TRON: Ares Opens a New Chapter

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital this week from director Joachim Ronning and Walt Disney Pictures and coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD is the return outside the game with TRON: Ares.

There is a battle brewing in the computer world between Eve Kim (Greta Lee), the CEO of ENCOM and Julian Dillinger (Evan Peters) who is the CEO of Dillinger Systems. What these two mega-techs want is something Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) has hidden, the Permanence Code. While Eve spends her time going through her sisters notes and computer, Dillinger has made a connection inside the digital world creating Ares (Jared Leto). Kim wants to use the code to help the world and Dillinger wants it to creates weapons that can make him millions.

Ares mission is to find the code and bring Kim to Dillinger. Bringing his team, Ares has the help of Athena (Jodie Turner-Smith) who takes directives seriously. After a chase, Dillinger manages to send Kim inside the same code as Flynn yet Ares is beginning to understand what is happening and doesn’t agree with the ‘creators’ programming. What he does want is to remain outside and see the world that he’s beginning to understand. Dillinger is furious and does something causing Athena to go after Kim and now Ares. Dillinger is unstoppable, just ask his mother Elizabeth (Gillian Anderson).

Kim team up to put a stop to Dillinger with the help of Ajay (Hasan Minhaj) and Seth (Arturo Castro) to fight against Athena. Ares goes back inside the program and meets the one person who can help get what they all want – Kevin Flynn. The fight is on as both sides become aware that this is not a normal fight!

Leto as Ares begins as a 29-minute killing machine but soon begins to experience something that isn’t part of his programming – curiosity. Taking in everything around him and meeting Kim makes it clear that the ‘creator’ Dillinger is not who he seems to be. I love that Leto’s character discovers a conscious, is awaken by the simplest of feelings (ie Depeche Mode) and has a dry sense of humor that I enjoyed. This is such a cool role for Leto playing the armored silent type who knows the game Dillinger is playing, literally.

Lee as Eve is still dealing with the death of her sister but also knows that looking for the Permanence Code means following the bread crumbs her sister left behind. Instead of freaking out at every turn, Lee takes it all in and adapts quickly to Ares’ world. This a role that has so much happening with Lee’s Eve being smart, quick and creative every step up to the final scene. Turner-Smith as Athena is angry at every turn but more-so when she sees Ares and Kim together, almost a computer jealousy deal. When Ares decides to go rogue, Turner-Smith’s Athena has no issue with taking the lead of destruction. What a fantastically ‘angry’ role that looked like it was a lot of fun to do.

Castro as Seth understands that Eve knows what needs to be done and he is her right-hand shadow. When Ares shows up, Seth’s reaction is hilarious but doesn’t stop him from getting the job done. Minhaj as Ajay has a smaller, chaotic role but he also brings about a sense of humor that is based on the madness happening around him. I loved both these guys!

Mr. Bridges, the Dude abides, returns as Flynn explaining to Ares about his choices. He hasn’t lost his swagger or his pearls of wisdom and I personally am thrilled he returned to role he first played in the summer of 1982.

Other cast include Sarah Desiardins as Erin, Cameron Monaghan as Caius and Selene Yun as Tess Kim.

Walt Disney Studios incorporates Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and more. There are exclusive originals with new feature films, shows, short form content, documentaries, and actions films such as the highly anticipated upcoming film THE MANDALORIAN. For more information, please visit www.disney.com.

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

Bonus Features include Deleted Scenes (Seth’s Date, Burning Man, Lisberger Cameo), The Journey to Tron, Lightcycles on the Loose, The Artistry of Tron, Cast Conversations, and The Legacy of Tron.

It should be noted that Nine Inch Nails is responsible for the film’s soundtrack. It is punching loud and doesn’t hold back providing perfection for the action scenes. It pulsates so much that your chair is moving and your feet are being musically massaged. I have to say I actually enjoyed every bit of it. Another part of the film I enjoyed was the return of some memorable things but I’m not about to expand on that!

TRON: Ares is visually stunning and there is no doubt about that. The action is intense and it is a 119-minute eye workout. The Light Cycles are still amazing to watch and as cool as ever to watch. What is stunning is that writer Jesse Wigutow stayed true to the original story but adding a twist that the digital world finds itself in the real world. Seeing the film in IMAX is such a bonus and I can’t imagine experiencing it any other way. TRON fans will not be disappointed in the slightest.

In the end – there is no going back!

Disney Revisits TRON: Ares

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Joachim Ronning and Walt Disney Pictures is the return outside the game with TRON: Ares.

There is a battle brewing in the computer world between Eve Kim (Greta Lee), the CEO of ENCOM and Julian Dillinger (Evan Peters) who is the CEO of Dillinger Systems. What these two mega-techs want is something Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) has hidden, the Permanence Code. While Eve spends her time going through her sisters notes and computer, Dillinger has made a connection inside the digital world creating Ares (Jared Leto). Kim wants to use the code to help the world and Dillinger wants it to creates weapons that can make him millions.

Ares mission is to find the code and bring Kim to Dillinger. Bringing his team, Ares has the help of Athena (Jodie Turner-Smith) who takes directives seriously. After a chase, Dillinger manages to send Kim inside the same code as Flynn yet Ares is beginning to understand what is happening and doesn’t agree with the ‘creators’ programming. What he does want is to remain outside and see the world that he’s beginning to understand. Dillinger is furious and does something causing Athena to go after Kim and now Ares. Dillinger is unstoppable, just ask his mother Elizabeth (Gillian Anderson).

Kim team up to put a stop to Dillinger with the help of Ajay (Hasan Minhaj) and Seth (Arturo Castro) to fight against Athena. Ares goes back inside the program and meets the one person who can help get what they all want – Kevin Flynn. The fight is on as both sides become aware that this is not a normal fight!

Leto as Ares begins as a 29-minute killing machine but soon begins to experience something that isn’t part of his programming – curiosity. Taking in everything around him and meeting Kim makes it clear that the ‘creator’ Dillinger is not who he seems to be. I love that Leto’s character discovers a conscious, is awaken by the simplest of feelings (ie Depeche Mode) and has a dry sense of humor that I enjoyed. This is such a cool role for Leto playing the armored silent type who knows the game Dillinger is playing, literally.

Lee as Eve is still dealing with the death of her sister but also knows that looking for the Permanence Code means following the bread crumbs her sister left behind. Instead of freaking out at every turn, Lee takes it all in and adapts quickly to Ares’ world. This a role that has so much happening with Lee’s Eve being smart, quick and creative every step up to the final scene. Turner-Smith as Athena is angry at every turn but more-so when she sees Ares and Kim together, almost a computer jealousy deal. When Ares decides to go rogue, Turner-Smith’s Athena has no issue with taking the lead of destruction. What a fantastically ‘angry’ role that looked like it was a lot of fun to do.

Castro as Seth understands that Eve knows what needs to be done and he is her right-hand shadow. When Ares shows up, Seth’s reaction is hilarious but doesn’t stop him from getting the job done. Minhaj as Ajay has a smaller, chaotic role but he also brings about a sense of humor that is based on the madness happening around him. I loved both these guys!

Mr. Bridges, the Dude abides, returns as Flynn explaining to Ares about his choices. He hasn’t lost his swagger or his pearls of wisdom and I personally am thrilled he returned to role he first played in the summer of 1982.

Other cast include Sarah Desiardins as Erin, Cameron Monaghan as Caius and Selene Yun as Tess Kim.

Walt Disney Studios incorporates Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and more. There are exclusive originals with new feature films, shows, short form content, documentaries, and actions films such as the highly anticipated upcoming film THE MANDALORIAN. For more information, please visit www.disney.com.

It should be noted that Nine Inch Nails is responsible for the film’s soundtrack. It is punching loud and doesn’t hold back providing perfection for the action scenes. It pulsates so much that your chair is moving and your feet are being musically massaged. I have to say I actually enjoyed every bit of it. Another part of the film I enjoyed was the return of some memorable things but I’m not about to expand on that!

TRON: Ares is visually stunning and there is no doubt about that. The action is intense and it is a 119-minute eye workout. The Light Cycles are still amazing to watch and as cool as ever to watch. What is stunning is that writer Jesse Wigutow stayed true to the original story but adding a twist that the digital world finds itself in the real world. Seeing the film in IMAX is such a bonus and I can’t imagine experiencing it any other way. TRON fans will not be disappointed in the slightest.

In the end – there is no going back!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disney Released TRON and TRON: Legacy on 4K

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on 4K Ultra HD from Walt Disney Home Entertainment is the 1982 film TRON and the 2010 follow-up TRON: Legacy.

TRON

Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) is a software engineer who run a video game arcade. His pastime includes hacking into his previous employer ENCOM’s system with his own program called a CLU. Alan Bradley (Bruce Boxleitner) and Lora Baines (Cindy Morgan) are dealing with Ed Dillinger (David Warner) who has been living large off of Flynn’s games. When the couple figures it is Flynn using the CLU, they go to his store to warn him. Trying to get evidence of Dillinger’s underhandedness, Flynn finds himself being uploaded into the ENCOM game!

Fitting into the games, Flynn meets Ram (Dan Shor) and Tron and in a game of Light Cycle, the MCP is in hot pursuit. Through it all it becomes clear that Flynn has something the game doesn’t, inside information that can help Tron, he must get past Sark first. Step by step and move by move, Tron and Flynn must find a way to free the system and find a way back home.  

Bridges as Flynn gives 80’s diehard video gamers something to get excited about on the big screen. The character of Flynn has become so iconic that even my own grandchildren know who he is and that is in part to Bridges embracing the character he made so real. Boxleitner in the dual role of Bradley and Tron also gave a character that is complex in both the real and digital world. Morgan as Baines let it be known in the 80’s and today that women are equally as talented in creating as well as playing video games – and I have two grandkids who can attest to that. Both are well versed in how it all works and it is the characters from TRON that are a constant encouragement.

Warner as Dillinger as well as Sark has always been so good at playing bad. Taking on a videogame bad guy is equally as good if not better. He takes on the duality of bad in the real world and the game world and I was all for it in the 80’s and still love watching it every time I see it on television. Remember, “I do the thinking around here!”.

Other cast include Barnard Hughes as Dr. Walter Gibbs, Peter Jurasik as Crom, and Tony Stephano as Peter. The film’s writer/director is Steven Lisberger.

TRON: Legacy

After becoming CEO of ENCOM, seven years has passed and Flynn (Jeff Bridges) spends time with his young son talking about Tron and the grid, then, he suddenly disappears. Twenty years after that, son Sam (Garrett Hedlund) is a shareholder in the company and finding himself in trouble as his father was. Trying to get the company’s software out for free, Sam is arrested forcing Alan Bradley (Bruce Boxleitner) to bail him out because there is a message that brings him to a basement with a computer that suddenly goes off digitizing him into the grid. Immediately captured, Sam is sent to the games. Set to fight Rinzler, he instantly realizes Sam is a ‘user’.

Meeting up with Clu, Sam discovers the Light Cycle matches and it is Quorra (Olivia Wilde) who takes him to a hideout away from it all. It was Clu who sent the message to Bradley getting Sam to the Portal and tells him of the master key disc and his father Flynn. Now, father and son must work together to avoid Castor (Michael Sheen), Rinzler (Anis Cheurfa) and the warship to get back to the arcade as Sam intends to make some changes there as well.

Hedlund as Sam is a young man lost to a lot of his life still thinking about his father. Once in the world that he could never have imagined, he is put in the same danger as his father with one exception – he has Flynn on his side. The return of Jeff Bridges is everything to TRON: Legacy and I could not have wanted to see the film without him. He embraces Flynn and steps back into the role like he never left even though 30 years had passed. Dare I say – he is our Flynn and I loved his return then and now.

Keeping with the formula, Boxleitner returns as Bradley who has been watching out for Sam. Wilde as Quorra is a young ‘woman’ who knows how to protect Sam taking him to the one person who has answers. I love Sheen as Castor/Jarvis as his antics are absolutely fantastic and I have to admit that not smiling when he is on screen is impossible. He brings showmanship into a place no one else but Flynn and Sam could possibly go.

Other cast include Beau Garrett as Gem, James Frain as Jarvis, Jeffrey Nordling as Richard Mackey, Conrad Boates as Bartik, Cillian Murphy as Edward Dillinger Jr. and Steven Lisberger as Shaddix. The director is Joseph Kosinski.

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

TRON and TRON: Legacy has been digitally scanned and carefully restored by The Walt Disney Film Foundation to take care of direct and other imperfections to the film bringing it a mind-blowing pristine imagery. The man keeping an eye on the process is none other than director Steven Lisberger. It is just in time to see the amazing visuals at a third installment TRON: Ares is set to his theatres October 10, 2025 and the return of Flynn.

What an amazing opportunity to gather the kids and grandkids together to once again explore a film that was and continues to be a literal game changer. Led by Bridges and Leitner, it is not only a story of video games and those who make them but a bit of subtle politics as well. The story speaks of those controlled by others, living under the thumb of a ruthless dictator. Their survival depends on working together in order to stop the evil destruction.

The special effects, beginning with TRON, were absolutely stunning for their time and the remastering proves that director Lisberger got it right the first time. It is still brilliant in color and vibrant in the storytelling. TRON: Legacy reminds us that once again you can have a sequel that stays true to the original characters and storyline while pushing the envelope even further, now, fifteen years later, the prospect of the next part of the story is thrilling to fans.

In the end – the game has changed!

 

It's the Return of The Dude in THE BIG LEBOWSKI 20th Anniversary Limited Edition

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K HD and Bluray from writers/directors/producers Joel and Ethan Coen along with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the film that has become an iconic classic with THE BIG LEBOWSKI 20^th Anniversary Limited Edition.

The Dude (Jeff Bridges) is a laid back Los Angelino who remains in a chilled state of mind, that is until one night when two thugs breaks into his home and rough him up. Looking for a Jeff Lebowski, The Dude lays out the reasoning that there is another Jeff Lebowski who happens to be very rich and obviously they have made a mistake. Realizing their mistake, the one thing the two thugs can't take back is a pee'd on carpet.

Upset with what happened, The Dude explains to bowling buddies Walter (John Goodman) and Donny (Steve Buscemi) and how he really liked that rug. Walter has an idea, go see the rich Jeff Lebowski and get some kind of restitution! That's exactly what he does and meets the very cranky Jeffrey Lebowski (David Huddleston) who says that it's not his problem.

The Dude isn't about to walk away empty handed when he tells Lebowski's assistant Brandt (Philip Seymour Hoffman) that he has permission to take any carpet in the house. On the way out, The Dude meets Lebowski's wife Bunny (Tara Reid) who is responsible for the attack because she owes loan sharks. Her greeting to The Dude is nothing short of money based and a proposition for which he walks away amused.

Happy with his new carpet, The Dude is surprised a few days later to receive a telephone call from Brandt with a financial offer. Bunny has been kidnapped with a demand for a million dollars and rich Lebowski wants to use poor Lebowski to drop off the ransom and get a bit of money for his trouble. Given a case and a cell phone, he is to wait for a call telling him where to drop off the money but Walter feels the need to be with his friend when it happens.

On the drive, Walter also comes up with his own plan. He believes Bunny has concocted this whole thing for the money so why don't they just keep the money for themselves. Throwing a case off a local bridge, the two men see the kidnappers take the ransom and run. Later talking it over at the bowling alley, they discover that The Dude's car is gone and so are their riches.

The Dude is contacted by Lebowski's daughter Maude (Julianne Moore) who explains that her father's wife is a porn star and that she also thinks Bunny is faking all of it. Upset that the ransom came out of the family's foundation, she asks The Dude to get it all back. If that isn't wacky enough, now Lebowski is mad that The Dude screwed up the drop and men with German accents invade his bath saying they are the real kidnappers.

The cops find The Dude's car but the cash is gone and the pee thugs take him to see porn maker Jackie Treehorn (Ben Gazzara) who wants the money to cover money Bunny owes him! After a drugging, cops and being thrown out of a car - who should drive by in a red sports car? Bunny. So what gives? Well, that's what you will have to discover for yourself because, truth be told, you have to see it to believe it.

Yet, The Dude will abide!

Bridges as The Dude is absolutely and without a doubt pure perfection. He is a laid back human being who just lives in the moment and doesn't want anything that will mess with his calm. Bridges just embraces every second of this and makes it look completely easy and smooth. I suppose it doesn't hurt that he gets to be very comfortable in every stitch of clothing and appearance which might make being The Dude more of a joy than a job.

This character is completely endearing and just wants his carpet and that basically leads to the chaos that follows.

The moral of the story might be that bare floors are less of a hassle.

Goodman as Walter is the complete opposite of The Dude. He isn't about to let anyone or anything challenge his way of dealing with things yet he sees nothing wrong with his solutions. The Dude truly cares about his friend but there are moments where his calm-rage is absolutely frightening. This is such an amazing role for Goodman because he gets to be as out there as he wants to be and it fits him well. Buscemi as Donny is such a loveable character who just wants to be in on everything but doesn't have the ability to really keep up. This is probably the most endearing role I've seen Buscemi perform and he just proves he has always had the wide range ability but has gotten himself stuck in toughened roles. I'd like to have seen more of this type from him.

Moore as Maude is just as creepy as she can possibly be. She is clearly a control freak and will do anything to keep things moving the way she wants them to move. The way she handles The Dude is emotional strong arming to my way of thinking and her seduction manner leaves allot to be desired - but hilarious. Huddleston as the elder and richer Lebowski believes he is better than his poorer counterpart and believes he is justified in using the loser. He has The Dude jumping through hoops and doesn't exactly count on him to figure anything.

Hoffman as Brandt is, what I called, the Lebowski-bitch in that he is perfectly happy serving his boss and putting The Dude in one hell of a mess. Hoffman has always managed to stun me with every role he does and it is fantastic to revisit a film that gave us all a glimpse into what he became capable of on screen. Reid as Bunny plays the role of a trophy wife who wants more and more of the almighty dollar and doesn't seem ashamed to make that known to, well, anyone.

Other cast include David Thewlis as Know Harrington, John Turturro as Jesus Quintana, Jon Polito as Da Fino, Peter Stormare as Uli, Torsten Voges as Franz and Flea as Kieffer, Jimmie Gilmore as Smokey, Jack Kehler as Marty and Sam Elliott as The Stranger.

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us all to experience and re-experience in our own home theatres. 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 Ultra HD Combo Pack of THE BIG LEBOWSKI 20^th Anniversary Limited Edition includes The Dude’s Life - , The Dude Abides: The Big Lebowski Ten Years Later, Making of THE BIG LEBOWSKI, The Lebowski Fest: An Achiever’s Story, Flying Carpets and Bowling Pin Dreams: The Dream Sequences of The Dude, Interactive Map, Jeff Bridges Photo Book, Photo Gallery and so much more!

On 4K Ultra HD included in the combo pack of Bluray, Digital and Movies Anywhere brings a sharper pictures delivering a multi dimensional experience, Bluray that has exclusive extras and theatre quality surround sound, Digital allowing viewing just about anywhere and Movies Anywhere with the app that keeps your films stored for viewing anytime!

THE BIG LEBOWSKI has become such an iconic film that has brought some of the coolest lines to ever be uttered. Of course The Dude also has made its way into costumes for parties and Halloween with a simple robe and slippers being totally recognizable.

The film is hilarious, crafty, absurd, twisted, rich vs. poor, dysfunctional family and unusual friendships all rolled into a story that is so far fetched it might even be believable.

Now, THE BIG LEBOWSKI is back to entertain us once again but this time in our own homes. The most amazing thing about this film is that it is just as hilarious today as it was 20 years ago and open to a new generation that can appreciate its comedy, originality and fantastic ensemble cast.

In the end - he'd rather be bowling!

 

NATIONAL PARKS ADVENTURE and DREAM BIG are Stunning in 4K

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K UHD, 3D Blu-ray, Blu-ray and Digital from Shout! Factory is the stunning look at two extraordinary documentaries about the beauty in our world with NATIONAL PARKS ADVENTURE and DREAM BIG: Engineering Our World.

Narrated by Robert Redford, NATIONAL PARKS ADVENTURE looks at some of the most stunning places located in our own national parks. Providing some of the most magnificent cinematography, this is also a fantastic lesson in the history of how national parks came to be protected.

As people adventure into these special places, they also share their feelings of deep emotion and how these places continually motivate their lives. Redford is the perfect narrator as he has made it known for years of his love for wildlife and our planet. From the forests filled with the sounds of wild life to the towering rock formations in the desert and canyons, we are privy to experience it all thanks to filmmaker Greg MacGillivray.

Captured in each frame is a chance for someone like me who can’t go to these places to know they exist and hear from those who can share their experience. I can not say enough how jaw-droppingly stunning the cinematography is which did make me forget I was watching it on my home screen. That comes from filming in 15/70MM with Imax cameras!

The NATIONAL PARKS ADVENTURE 4K and Blu-ray includes the Special Features of Making-Of National Parks Adventure, Bonus Videos Featuring Robert Redford, Greg MacGillivray, 4K Trailers and more!

Narrated by Jeff Bridges, once again filmmaker Greg MacGillivray brings us another perspective on our planet with DREAM BIG: Engineering Our World. This time we are given a grand look at our world through the man-made contributions that have helped transform the planet.

The work done by engineers that make buildings safer or taller when cities run low on space for building come into play. There are people who had the opportunity to use their education to make lots of money but instead they decided to use their knowledge to make lives better. One example is the building of bridges for countries that have suffered death due to raging rivers but with no other means to get to the other side.

Trust me when I say your heart will be moved seeing not only the fascination by people watching something we take for granted happening pretty much all around us, to smiling watching them cross in more safety they have known in generations.

Those are absolutely life changing and important which leads to the STEM initiative that tickles the creative imaginations of our young minds to improve lives. STEM stands for Science-Technology-Engineering-Math and their idea is to look into the future and beyond.  The 2-DVD edition of DREAM BIG: Engineering Our World will also be available with the complete movie along with a 150-page educator’s guide that includes 12 lesson plans and handouts, 10 educational shorts, 8 behind-the-scenes Featurettes and 8 ‘Fun Fact’ videos.

DREAM BIG: Engineering Our World also includes the Special Features of Behind-the-Scenes Videos, Engineering Webisodes, Fun-Packed Shorts and 4K Trailers.

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

NATIONAL PARKS ADVENTURE and DREAM BIG: Engineering Our World joins the 4K films library provided by SHOUT! Factory that include other acclaimed experiences such as JOURNEY TO SPACE, FLIGHT OF THE BUTTERFLIES, ROCKY MOUNTAIN EXPRESS, HUMPBACK WHALES, WONDERS OF THE ARCTIC, THE LAST REEF: Cities Beneath the Sea and MYSTERIES OF CHINA.

Director MacGillivray has been making documentary films since 1967 and with the MacGillivray Freeman film studio and partner Jim Freeman have created amazing pieces. Touching on our innate curiosity, they created the MacGillivray Freeman Educational Foundation and the One World One Ocean campaign.

Both of these documentary films are eye opening and delightful in the glorious images presented of our world. What I enjoy most about each is that these are absolute teaching tools and should be in every science, life and math class in every school. When kids can be shown the world outside the box, their imaginations are enlightened and things they thought impossible to do suddenly become possible.

NATIONAL PARKS ADVENTURE and DREAM BIG: Engineering Our World are also fantastic family films that deserve to be watched together and talked about. Parents have the opportunity to watch with their kids and I, for one, enjoyed the look on my granddaughter’s face. She was delighted and kept moving closer to the screen to touch the ice formations!

That’s how we know that young minds are hungry to find a way to make positive changes and MacGillivray has shown us all the way.

In the end – it truly is a wonderful world!

ONLY THE BRAVE Brings Bravery and Heartbreak to Theatres

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQj4BkYf-HM

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres from director Joseph Kosinski and Columbia Pictures is a story of bravery, camaraderie and heartbreak that comes with ONLY TO THE BRAVE.

In Prescott, Arizona, Brendan McDonough (Miles Teller) is a young man has no direction except drugs and can’t seem to handle his life. Discovering that he is going to be a father and being kicked out of mom’s house, he finally makes a decision.

Marsh (Josh Brolin) aka Supe runs a Wildland Firefighting team and his goal is to be certified as a Hotshot crew. Venting to Duane Steinbrink (Jeff Bridges) who can help make that goal happen, Marsh wants what is best for his crew.

These two come together when Brendan applies with Station 7 and comes face to face with Marsh and his questions. Not so happy to have Brendan aboard if Chris MacKenzie (Taylor Kitsch) believing the new guy has nothing to offer the team.

That team includes Travis (Geoff Stults), Andrew (Alex Russell), Scott (Thad Luckinbill), Wade (Ben Hardy), Clayton (Scott Haze), Anthony (Jake Picking), Travis (Scott Foxx), Dylan (Robert Caldwell), Sean (Kenneth Miller), William (Ryan Cook), Garret (Brandon Bunch), Joe (Matthew Van Wettering), Kevin (Michael McNulty), John (Nicholas Jenks), Grant (Sam Quinn), and Brian (Howard Ferguson).

Immediately the team must come together on a fire that is also finally being observed in order to finally certify Station 7 as an elite Hotshot Crew. Finally, the Granite Mountain Hotshots come together and the they all celebrate with family and friends.

Brendan finally finds a connection with his baby daughter that brings him to wondering if he can continue with the crew. Now roommates, Chris has also taken an uncle role to Brendan’s daughter. Marsh is also dealing with family matters when wife Amanda (Jennifer Connelly) decides she wants to have a family.

It is their final fire together that brings the bravery and heartbreak to families and the only survivor.

Brolin as Marsh is a tough Supe who wants more than anything to have his crew become an elite Hotshot crew. His own past issues give him an understanding when hiring Brendan. Brolin is masterful at taking this role to the audience to show what it takes to be responsible for 19 other men and a keen knowledge on firefighting. His presence is strong and I am all in with this role. Brolin was actually a volunteer firefighter in Arizona, trained and fought some wild-land fires in Mescal in his earlier years.

Teller as Brendan is a man clearly out of control with his life and on a path of self destruction. Choosing to change for the little life that comes into his own motivates him to reach for a goal. Even walking in to meet Supe, Teller’s portrayal of Brendan is a broken man that is reaching out to become something bigger than himself. Watching this character grow, Teller doesn’t hesitate to show the difficulties that Brendan faced and the emotion of confusion and loss. Kitsch as Chris starts out as a guy who is going to make Brendan’s life difficult, that is until the brotherhood kicks in and a deep friendship happens that brings a lightness to the film– so much so that he’s practically an uncle to Brendan’s daughter.

Connelly as Amanda has her horses while husband Marsh is gone on long stretches. Having the deal of no children starts to become an issue for the couple causing a strain that adds to an already stressful job. Bridges as Steinbrink clearly cares about Station 7 and Marsh and is always there when anyone needs him. The cowboy hat and southern drawl seems to be Bridges new type role and I say hey, if it works.

Other cast includes Natalie Hall as Natalie Johnson, Forrest Fyre as Mayor Worthington, Jenny Gabrielle as Desiree Steed, Nicholas King as Caden Steed, Barbie Robertson as Marsena Thurston, Jade Kammerman as Stephanie Turbyfill, Pell James as Claire Caldwell and Andie MacDowell as Marvel Steinbrink.

ONLY THE BRAVE is a film that is challenging, humorous, heart thumping and heart breaking all rolled into 133 minutes. It is told with a mixture of the harshness of being a firefighter in all categories from structural to Wildland to Hotshots to the gentleness of their homelives. Not a job for everyone, these men and women do what ever is necessary to save life and property asking for nothing in return.

In that lies the bravery of what these men and women do. Far be it from to tell anyone how to say thanks but I personally make it a point to do so because I respect anyone who can do what most of us can not for whatever reason. The story is based on true events and the article in GQ by Sean Flynn called No Exit.

Watching ONLY THE BRAVE I felt such intensity of emotion and what makes that so is knowing that there is no changing the outcome of the film. There is also no way to leave this film without choking back the tears or waves of emotion. The iconic photograph of the team in front of the town’s beloved juniper tree is not just a photo, it’s a glimpse into a brotherhood of men who not only did what they loved but did so with bravery.

In the end – it’s not what stands in front of you but who stands behind you!

KINGSMAN: The Golden Circle

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres this Friday from writer/director Matthew Vaughn and 20^th Century Fox is the next level epic to save the world and at the helm is KINGSMAN: The Golden Circle.

Eggsy (Taron Egerton) is back and continuing to work with Merlin (Mark Strong) and Arthur (Michael Gambon) with Kingsman. Having a life outside of his work, Eggsy is in love with Princess Tilde (Hanna Alstrom) and planning to meet her parents the King and Queen of Sweden.

There is a problem however, former Kingsman trainee Charlie (Edward Holcroft) wants to take out a bit of frustration on Eggsy. After a knock down drag out, he heads for dinner with the royals with the help of Roxy in his ear. Everything is going as planned until rockets are launched at Kingsman headquarters leaving only Eggsy and Merlin alive!

Their new enemy is Poppy (Julianne Moore), a slightly psychotic gal who lives in the jungles of Thailand in a 50’s theme compound. She has also created a condition that affects people who partake in recreational usage. Oh, and she’s also the only one who has the cure!

Eggsy and Merlin learn that they must go to the United States and find Statesman, their American agent cousins. Their first introduction is to Tequila (Channing Tatum) who isn’t about to make their visit easy, Ginger (Halle Berry) who is the American Merlin and Champ (Jeff Bridges), the Statesman’s leader.

That isn’t their biggest shock – it’s who they have been taking care of. Harry (Colin Firth) is alive and Eggsy needs his help. Knowing they have to follow leads for the cure, Champs insists that Agent Whiskey (Pedro Pascal) go along for back up.

Time is not on their side as the created disease is spreading and Poppy wants to cut a deal with the President of the United States (Bruce Greenwood). He agrees to her terms but also happily houses the infected, including his own Chief of Staff Fox (Emily Watson)!

In a final attempt to save the world, Eggsy and Harry put on their best suits and load up to take on Poppy with a little help from a English feathered friend!

Eggerton as Eggsy jumps right back into this role and doesn’t miss a beat. He is smooth, a little mouthy, in love and thrilled to see Harry. Looking good in the Kingsman suit, he drives, fights and drinks with the coolness of a proper agent. Honestly, I just like this kid and he sings so there’s that to add to his resume, like he needs it right?

Firth as Harry is back and a little off kilter. Firth is such a strong Kingsman that when there are moments that are “un-Harry” like, he keeps a straight face while I am cracking up. I couldn’t ask anything more than a straight-man who looks awesome doing it. Strong as Merlin is to die for and I have women in the audience to back me up on that statement. He is calm, cool, collected and doesn’t get worked up about anything. Instead, he is the steady that keeps Eggsy from going off the rails.

Moore as Poppy is just completely bonkers and I love it. She is that kind of crazy where a smile and sweet talk scare me more than a crazy with a weapon! Poppy has an agenda and nothing is going to get in her way as Moore looks like she is having more fun than anyone else in the film.

Tatum as Tequila is off his barrel a little bit as the out of control gun toting Statesman agent. Okay, so he’s hilarious too which is a bonus! Barry as Ginger is stuck behind a computer when she’d rather be out in the field. Bridges as Champs is just cool for the sake of being cool.

I have to throw a thumbs up at Bruce Greenwood and his crazy depiction of the President. Since he has played the Commander-in-Chief before in the 2007 film NATIONAL TREASURE: Book of Secrets and the 2000 film THIRTEEN DAYS – both serious Presidents – this is his chance to throw caution to the wind and be all out bonkers. He manages it quite well actually.

Other cast include Mark Arnold as General McCoy, Bjorn Granath as the King of Sweden, Lena Endre as the Queen of Sweden, Tom Knight as Angel, Sophie Cookson as Roxy, Keith Allen as Charles, Tobi Bakare as Jamal, Thomas Turgoose as Liam, and Calvin Demba as Brandon.

KINGSMAN: The Golden Circle isn’t rocket science! This is a film that is meant to be fun and a no brainer. There is absolutely nothing wrong with going to the movies with a tub of popcorn, a soda and not having to analyze ever moment. Instead, this is grab the group and go out together for some serious laughs.

There is action, comedy, unexpected surprises and laughs that just keep coming. The twist on spy films wrapped up in pretty awesome tailored suits works for me and I don’t mind saying it loud and proud. KINGSMAN: The Golden Circle is the reason popcorn, friends and theatre going were invented.