He is DIGGER

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Alejandro G. Iñárritu and Warner Bros. Pictures is a story about a scene that is carried by DIGGER.

Digger Rockwell (Tom Cruise) is a tycoon who is about to find out what a total disaster is, that is, when he’s not worried about Maggie the cat. The discovery that a rig on an Arctic ice shelf has pretty much shaken up the whole world, literally, is driven home by Ganesh (Riz Ahmed), a scientist who had been trying to warn him of the methane leaks. Now Digger has to tell U.S. President Compson (John Goodman) that things are about to get dicey with one of our country's allies.

Considering he is supposed to be close friends with all the major world players, Digger knows what the people need to hear, and he’s more than happy to give it to them. Even if it’s not exactly what one would expect! Letting Ganesh go first, he walks in full Texas gear and tells the ugly truths no one really wants to hear.

Cruise as Digger is a man on a mission. Walking around his wealthy life, pointing fingers at everyone else and finding most people not of any use to him, a disaster seems to bring out the best in him. That is, after he’s done panicking. Watching everyone else break out into a panic is what centers him, coming up with his own suggestions. I think Cruise could not help but have some fun portraying this role. It is so far out there that it’s impossible to mess it up. The deeper the trouble, the more outrageous Cruise takes his character. The character’s basic I-don’t-give-a-crap attitude just seems to heighten the craziness and feed into Digger’s need to call out the world as he sees it. It’s not a pretty world, but damn it, Digger is going to make his space in it golden.

Ahmed as Ganesh actually gave me quite a tickle a few times. Not only does he play a character that is unexpected, but he became an unexpected character for me to watch. I loved his performance in last year's film HAMLET, so in-depth and deeply serious, and in DIGGER, he flips the script, giving us the innocent face of a scientist who refuses to be corrupted by wealth and power. That belief, however, leaves him wide open to being a useful puppet with his naivete and wanting to trust that everyone around him will do the right thing.

Goodman as President Compson is dealing with cancer of the rear end and has moments where he spaces out, turning to his equally twisted staff to call out suggestions. Remind you of anyone? He is so focused on his rear end that he doesn't see what importance a block of ice has in the grand scheme of things.

Shout out to Jesse Plemons for being the character that is there, and not there, until he’s there again with something that needs to be said. You’ll know when you know.

Other cast include Robert J. Burke as Fitzgerald, Emma D’Arcy as Lina, Corey Johnson as Jacobs, Sophie Wilde as Hannah, Danny Kirrane as Sandy Clarkson, and Sandra Huller as Emma Rockwell. Mercedes Hernandez as Digger’s housekeeper, the only hysterically sane person in the whole film.

I get what Iñárritu was trying to do using comedy and satire in a hot pot, with a dash of Wes Anderson. That being said, I’m not sure what audience he is shooting for. Of course, the trailers hint at Les Grossman from the 2008 now-cult classic TROPIC THUNDER, so that could be a draw. That audience would definitely get hints of that character, which is oddly satisfying to watch. Other than that, I don’t really know where DIGGER fits. They’d also get hints of Cruise’s 1999 Frank T.J. Mackey in the film MAGNOLIA. Nothing wrong with recycling.

The questions that will hit immediately are ‘Is this supposed to be funny?’ stretching all the way to ‘I wish this were funny.” In between questions, Cruise’s character rampages on so fast, the questions almost get set aside without realizing it. The character of Digger reminds me of someone who lives on twenty-five cups of coffee a day and little else. Jumping from climate change to oil, to distractions (whether he is creating them or someone else), to Russia, to a twisted Nicholson’s 1992 A FEW GOOD MEN Col. Jessep rant of “You want me to drill, you need me to drill!”, it is exhausting. That brings us full circle back to: who is the target audience?

The saving grace is the last fifteen minutes of the film, but sitting through the first one hundred and thirteen minutes before that is the challenge, although the set designs are fantastic. But hey, if you are willing to take a wild ride and want to feel like you’re in the Twilight Zone for two hours, then DIGGER is just the film for you.

In the end – it is a comedy of catastrophic proportions!

It is the Return of THE EMPORERS NEW GROOVE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on 4K Ultra HD, Digital and Bluray to celebrate a groovy 25^th anniversary from director Mark Dindal and Walt Disney Studios is the hilarious tale of THE EMPORERS NEW GROOVE.

In a kingdom lived Emperor Kuzco (David Spade), a very narcissistic, self-indulged ruler who only thinks of himself. He also keeps an eye on his sneaky assistant Yzma (Eartha Kitt) and her side-kick Kronk (Patrick Warburton). The emperor’s birthday is just around the corner and he knows exactly what he wants. Walking from the local village is Pacha (John Goodman), a good man who lives a simple life with his wife and children. Receiving a summons from the emperor leads him down the mountain to the palace.

Walking through the palace halls, Pacha comes face to face with Kuzco and is in shock when discovering what the summons was about. The spoiled emperor intends to take over the very hill that has been in Pacha’s family for longer than anyone can remember! Knowing there isn’t a lot he can do about it, Pacha returns home to figure out a way to tell his family.

In the meantime, Yzma has pushed her emperor too far making royal decisions without his permission. So, Kuzco decides its time to downsize and that Yzma should retire. This doesn’t go well with Yzma and she decides that its time to take steps. Relying on Kronk to help was her first mistake and at a dinner, Yzma’s plan hatches as Kuzco has gone from two legs to four! When the llama ends up in Pacha’s yard, it is time for the two to journey back to the palace and do whatever it takes to get the kingdom back.  

Spade as the voice of Kuzco is the voice I hear in my head when I think “Boom baby!” amongst other iconic lines from the film. He is sheer perfection as the narcissistic and shady emperor giving such life to this animated character. Kuzco may be those horrible things but good grief Spade gives it all such hilarity no matter how many times I see this film. Spade gets the chance to voice a character is as bad as he wants to be and it works from start to finish.

Goodman as Pacha is such a kind and loving man who just wants to take care of his family. It is a tad heart tugging when he realizes what Kuzco has in mind for his generational home. Goodman’s voice lends the opposite of the main character with compassion, even when it could have been easier to walk away with Kuzco needed help. Instead, he believes in kindness and another way, even if Yzma is hot on their trail.

Kitt as Yzma is another delicious voice in the film with her ability to bring everything crazy (both good and bad) into this character. This had to be absolute fun for her and Yzma is now an iconic Disney character that my whole family loves. Yes, she isn’t very nice but karma is waiting just around the corner for her. Warburton as Kronk, as much as we love all the characters, has a special ‘favorite’ place in our family’s heart. The scene where he is walking along the wall doing his musical Mission Impossible theme, is something we all still do. Also, who doesn’t squeakity-squeak-squeak to the local squirrel population.

Other cast include Kellyann Kelso as Chaca, Eli Linnetz as Tipo, Stephen Anderson as Ipi, Bob Bergen as Bucky, Patti Deutsch as the grub waitress and Wendie Malick as Chicha.

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!

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.

Special Features include Deleted Scenes, Audio Commentary, Music Videos, Featurettes: The Research Trip, Character Voices, Creating Computer Generated Images and The Emperor’s Got Game, and Theatrical Trailers for THE EMPEROR’S NEW GROOVE.

This film is on of Disney’s stories that doesn’t get as much accolade as it should, and it absolutely should. It is fun, hilarious, charming, full of adventure, and colorful with a cast that absolutely killed it. The best part of Disney’s animated films is that watching them again and again (and again times a million) shows how wonderful we hold these stories. I have to say I’m not a fan of the Disney live-action films because it takes something special away from the artistry that comes from the animated films.

It is hard to believe that I watched THE EMPEROR’S NEW GROOVE with my children only to have them now share with their children. Also amazing is that all of us still laugh as much now as we did when the film was released in 2000. The release in 4K UHD just brings the crispness and vibrant colors out even more and, if you have a cool large flatscreen, means you can have more people over for a Disney movie night.

Spade, Goodman, Kitt and Warburton, along with director Dindal, brought magic 25 years ago, and that magic is still being felt these years later. Gather up the family because it is time to find out what the fun is all about with a little BOOM BABY!!

In the end – it is all about HIM!

They are Back and Blue with SMURFS

 

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres from director Chris Miller and Paramount Pictures comes the tale of a village and its secrets with the SMURFS.

Tucked away in the woods, Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is leading his village in singing and dancing. Each Smurf is good at something but No Name Smurf (James Corden) is having a hard time finding out what that ‘something’ is. While spending a little time alone, No Name looks to the sky for answers and listening is Jaunty (Amy Sedaris), a sentient book who wants to help. Staying in secret, the book has good reason as the evil Razamel (JP Karliak) wants to bring all the books together to take over the world.

Razamel’s assistant Joel (Dan Levy) has been tasked with finding the Smurf village and when Papa Smurf is taken, No Name and Smurfette (Rhianna) are on the case. The first place to look is with Razamel’s brother Gargamel who wants to trust his brother but, well, that’s a dead end. Papa Smurf left them a clue and it leads to Mama Poot (Natasha Lyonne) and brother Ken (Nick Offerman).

Razamel, as with all bad guys, underestimates the power of the Smurfs, friendship and what happens when you find that one thing that bring you joy!

Goodman as Papa Smurf gives the voice of calm and reason in the midst of chaos when Razamel Smurf-naps him. Knowing that his village has leaders that can take care of everyone, he also knows they just have to believe in themselves. Offerman as brother Ken is not interested in really getting into the mess with Razamel/Gargamel but realizes that it is because of a history with their father. Offerman always cracks me up and, in this case, his vocals match the attitude.

Corden as No Name Smurf is just trying to find himself. For me, all I hear is Biggie asking where Mr. Dinkles is (2016 TROLLS reference). The insecurities are set aside then he believes he can do magic that can help all the Smurfs. Rhianna as Smurfette is fine but personally I just don’t feel smurfy about it. I was expecting a bit, well more – more enthusiasm, more excitement – just more. Since the film is geared to a certain audience, it isn’t a deal breaker.

Karliak gets double duty voicing both Razamel and Gargamel and yet he manages to give them each their individual voice. They may be brothers but Karliak gives them each a vocal personality and I loved it. Lyonne as Mama Poot is her usual hilarious self and it is the voice that makes the fluffy being such personality. I have to say I’m going to be looking for a Mama Poot character to put on my desk absolutely.

Levy as Joel reminds me of a over zealous intern that is hoping for a permanent job by doing whatever dastardly deed the boss wants. Even when he tries to be “evil”, it only made me laugh even more. Sedaris as Jaunty is a book with a heart of gold who wants to help No Name but also knows that the wizards want her for evil purposes.

Other Smurfs and wizards include Sandra Oh as Moxie Smurf, Jimmy Kimmel as Tardigrade, Octavia Spencer as Asmodius, Nick Kroll as Chernobog, Hannah Waddingham as Jezebeth, Alex Winter as Hefty Smurf, Maya Erskine as Vanity Smurf, Kurt Russell as Ron, Xolo Mariduena as Brainy Smurf, Hugo Miller as Clumsy Smurf, Chris Miller as Grouchy Smurf, Billie Lourd as Worry Smurf, Marshmello as Turtle, Spencer X as Sound Effects Smurf and Chris Prynoski as Quiet Smurf.

SMURFS is definitely a family-oriented film filled with all the themes of friendship, adventure, meeting new friends, knowing where you belong and standing up for what’s right. Those are excellent reasons to take the entire family to see it. The Smurfs became a part of pop culture in 1981 when Hanna-Barbera began airing the animated show. My kids were glued to the television screen every moment it was on screen. Created by artist Peyo as they were originally called Les Schtroumpfs.  

The animation is bright, colorful and everything one would expect of a story that included the Smurfs. There blue skin is highlighted by bright white clothing and iconic tipped hats making them impossible to not recognize. Children still giggle today when they see them just as much as they did forty-four years ago (that’s right, I did the math!). The characters are charming and there is no doubt about that. In this film, there is humor for the kids and for the adults as well. So, load up on the snacks and prepare for a good time together.

In the end – adventure comes out of the blue!

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!

 

Prepare for an ATOMIC BLONDE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday with a kick and a bang from director David Leitch and Focus Features is the ATOMIC BLONDE.

It is Berlin and the Cold War as Lorraine (Charlize Theron), a British agent with MI6 and a mean set of skills. Interrogated by Gray (Toby Jones) and Chief C (James Faulkner), they want to know about the mission to retrieve information stolen from another agent.

It is a list of top secret information that can hurt agents everywhere hidden in a watch. Landing in Berlin, Lorraine makes contact with Percival (James McAvoy), a twisted agent living a life more like a bohemian who is good at getting things. Under the cover of retrieving the agent killed, Lorraine begins to poke around given bits and pieces by Percival.

One thing she learns is that there is someone named Spyglass (Eddie Marsan) who has memorized the information. That brings more curiosity to Lorraine and she wants to know what other secrets everyone is keeping from her. Meeting Delphine (Sofia Boutella) might be the key to so very much more.

It is a game of cat and mouse with a high body count when dealing with an ATOMIC BLONDE!

Theron as Lorraine is not anyone I’d ever mess with. Focused, strong, smart and highly aware of her surroundings, she takes a beating but gives just as much in return. Theron doesn’t need tons of dialogue to get the job done. Her eyes and face are expressive until they are not. I love seeing her tear up the screen, not just physically but her intense presence.

McAvoy gets the chance to be sleazy once again. Trying to fit into the scene of Berlin he buys information with Jack Daniels and Jordache jeans (if you don’t know that name kids, ask your grandparents). McAvoy gives the slick chain-smoking character the right amount of angry charm that I enjoyed watching. He’s getting good at being bad!

Jones as Gray wants to know every detail of what happened to the mission yet doesn’t seem shocked at the answers. Goodman as Emmett gets the suspicion of Lorraine from the moment he steps into the room yet there is more to it than just being American.

Marsan as Spyglass is a timid man who knows a little too much about everything and uses it to try and save his family. Boutella as Delphine is the mysterious woman who captures Lorraine’s attention as she watches the chess pieces move all around the board.

Other cast includes Roland Moller as Alekander Bremovych, Bill Skarsgard as Merkel, Sam Hargrave as James Gasciogne, Johannes Johansson as Yuri Bakhtin, Tig Schweiger as the Watchmaker and John Goodman as Emmett.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give ATOMIC BLONDE four and a half tubs of popcorn out of five. Why? Simply put it’s a heck of a lot of fun to watch, the soundtrack is smokin’, the cinematography is fantastic and the action is none stop from start to finish. It truly is the reason we go to the movies!

The story isn’t geared toward any one demographic as it plays to its strengths and not the political correctness of it all. There just isn’t anything about ATOMIC BLONDE that I didn’t like. Theron is absolutely beautiful and coming off of THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS where she is a real bad gal, in ATOMIC BLONDE she is another type of real bad gal and this one I’d want on my side.

The soundtrack includes a few awesome songs such as 99 Luftballons performed by Nena (remember that video?), Father Figure by George Michaels, Der Kommissar by After the Fire, The Politics of Dancing by Re-Flex, Voices Carry by Til Tuesday, I Ran by Flock of Seagulls and Under Pressure by Queen and David Bowie. I spent a lot of time lip-synching while watching Theron drop kick a few bad guys!

ATOMIC BLONDE is taken from the Oni Press graphic novel series The Coldest City by Antony Johnston who also authored Wasteland.

In the end – she’s about to go atomic on summer!