It is the Life of JEANNE DU BARRY

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Maiwenn and Vertical is the story of a woman in a country of few choices when your JEANNE DU BARRY.

Jeanne (Maiwenn) is a young woman in 1700’s France who is the daughter of a house maid. Taken in by a Roch-Claude Billard (Robin Renucci), she is taught to read and think for herself. Getting away from those who would tell her what to do and how to behave, Jeanne finds herself as a courtesan under Guillaume du Barry (Melvil Poupaud). It is Louis Francois, the Duke of Richelieu (Pierre Richard) who pushes to introduce Jeanne to King Louis XV (Johnny Depp).

In a planned meeting at Versailles, King Louis sees Jeanne and is intrigued by her presence. Jeanne is then visited by Jean-Benjamin de La Borde (Benjamin Lavernhe) who informs her that she is going to meet the King and what the rules are in his presence. Jeanne and the King meet and there is an instant spark between them as she quickly becomes the King’s favorite, much to the dismay of his daughters Adelaide (India Hair), Victoire (Suzanne de Baecque), Sophie (Laura Le Velly) and Louise (Capucine Valmary).

The only person that seems to be happy for the King is the Dauphin (Diego Le Fur) who sees the mistreatment by the court toward Jeanne. Adelaide decides to spread her dislike through to the Dauphin’s intended Marie Antoinette (Pauline Pollmann). The King begins to see what is happening to Jeanne and lavishes her with a place where they can be away from the court and the young Zamor (Djibril Djimo).

Being watched over by La Borde, Jeanne is still fighting for survival in a place that doesn’t see her as anything more than a nuisance during a time when the people of France are starting to resent those in power. As the King falls ill, Jeanne tries to be of comfort but her life is about to come full circle.

Maiwenn as Jeanne comes across for so many reasons. she is just so lovely without adding anything to her appearance which charmed me all the more. Allowing her performance to shine, she made it look so effortless. Jeanne is a woman of her times doing what it takes to survive in a world that doesn’t see her. Instead, as a grown woman, Maiwenn makes it clear that she may have to give and take in the matter of her survival but don’t try and take control away from her. Once in the company of the King, Maiwenn gives Jeanne charm, grace, and never once changes because it is just not who she is. The relationship between Jeanne and the King becomes one that is always in flux – until it isn’t.

Depp as the King seems to have no time for the goings on around him, at least that’s what his facial expressions seem to show. Meeting Jeanne is a breath of fresh air and a chance to be equally as charming if not entertaining. As much as the King’s family want Jeanne gone, the King knows what he wants and Jeanne brings it naturally. Depp is truly fascinating to watch as his role is more watchful than a lot of royal talk. I must admit I was moved by his portrayal in many scenes but truly expected nothing more than his best and not disappointed in the slightest. Yes, he does speak French but then again, he did in his film THE NINTH GATE as well.

Lavernhe as La Borde is emotional, funny even if he doesn’t mean to be and a true friend to the King. Watching him attempt to train Jeanne to court life I knew wasn’t going to be easy but Lavernhe’s portrayal of La Borde makes it entertaining to watch. As the film progresses, it is clear that whatever La Borde’s first impressions of Jeanne were, at the end he is a man with a beautiful heart. I enjoyed Lavernhe’s portrayal of a man who is doing is best with a woman who knows who she is and his uncomfortability is often tested.

Djimo as Zamor is a young man who is given to Jeanne by the King but he is not from France. She raises and loves the young boy but there will come a time where he must decide his own future fate. Le Fur as the Dauphin sees that Jeanne makes his father happy and also sees that family and the court are making life difficult for her. He will also come to a point in his life where the world will change.

Other cast include Gregoire Oestermann as Abbot Louis-Nicolas Maudoux, Patrick d’Assumcao as Etienne Francois, duc de Choiseul, Marianne Basler as Anne Becu, Noemie Lvovsky as Countess Anne de Noailles, and Micha Lescot as Florimond Claude.

Vertical Entertainment is a global independent distributor that offers a unique wealth of experience minus the studio costs. They have won a Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Actress for Molly Shannon’s role in OTHER PEOPLE and the film won a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Film Limited Release, Best International Film for Babak Anvari’s UNDER THE SHADOW, a BAFTA and three Independent British Independent Film Awards as well.

JEANNE DU BARRY was the Official Selection in 2023 at the Cannes Film Festival, 2023 nominee for the Golden Tower, Best Film at the Palic Film Festival and nominated for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design by Cesar Awards in France.

Director/writer Maiwenn says of her film and role in JEANNE DU BARRY, “It started when I saw Sofia Coppola’s MARIE ANTOINETTE in 2006. As soon as Jeanne appeared on screen, I was fascinated by her character, played by Asia Argento. I immediately felt a strong connection with her and missed her as soon as she wasn’t on the screen. I fell in love with her and her era. I immersed myself in a detailed biography of her and felt the need to make a film about her right then.”

Her love affair with Jeanne clearly shows starting with letting the viewer know a bit of her history. As one who is fascinated with people in history, I also was interested in Jeanne. What Maiwenn does is dive right into her story and make it plain that there are no excuses for how this woman chose to live her life and I’m all about it. Adding a dash of Depp to the mix and giving him a crown was equally incredible. There was more on this actor’s character than needed to be spoken out loud, until he truly needed to.

As someone who absolutely adores period films, the production on this film is lavish, opulent and the Hall of Mirrors is just as stunning as I would ever have imagined. The costuming is stunning and gives every thread of the upper-class dress, wigs, jewelry etc. This film is definitely one that I will watch again and again. Maiwenn is a genius and I said what I said!

In the end – from illegitimacy to having the love of a King!

FANTASTIC BEASTS: The Crimes of Grindelwald

Jeri Jacquin

First of all, is there really ANYTHING in the world I could say, good or bad, that is going to stop people from seeing this film – absolutely not but I’m going to give my review a shot here without giving away anything gooooooood!

So, from director David Yates and Warner Bros. Pictures comes the witches, wizards and creatures we have come to love from author J.K. Rowlings with FANTASTIC BEASTS: The Crimes of Grindelwald.

It seems that Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) has been kept under lock, spell and key waiting to be picked up by the Ministry of Magic. With the help of Abernathy (Kevin Guthrie) and Seraphina Picquery (Carmen Ejogo), Grindelwald gets to continue the plans he made clear before capture.

Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) however is facing a panel at the Ministry of Magic. He wants them to lift the travel ban places on him but they will only do so if he works at the Ministry with his brother Theseus (Callum Turner). Happy for his brother’s betrothal to Leta Lestrange (Zoe Kravitz), he also learns to Grindelwald.

He meets up with Dumbledore (Jude Law) who explains that he trust no one else to handle the problem with Grindelwald. Newt makes it clear that he wants to find Tina (Katherine Waterston) and return to his creatures. Imagine his surprise when Jacob (Dan Fogler) and Queenie (Alison Sudol) arrive suddenly.

After a misunderstanding, Jacob helps Newt find Tina and discovers a circus where Nagini (Claudia Kim) and Credence Barebone (Ezra Miller) were held. He now is part of another mystery without realizing it.

Credence wants to find his mother and love Nagini wants to help. What he doesn’t know is that Gindelwald knows a few things and is willing to share, but for a price. Someone else is looking for Credence, Yusuf Kama (William Nadylam) and his search holds a purpose.

The chases, magic, creatures, mysteries, friendships, enemies and secrets are back in the wizarding world!

Redmayne reprises his role as Newt Scamander, the awkward young man with a penchant for creatures and a stumbling heart for love. It doesn’t take long before he is pulled away once again from his friends place right in the middle of more wizarding mysteries.

Depp as Grindelwald does exactly what Depp can do – create a character and make it his own. Now that he calmly gathered an army, there is no one else who can be Grindelwald – ever. I enjoyed his performance and I can’t wait to see what he does with it next.

Law as Dumbledore absolutely surprised me because I wasn’t sure how I felt about him taking the role. I needn’t have worried at all because he slides right in like he has always been part of the story. Thrilled at his portrayal, I know as the story unfolds even more, he is going to have to make decisions that are as painful as the ones he makes when Harry comes along.

Waterston as Tina giving Newt a hard time continually but also doing her duty as an agent for the American Ministry of Magic.  Fogler as Jacob doesn’t miss a beat partnering with Newt to do whatever needs doing. It amazes me how he just goes with the magical flow and although he rolls his eyes occasionally, he’s in it all. Sudol as Queenie is cute and just wants to be able to be with Jacob without fear, she is going to have to figure that out.

Miller as Credence Barebone is fantastic and I can see where his character will be going but there are tons of questions that I’m going to have to be patient in getting the answers for. Kim as Nagini just set my brain ablaze and I have so many thoughts about that! Nadylam as Yusuf Kama is a strong character that doesn’t realize that what he’s always believed might not be true!

Kravitz as Leta has a past that is difficult and jaw dropping and that’s all I will say about that. Turner as Theseus is a brother who wants what’s best but at the same time sees how easy it is for Newt to get himself into trouble.

Other cast include Jamie Bower as Young Grindelwald, Toby Regbo as Young Dumbledore, Victoria Yeates as Bunty, Wolf Roth as Spielman, Derek Riddell as Torquil Travers, Ingvar Sigurosson as Grimmson, Poppy Tuech as Rosier, Andrew Turner as MacDuff, Maja Bloom as Carrow, Simon Meacock as Krafft and Fiona Glascott as Minerva McGonagall.

Law says of playing Dumbledore, “I was clearly thrilled and excited because my children grew up with the books and films. I was a huge fan of the FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM film. There getting to be part of the film there was so much reference material and J.K. was so gracious with her time. David told me that we weren’t trying to recreate an older Dumbledore but instead look back at who he was and how he was sorting out his demons as a younger man. I felt free in that way and excited to be this character.”

Redmayne says, “Working with Jude as Dumbledore, from our very first scene he manages to capture the qualities of Dumbledore, the gravitas and the playfulness was there. I thought ‘oh my gosh he’s good’. It was amazing!”

FANTASTIC BEASTS: The Crimes of Grindelwald will disappoint no one! The story if intense, complex, a little dark and full of special effects but then again what did you expect? From the moment the screen flickers and the iconic music begins it is a 134 magical thrill ride with everything that I personally want from the return to the wizarding world.

Okay, so I was giggling pretty good seeing people and places that I have missed for the last few years. I can’t even tell you how many times I held my breath looking wide eyed at the screen wanting more and more. Of course I’m a woman of a certain age and probably shouldn’t be this giddy but nothing or no one is going to stop it from happening.

The special effects are awesome (as I expected them to be) and brings so much to this darker chapter. I can not even begin to say enough about the cast for not only the returning characters but the new as well. For me, there wasn’t one thing out of place! Trust that I will be watching it again and again because that’s what’s needed to keep up with what’s to come. There is so much I didn’t expect.

Gather up all of your houses whether they be Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin, get your wands at the ready and have an amazing time as FANTASTIC BEASTS: The Crimes of Grindelwald is finally here!

In the end – the fate of one will change the future for all!

Saturday at Comic Con 2018 Has Super Heroes, Characters and Panels Oh My!

Jeri Jacquin

Saturday’s at San Diego Comic Con 2018 is no different than any other Saturday at San Diego Comic Con – meaning there is something for everyone badge or no badge! Saturday’s bring a flood of people who just want to see and experience everything that is fun with weather that cooperated beautifully.

Outside at every turn there were things to see and so from AMC’s The Walking Dead zombie sausage making, Southpark’s gang with their own bit of fun, FX rumbled out their fantastic motorcycle for the new series MAYANS M.C. and the parking lot of Petco Park had a shark of a tale to share. That’s just a minute portion of everything to be found.

Of course I am on the inside looking out for panels and people to find out what and who is visiting our city so lets get to it because it was a long day!

In Hall H the morning began with Warner Bros. and a lot of unexpected surprises for the fans who had been waiting all night. Aisha Tyler handled the job as mistress of panel with Eddie Redmayne and the cast of FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM: The Crimes of Grindelwald. What came next send Hall H into a wave of tizzy.

As Tyler utters the name Grindelwald the hall goes dark which gave us all the opportunity to view the bracelets given upon entry glowing. The next thing we all see is Grindelwald himself (aka Johnny Depp) who announces “My brothers, my sisters, my friends, the great gift of your applause is not for me but for yourselves. Therefore applaud yourselves. It has been said that I hate the non-magic – the Muggles – I do not hate them, I do not. I say the Muggles are not lesser, but other.”

He continues slowly, “Not worthless but not of value, magic blooms only in rare souls. It is granted to those who live and what a world we would make. For all of humanity, all of humanity, we who live for freedom, for truth, the moment has come to rise up and take our rightful place in the world.”  The crowd took it in and ate it up.

Of course WONDER WOMAN 1984 was given its moment in the hall but it was the cast of the upcoming AQUAMAN that sent another wave of fun through the crowd. The panel included writer/director James Wan, Amber Heard, Patrick Wilson, Nicole Kidman, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and, of course, the very hard to miss Jason Momoa.

The trailer fans were shown is of Mera and Aquaman having a go at one another with Momoa telling the crowd that “Mera’s a very strong, strong character” giving a thumbs up to Heard.

Following the long AQUAMAN panel which the crowd absolutely didn’t mind one minute of, The 19^th Annual Animation Show of Shows gave the crowd a few moments to sit back and recover.

RZA: Movies, Music & Martial Arts was the next panel to talk about his movie CUT THROAT CITY. Part of the Wu Tang Clan, RZA (or Robert Fitzgerald Diggs) makes a film about a robbery in New Orleans that stars Terrence Howard, Wesley Snipes, T.I. Harris, Eiza Gonzalez, Rob Morgan, Kat Graham, Demetrius Shipp Jr. and Denzel Whitaker.

EW: Women Who Kick Ass had a full panel this year with moderator Jessica Shaw speaking with DOCTOR WHO’s Jodie Whitaker, Regina King, Chloe Bennet, Camila Mendez and THE DARKEST MIND’s Amandla Stenberg.

For those who haven’t seen DEADPOOL 2 (and if you haven’t don’t tell me or you have to be summarily erased from my Christmas card list!), Hall H was the chance to make that right in your life.

The day in the hall ended with AN EVENING WITH KEVIN SMITH who seemed to be working overtime. He could also be found at the IMDB boat interviewing celebs from the panels all over Comic Con. Fans of Smith’s were doing everything humanly possible to get a seat to see Smith.

Indigo at the Hilton Bayfront spent the day hosting to some of the most popular television shows. Beginning with Steven Universe, the morning continued with NBC’s The Good Place, Kypton, Manifest, Legacies, Cosmos: Possible Worlds, and The Orville. TV Guide brought the TV Guide Magazine’s Fan Favorites which is always fun.

The afternoon ended with Deadly Class, The Magicians and a delight to my senses Twin Peaks and the Revival of the Classic. Nothing made my year more than the successful return of Agent Cooper and last years return of Twin Peaks: The Return. This was a chance to hear from the cast about also returning to the iconic show.

One of the spookiest characters that still haunts my brain in the return series was actor Robert Broski’s portrayal of a man I still can’t figure out but has brought new meaning to the line “Got a light?”

Creator David Lynch wasn’t in attendance but I would expect nothing less of him to find a way to be there in some form. I wasn’t wrong. Sabrina Sutherland, executive producer, read a note that said “I am working with Phillip Jefferies to see if I can get there. Twin Peaks fans are the best fans. I got my days mixed up and I’m going to be there yesterday if not sooner. It’s slippery in here. In the red room, Special Agent Dale Cooper has already won the Emmy.”

Adding her own sentiments, Sutherland gave credit to the fans for making it possible for Twin Peaks to return. I couldn’t agree with her more! That leads to the big question – will we see more of Agent Dale Cooper and the motley crew of the town known as Twin Peaks? The answer is still floating out there in Lynch’s universe because they certainly didn’t give up anything at the panel.

That’s okay, we will all be here when (not if) it’s time to go to our favorite town – and we always have pie to keep us company.

Back in Ballroom 20, the day there was no less hectic. The panels consisted of Black Lightening, The Simpsons, American Dad! and Family Guy (I mean really, how can you have Comic Con without them?), The Gifted, Supergirl and Arrow. The crowd became really excited as DC’s Legends of Tomorrow and The Flash.

The evening in Ballroom 20 ended with YouTube’s Origin Presents The Comic-Con International Masquerade.

Of course these are just tidbits of the adventures waiting to be had at the Convention Center and all places surrounding San Diego Comic Con 2018. There will be more in depth information in the weeks to come but for now – we have one more day of panels and tomorrow is family days!

Stay tuned!

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: Dead Men Tell No Tales Sails onto Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Jack is back coming to Bluray/DVD and Digital HD as directors Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg along with Walt Disney Pictures is PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: Dead Men Tell No Tales.

Henry Turner (Brenton Thwaites) is a young man who wants one thing – to see his father Will Turner permanently returned to dry land. What he needs is Poseidon’s Trident and the map that will lead him there to break the curse holding his father deep in the ocean.

Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario) is a young woman who holds a map to the where the trident is and only she can read it. Basically it’s because she can read the stars where as most pirates can’t, well, read.

Someone who can help them is Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) but he’s not having the best lucky with a crew lately. As if that’s not enough, Henry tells Jack that a ghost named Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem) pretty much wants his head on a platter.

Unphased by the prospect of losing his head, Jack is more focused on what he’s always focused on – getting his hands on the Pearl! When Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) comes upon the hair flowing Captain Salazar, a deal is struck to find Jack together.

Jack, Henry and Carina try to stay one step ahead of Barbossa and Barbossa tries to stay two steps ahead of Salazar. As they all get closer to the prize, there are still scores to settle and a few surprises for them all.

This is the life of a pirate!

Depp as Jack Sparrow puts a period at the end of his time as a pirate. His usual throwing caution to the wind and not being upset by much, Depp throws out lines and facial reactions that continue to make us all laugh. Jack Sparrow is endearing and even to the very end he seems to be able to come out with what he truly wants.

Thwaites as Henry Turner is a young actor that is able to pull off the role of a kid who just wants his Dad back. Becoming somewhat of an expert on the legends of the sea, Thwaites is charming, caring and daring all rolled into one. Scodelario as Carina is a smart young woman who is misunderstood by, well, pirates. Looking for the trident is her mission to finding her own family.

Rush as Barbossa is his usual peg-legged self who wants to keep the money rolling in and going up against Jack is just topping on the cake. Bardem as Salazar is kind of creepy but then again he is a tad upset at Jack so we have to let him get out his frustration. The cgi around his character is more than a tad disturbing and cool at the same time.

Other cast include Kevin McNally as Gibbs, David Wenham as Scarfield, Stephen Graham as Scrum, Adam Brown as Cremble, Orlando Bloom as Will Turner and Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Swann. There is also a cameo appearance that had the audience cheering so look out for that!

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

The Bluray Bonus Extras include Dead Men Tell More Tales: The Making of a New Adventure – Join the filmmakers and cast for an up-close look at the film’s creation, encompassing eerie ghost sharks, astonishing undersea set pieces, Jack Sparrow’s extended family and much more, in this fascinating collection of stories: A Return to the Sea, Telling Tales: A Sit-Down with Brenton & Kaya, The Matador & The Bull: Secrets of Salazar & The Silent Mary, First Mate Confidential, Deconstructing the Ghost Sharks, Wings Over the Caribbean, An Enduring Legacy, Bloopers of the Caribbean, Deleted Scenes and More!  

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: Dead Men Tell No Tales is a fantastical journey’s we have all enjoyed with Captain Jack Sparrow. Although the film brings the story full circle and the special effects are pretty darn cool, it is almost addictive how we all keep coming back for more! Of course we would because it’s Disney film!

It has been an adventure from 2003 until now with characters that are memorable and have become iconic. Disney has done a good job in wrapping up this series of films in such a way that no will be disappointed.

Everyone jumps on board for another adventure and a few surprises as well. This is fun for the family filled with laughs, adventure, action and characters that once again have us cheer for our favorite pirate. Of course no one else will ever be Jack Sparrow so thanks for that Johnny Depp!

So prepare matey’s for a journey through the sea of adventure.

In the end – it is the final tale of a pirate’s life!

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: Dead Men Tell No Tales

Jeri Jacquin

Jack is back this week in theatres as directors Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg along with Walt Disney Pictures is PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: Dead Men Tell No Tales.

Henry Turner (Brenton Thwaites) is a young man who wants one thing – to see his father Will Turner permanently returned to dry land. What he needs is Poseidon’s Trident and the map that will lead him there to break the curse holding his father deep in the ocean.

Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario) is a young woman who holds a map to the where the trident is and only she can read it. Basically it’s because she can read the stars where as most pirates can’t, well, read.

Someone who can help them is Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) but he’s not having the best lucky with a crew lately. As if that’s not enough, Henry tells Jack that a ghost named Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem) pretty much wants his head on a platter.

Unphased by the prospect of losing his head, Jack is more focused on what he’s always focused on – getting his hands on the Pearl! When Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) comes upon the hair flowing Captain Salazar, a deal is struck to find Jack together.

Jack, Henry and Carina try to stay one step ahead of Barbossa and Barbossa tries to stay two steps ahead of Salazar. As they all get closer to the prize, there are still scores to settle and a few surprises for them all.

This is the life of a pirate!

Depp as Jack Sparrow puts a period at the end of his time as a pirate. His usual throwing caution to the wind and not being upset by much, Depp throws out lines and facial reactions that will make the audience laugh. Jack Sparrow is endearing and even to the very end he seems to be able to come out with what he truly wants.

Thwaites as Henry Turner is a young actor that is able to pull off the role of a kid who just wants his Dad back. Becoming somewhat of an expert on the legends of the sea, Thwaites is charming, caring and daring all rolled into one. Scodelario as Carina is a smart young woman who is misunderstood by, well, pirates. Looking for the trident is her mission to finding her own family.

Rush as Barbossa is his usual peg-legged self who wants to keep the money rolling in and going up against Jack is just topping on the cake. Bardem as Salazar is kind of creepy but then again he is a tad upset at Jack so we have to let him get out his frustration.

Other cast include Kevin McNally as Gibbs, David Wenham as Scarfield, Stephen Graham as Scrum, Adam Brown as Cremble, Orlando Bloom as Will Turner and Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Swann. There is also a cameo appearance that had the audience cheering so look out for that!

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: Dead Men Tell No Tales is a fantastical journey’s we have all enjoyed with Captain Jack Sparrow. Although the film isn’t really a stretch in terms of a storyline (meaning kind of predictable or else I’m just getting really good at this) but the special effects are cool. Of course they would be in a Disney film right?

It has been an adventure from 2003 until now with characters that are memorable and have become iconic. Disney has done a good job in wrapping up this series of films (I hope it’s a wrap!) in such a way that I don’t think anyone will be disappointed.

Everyone jumps on board for another adventure and a few surprises as well. This is fun for the family for the holiday weekend with laughs, adventure, action and characters that once again having us cheer for our favorite pirate.

In the end – it is the final tale of a pirate’s life!