, Megan Byrne as Joan Rifkin, Liam Kilbreth as Ben Rifkin and William Xifaras as Father O’Leary.

AppleTV+ is a video on demand web television that debuted in 2019. Viewable through Apple’s TV app, CEO Tim Cook wanted original content calling it “a great opportunity for us from a creation point of view”. From THE MORNING SHOW to TRYING and THE BANKER and Jason Momoa in SEE, there is plenty of choices for everyone. Plenty of genres? That is exactly what they are bringing to viewers and to see more of what they have to offer please visit www.apple.com/tv/.

DEFENDING JACOB is an eight-part series based on the novel and it does not disappoint. It is filled with twists and turns but more than that brings the viewer face to face with a family that thought they had it all and discovers all lived in an empty shell. Each character has their own story to tell and some of it is difficult to hear and some of it pushes each of them to fear.

Each episode throws another wrench into the mucked-up situation that does not only affect the Barber family but has a much longer arm into the community. This is a story of secrets, lies, mystery, fear, panic, unresolved family, breakdowns, truths, realities and how all of that brings this particular family to a place that is frightening.

The cast is absolutely stellar and watching each of them carry their roles to the end had me binging the series all in one sitting. The ending is jaw dropping and leaves the door open for us all to imagine what would come next – and I would binge watch that in a heartbeat!

In the end – family is unconditional.

THE BOXCAR CHILDREN: Surprise Island Brings Animated Family Adventure to Bluray and DVD

Jeri Jacquin

On Bluray & DVD this week from directors Dan Chuba and Mark Dippe along with Legacy Classics and SHOUT! Kids Factory comes a story of family and a summer like no other for THE BOXCAR CHILDREN: Surprise Island.

Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny are spending the summer on a private island that belongs to their grandfather. Every day they do something special together like make cabinets for their cabin and making lunches together. They also meet young Joe who is a mystery to many people on the island.

Out wandering they take to the beach and soon run the beach looking for clams and exploring. Chasing sandpipers they soon discover a platform in the water. Violet and Benny meet Joe who shows them amazing things about the ocean. Wanting to know more, Henry decides to create a museum from their exploration.

Joe volunteers to help them learn by getting books from the library. They begin to create an amazing collection of items from the island and continue to explore even more about the island finding an unusual cave. They tell Joe who is as excited about what is inside.

When Grandfather returns, he sees that the children not only have made the cabin a home but turned the upstairs into a wonderful museum. A man named Mr. Browning arrives looking for a friend when the kids offer him something to eat.

And quickly the kids discover that their friend Joe has a surprise for everyone but what a joyous surprise it is!

The cast is voiced by Joey King as Jessie, Talitha Bateman as Violet, Griffin Gluck as Henry, Carter Sand as Benny, Gil Birmingham as Mr. Browning, Stephen Stanton as Captain Daniel, Dane DeHaan as Joe, J.K. Simmons as Dr. Moore, and Martin Sheen as James Alden.

SHOUT! Factory brings the best to fans offering up feature films, classic television series, animation and specials. For more of what they have to offer go to www.shoutfactory.com. 

Legacy Classics is dedicated to family entertainment and educational tools based on classic and award-winning children’s literature. The Boxcar Children, written by Gertrude Chandler Warner, has sold over 70 million books world-wide. Most do not know that there are over 150 books in the series that reaches over 1 million kids!

The DVD of THE BOXCAR CHILDREN: Surprise Island includes the Special Features of Interviews with Cast & Crew, Interview with the Composer, and Behind-The-Scenes Interview with the Sound Editing and Mixing Team. Also included is a Watch-Anywhere code that allows you to experience the film on your PC, Mac, iPhone, and iPod and a fantastic book mark showing the wonderful cover of THE BOXCAR CHILDREN: Surprise Island.

THE BOXCAR CHILDREN: Surprise Island is a beautiful film with a deep connection to a simpler life and a hunger for learning. These are kids who are very close and take care of each other. The story sweeps the viewer in quickly because the relationship between the siblings is one of mutual respect and love.

The characters in the story gave me plenty of reason to giggle, smile and remember what it was like to spend summers on the beach with my own siblings. The animation is vivid and extraordinary to tell this touching story.

This film is absolutely a must have for the home film library and a story I want my own grandchildren to watch again and again. These are important stories to be told and they are made sweeter by a studio that takes such amazing care in the way a story is presented to those of us who love the books.

THE BOXCAR CHILDREN: Surprise Island has so much to teach us all about beauty, family, love and support along with believing in a few life surprises.

In the end – on a small island they find big adventure!

A Different Buddy Story When Pulling an ALL NIGHTER on DVD

Jeri Jacquin

Looking for a buddy film with a twist? Well, on DVD and Digital HD this week from director Gavin Wiesen and 20^th Century Fox Home Entertainment wants you to prepare yourself for an ALL NIGHTER.

Martin (Emile Hirsch) is a banjo player in love with Ginnie (Analeigh Tipton). Uncomfortably he agrees to meet her father Frank Gallo (J.K. Simmons) over dinner and immediately knows this is going to be uncomfortable. It doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things because six months later Martin is single.

A surprise knock on the door from Frank puts Martin’s emotions in high gear when Ginnie can’t be found. Jumping from friend to jobs, the two turn into detectives trying to find people who may know where she is.

That of course means dealing with those who want to make Martin feel worse and people challenging the dynamic-duo. Roberta (Kristen Schaal) and Gary (Taran Killam) are friends who are so busy trying to deal with their own relationship they can’t be of much help. Then there is Megan (Xosha Roquemore) and her crazy boyfriend Bri-baby (Trenton Rostedt) who would rather throw up and fight than to be helpful.

Discovering where Ginnie lives, Frank turns a search for his daughter into breaking and entering with cops chasing them through the streets of West Hollywood. Sitting in a jail cell, Frank and Martin get real and life changes for them both.

Simmons as Frank is very funny in this role. Snappy wit and ice blue eyed stares I enjoyed the laughs he provided. He is the well dressed and self-assured one of the two but sometimes impeccable on the outside can mean a mess on the inside.

Hirsch as Martin is a self-doubting and depressed ex-boyfriend who can’t seem to get his act together. Spending the evening on the Ginnie-hunt with Frank isn’t exactly his idea of a good time yet something begins to change for him. Every step Martin is being dragged yet this buddying between Hirsch and Simmons is pretty cool.

Schaal as Roberta is a complete psycho yet I know someone exactly like her! Killam as Gary is just a whipped human being and when he tries to escape, doesn’t help Frank and Martin but sure makes me laugh! Tipton as Ginnie is basically the beginning and end of the film as the focus of the all nighter.

Other cast include Jon Bass as Trevor, Shannon Woodward as Lois, Meta Golding as Kelly, Jon Daly as Jimothy, Stephanie Allynne as Tracy, Rebecca Drysdale as Lizzie, and Connor Barrett as Dean.

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

The ALL NIGHTER is a dynamic of two totally different people but with one goal – even if it means wearing a pink princess shirt to do it (congrats on that Simmons!). I just love the relationship between Hirsch and Simmons, not just because of the age difference because really that fades fast, but because their one commonality isn’t what keeps them going.

I think it’s more about these two guys who both have serious issues with life and relationships discovering they are in the same boat. Paddling against one another for a bit, they slowly begin to let the current take them and stop fighting each other. Of course finding all this out on the streets of West Hollywood brings the laughs.

In the end – the fastest way to get over an ex is staying up all night with her dad!