He is THE SON

 

Jeri Jacquin

On Bluray from writer/director Florian Zeiller and Sony Picture Classics is the story of struggle, pain and remembering THE SON.

Nicholas (Zen McGrath) is a seventeen-year-old kid who is struggling with his life. Living with Mom Kate (Laura Dern), he expresses that he can no longer live with her and she does not understand why. Turning to dad Peter (Hugh Jackman) and new wife Beth (Vanessa Kirby), he asks to live with them and his new baby brother.

Promising to attend school, go to therapy and do whatever his father asks, it seems that Nicholas is on the right path. Peter is thrilled to see his son doing so well, especially since his job keeps him away. But someone is noticing things aren’t quite right, Beth tries to speak with Peter about what she is sensing but Peter isn’t convinced.

Peter visits his father Anthony (Anthony Hopkins) and revisits old issues but Dad is not hearing it. Instead, he is making it clear that it is ridiculous that Peter lives in the past and holds resentments toward him. Returning home, Peter discovers that Nicholas has not been keeping his promises and a spiral sends the whole family into a place no family wants too ever be.

Jackman as Peter is a man torn between two families. Being consistently reminded of the breakup of his first family from both Nicholas and Kate, Peter is trying to do better the second time around. Jackman puts on a brave front for both families and believes that Nicholas will pull out of whatever is bothering him. Jackman’s performance is one of a man who cannot bring himself to see the reality of what is happening around him.

Dern as Kate clearly does not know where to put her feelings. Still speaking of a life that no longer applies, it is a constant reminder to her son of what he feels he has lost. Dern is weepy and needy which makes the relationship with Peter awkwardly uncomfortable for anyone seeing it. That does not mean she doesn’t see what is happening with Nicholas but is equally confused about what to do as Peter. Dern turns on the needy and weepy full force.

McGrath as Nicholas is a young man who makes it clear that he does not feel like he fits in, has no friends and sees school as torture. Normally, if I saw this in a teen, I would make immediate calls and not stop until it was handled properly. Unfortunately, what I see in the character of Nicholas is a raging teen that seems more like he is throwing fits than crying for help. I do not believe that is what the director intended.

Kirby as Beth seems to be the only one who understands what is happening between the two families. Trying to bring it to Peter’s attention, she is reminding him that he is repeating neglecting his second family. She also understands far better what Nicholas is doing.

Other cast include William Hope as Andrew, Joseph Mydell as Brian, Erick Hayden as Allan, Isaura Barbe-Brown as Sophia, Akie Kotabe as Mr. Yama, Shin-Fei Chen as Alexandra, Danielle Lewis as Jessica and George Cobell as young Nicholas.

Sony Pictures Classics brings television, digital content, new entertainment services, independent films and technologies to viewers. Such films as GREED, THE BURNT ORANGE HERESY, THE CLIMB, CHARM CITY KINGS, I CARRY YOU WITH ME and THE FATHER are just a few of the current and upcoming releases. For more information on what Sony Pictures Classics has to offer please visit www.sonyclassics.com.

The Special Feature includes Bringing THE SON to the Big Screen.

The accolades include nominations from the Venice International Film Festival, Satellite Awards and the Golden Globe Awards nomination for Hugh Jackman for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama.

THE SON is a story of two families struggling with the issues of a teen who is living with his own whirlwind of insecurities and uncertainties. Those issues for a young person are serious, require immediate attention and ability to have available resources without a ‘waiting’ list. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

The film also brings to the forefront the issue of parents who believe they can solve a problem that is not in their wheel house. As a parent I can say it is difficult when your child needs something that you cannot provide, but then again, if there is someone who can you can believe I’d get my kid to them.

I found the characters of Peter and Kate just so clearly in denial of everything. Their own lives, their unresolved issues, and their inability to admit to practically anything that has happened between them and the issues about Nicholas. They seemed more concerned about optics than solving the problem.

Then again, that’s just the opinion of someone who raised four kids.

In the end – family is complicated and love even more so.

THE SON

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Florian Zeiller and Sony Picture Classics is the story of struggle, pain and remembering THE SON.

Nicholas (Zen McGrath) is a seventeen-year-old kid who is struggling with his life. Living with Mom Kate (Laura Dern), he expresses that he can no longer live with her and she does not understand why. Turning to dad Peter (Hugh Jackman) and new wife Beth (Vanessa Kirby), he asks to live with them and his new baby brother.

Promising to attend school, go to therapy and do whatever his father asks, it seems that Nicholas is on the right path. Peter is thrilled to see his son doing so well, especially since his job keeps him away. But someone is noticing things aren’t quite right, Beth tries to speak with Peter about what she is sensing but Peter isn’t convinced.

Peter visits his father Anthony (Anthony Hopkins) and revisits old issues but Dad is not hearing it. Instead, he is making it clear that it is ridiculous that Peter lives in the past and holds resentments toward him. Returning home, Peter discovers that Nicholas has not been keeping his promises and a spiral sends the whole family into a place no family wants too ever be.

Jackman as Peter is a man torn between two families. Being consistently reminded of the breakup of his first family from both Nicholas and Kate, Peter is trying to do better the second time around. Jackman puts on a brave front for both families and believes that Nicholas will pull out of whatever is bothering him. Jackman’s performance is one of a man who can not bring him self to see the reality of what is happening around him.

Dern as Kate clearly does not know where to put her feelings. Still speaking of a life that no longer applies, it is a constant reminder to her son of what he feels he has lost. Dern is weepy and needy which makes the relationship with Peter awkwardly uncomfortable for anyone seeing it. That does not mean she doesn’t see what is happening with Nicholas but is equally confused about what to do as Peter. Dern turns on the needy and weepy full force.

McGrath as Nicholas is a young man who makes it clear that he does not feel like he fits in, has no friends and sees school as torture. Normally, if I saw this in a teen, I would make immediate calls and not stop until it was handled properly. Unfortunately, what I see in the character of Nicholas is a raging teen that seems more like he is throwing fits than crying for help. I do not believe that is what the director intended.

Kirby as Beth seems to be the only one who understands what is happening between the two families. Trying to bring it to Peter’s attention, she is reminding him that he is repeating neglecting his second family. She also understands far better what Nicholas is doing.

Other cast include William Hope as Andrew, Joseph Mydell as Brian, Erick Hayden as Allan, Isaura Barbe-Brown as Sophia, Akie Kotabe as Mr. Yama, Shin-Fei Chen as Alexandra, Danielle Lewis as Jessica and George Cobell as young Nicholas.

Sony Pictures Classics brings television, digital content, new entertainment services, independent films and technologies to viewers. Such films as GREED, THE BURNT ORANGE HERESY, THE CLIMB, CHARM CITY KINGS, I CARRY YOU WITH ME and THE FATHER are just a few of the current and upcoming releases. For more information on what Sony Pictures Classics has to offer please visit www.sonyclassics.com. 

The accolades include nominations from the Venice International Film Festival, Satellite Awards and the Golden Globe Awards nomination for Hugh Jackman for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama.

THE SON is a story of two families struggling with the issues of a teen who is living with his own whirlwind of insecurities and uncertainties. Those issues for a young person are serious, require immediate attention and ability to have available resources without a ‘waiting’ list. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

The film also brings to the forefront the issue of parents who believe they can solve a problem that is not in their wheel house. As a parent I can say it is difficult when your child needs something that you can not provide, but then again, if there is someone who can you can believe I’d get my kid to them.

I found the characters of Peter and Kate just so clearly in denial of everything. Their own lives, their unresolved issues, and their inability to admit to practically anything that has happened between them and the issues about Nicholas. They seemed more concerned about optics than solving the problem.

Then again, that’s just the opinion of someone who raised four kids.

In the end – family is complicated and love even more so.

JURASSIC WORLD: Dominion

 Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this week from writer/director Colin Trevorrow and Universal Pictures is the next chapter in the story of JURASSIC WORLD: Dominion.

The dinosaurs are now living among everyone in the world but up in the snowy mountains, Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) is living the dino-cowboy-roundup life with girlfriend Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) and the mysterious young girl Maisie Lockwood (Isabella Sermon). Also living in the woods is Owen’s raptor Blue who has managed to become a parent of young Beta.

The reasons for keeping Maisie away from prying eyes is a mystery but one that others are very interested in. Seeing Owen and Claire as parental figures, that means she is also going to rebel against them a little. That is until she and Beta are kidnapped sending her parents on a journey to rescue her. Owen is keeping his promise to Blue and, with Claire, going after their girl!

In a local corn field, Dr. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern) discovers huge locust that have been modified and are on the move to destroy every crop in their path, every crop except the one seeded by Dr. Lewis Dodgson (Campbell Scott), CEO of Biosyn Genetics. Realizing she needs help; Dr. Sattler turns to the one person she can trust Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill).

With an invite to Biosyn from Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum), that is there in to find a way to turn around the giant destroyers. On their way to Italy also is Kayla Watts (DeWanda Wise), a pilot who sees the young Maisie being escorted to Biosyn. She soon runs into Owen and Claire learning that they are looking for the girl and agrees to help them.

At Biosyn, Sattler and Grant are met by Ramsay Cole (Mamoudou Athie) who introduces them to Dr. Dodgson and takes them to see Malcolm. After pleasantries, Malcolm makes it clear he wants to help the two find what they are looking for to stop the madness. Maisie is taken to see Dr. Henry Wu (BD Wong) who has much to tell the teen about her past and what makes her so special.

What they all do not know is that they are mere steps from coming together to do the one thing that should have been done years ago but life always finds a way!

Pratt is back as Owen giving us dino-cowboy vibes who wants to protect them, Claire and mysterious Maisie. Pratt goes straight for the action with his motorcycle chase and it is fast paced, but then again, his character is being chased by raptors. Howard as Claire is trying to connect with Maisie but the “you’re not my mom” card gets played. That does not stop Claire from doing whatever she must to rescue the girl.

Sermon as Maisie is full of mystery but once it is revealed, personally not sure what it really has to do with dinosaurs or anything else for that matter. She does make a connection with Blue’s kid Beta but Sermon seems to be in the film for being a kid for kids sake. Reverting a bit to the original JURASSIC PARK, this character tries to get us to go back to something that supposedly happened but I’m not getting it. Athie as Ramsay is a twitchy character that is taken in by Dr.’s Dodgson and Dr. Malcolm. 

Believing he is part of something good, it becomes clear (as it usually does with people of conscience) that bad things are being done just because they can be. Wong as Dr. Wu is something else, every time he is on the screen, he looks like he is about to either have a nervous breakdown or a good cry. Trying to change his character’s persona is a big stretch as the narrative becomes “I just want to make it right”, yea.

Wise as Kayla is a fast and furious airplane pilot that wants to collect her money and stay out of other people’s business. When it comes to meeting Claire and realizing what part Maisie plays in this, her tune changes and she becomes a super heroine of sorts. Scott as Dr. Dodgson is a little weird, a bit creepy and just not your average looking bad guy. That makes it funny to watch how his mind works.

Let’s talk Dern as Dr. Sattler, she returns and reconnects with her 1993 friends. Without missing a beat, Dern takes back her role as the excited doctor with a cause and this time it is one that could destroy the planet. Neill as Dr. Grant is still digging up the past and when he sees Sattler again, he is willing to get back out in the world and go on this crazy journey to find answers. Neill reaches in and gives us a still cagey character who seems to have an issue still with Malcolm.

Speaking of Malcolm, I am thrilled to see Jeff Goldblum back on the screen in this role. He delivers everything that I was hoping for. His character makes total sense in the way he feels and dang if he didn’t bring the laughs along with him. One-liners, observations and gestures are what make Dr. Malcolm the character that he is. I swear I spit soda through my nose when I saw the scene with the unbuttoned shirt – absolutely hilarious!

Other cast include Omar Sy as Barry Sembene, Justice smith as Franklin Webb, Scott Haze as Rainn Delacourt, Dichen Lachman as Soyona Santos, Daniella Pineda as Dr. Zia Rodriguez, Kristoffer Polaha as Wyatt Huntley, Elva Trill as Charlotte Lockwood, and Varada Sethu as Shira.

JURASSIC WORLD: Dominion – <insert sigh here> - I want to say I was blow away but sadly, I was not. The cinematography started out grainy and old looking so I was not sure what that was all about. The storyline is really muddled and I just gave up trying to figure it out. I mean let’s be real, the film runs two hours and twenty-six minutes which means getting to understand anything, well, just cannot happen.

There are chase scenes with raptors and the introduction of a new scarier dinosaur making the T-Rex appear to be tame by comparison. The characters are in the Italian mountains I guess and they run in the complex, then they escape the complex, then they run back in the complex only to escape the complex. I was getting whiplash.

I am not sure that writer/director Trevorrow was up to the task of doing this film but if it were not for Dern, Neill and Goldblum, JURASSIC WORLD: Dominion would be a total bust. They are almost just as I remember and it is very nostalgic to see them again. I appreciated Pratt and Howard rescuing the girl but the story of the girl is, to me, ridiculous. Seeing Pratt and Blue on screen together was so dang sweet. 

So, just a thought here but maybe because you can do a thing does not mean you should do a thing – and the thing is JURASSIC WORLD: Dominion had the opportunity to be frakken amazing but instead feels like a throw together mushy story to collect dino-bucks from thirsty movie goers. Is it the worse thing I have ever seen? Hardly. It is just disappointing.

But, no worries, the film will make tons of money because it has the word Jurassic in it and because there are those that long for characters like Sattler, Malcolm, Grant, which is why Owen and Claire succeeded in being awesome characters. The rest is Jurassic dressing with dino-slight-of-hand.

In the end – it did not start here but it certainly should end here!

LITTLE WOMEN Comes Home

Jeri Jacquin

Now on Digital and coming to Bluray and DVD from writer/director Greta Gerwig and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment based on the beloved novel by Louisa May Alcott comes LITTLE WOMEN.

It is during the Civil War that the March family is trying to do well without their father. Taking care of four daughters is a handful for Marmee (Laura Dern). Daughters Beth (Eliza Scanlen), Meg (Emma Watson), Jo (Saoirse Ronan) and Amy (Florence Pugh) find ways to occupy their lives each with different interests. Also keeping an eye on the family is the opinionated Aunt March (Meryl Streep) and Hannah (Jayne Houdyshell).

Introducing himself into the lively family is Theodore Laurence (Timothee Chalamet) who instantly fits right into the craziness of the March home. His tutor John Brooke (James Norton) has eyes for only one March lady. Laurie and Jo become instant inseparables talking about life and what is ahead. Even Mr. Laurence (Chris Cooper) has taken to the March family feeling all the excitement they bring to his life in the absence of Mr. March (Bob Odenkirk).

It is Jo who has the desire for so much more. Writing and creating for the family’s entertainment has become something she counts on. Her adventures become stories that she gets Mr. Dashwood (Tracy Letts) to print in the paper when she takes the big move to go to New York. Their she meets Friedrich Bhaer (Louis Garrel) who tells Jo only the truth about what she writes.

But it is one poignant moment in her life where she finally puts down the family’s story of love, sisterhood, tragedy, friendship, music, entertainment and relationships that honors the March family. It becomes the book about little women.

Ronan as Jo is the most lively of the March girls with her opinions, thoughts and creativity constantly flowing through their home. Everything Ronan has done in her career and the choices she makes in roles has never let me down. She is stunning in every way and in LITTLE WOMEN she once again proves why she is a treasure to watch. She has a fiery spirit that shines in this role.

Watson as Meg is lovely as I would expect her to be. Meg is unpredictable and yet still endearing and it allows Watson to again grow right in front of our eyes. Scanlen as Beth is bored easily and has a streak that sends Jo almost over the edge. Their constant sisterly-ness is what I’d expect from four sisters under one roof. Pugh as Amy is thoughtful and the mousy sister who everyone adores. Pugh makes it quite easy to feel that watching her performance.

Streep as Aunt March is stubborn, feisty, and doesn’t hesitate to give her opinion whether it is asked for or not. She is more like Jo than any of the March girls but outwardly her decisions always seem to go in unexpected directions. I loved watching Streep do her thing! Dern as Marmee is a mother doing her best during a time none of us could possibly imagine. Being the glue of the family is hard enough, the glue of four very impetuous daughters is heroic in its own way. Houdyshell as Hannah is a woman quietly in the background making sure the March family stays in her line of view as a protector.

Now for the men! Chalamet as Laurie is a young man who finds something enticing about being part of the March family. They accept him instantly and Chalamet role is sweet and at times given to a twinge of sadness. Cooper as Mr. Laurence also becomes instantly attached to the March family, especially a certain young March with talent for piano. Odenkirk has a small role as Mr. March but doesn’t need to be on screen for his name to be constantly mentioned.

Letts as Mr. Dashwood sees something in what Jo puts on paper but he has no idea what will be coming. He challenges Jo in a way to reach for more but isn’t ready for what he gets. Garrell as Frederich tells Jo what she doesn’t want to hear yet she receives it hard headedly. In a world where women are pushing so hard for ever step forward, Garrell reminds Jo that to do so means accepting criticism and changing someone’s perspective. Norton as Brooke is a tutor who also becomes involved in the March family life. Again, he loves them all but one inparticular.

Bluray, DVD and Digital Bonus Materials include A New Generation of Little Women, Making a Modern Classic, Greta Gerwig: Women Making Art, Hair & Make-up Test Sequence, LITTLE WOMEN Behind the Scenes and Orchard House, Home of Louisa May Alcott.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment encompasses motion picture production for television, digital content and theater releases. The studios include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films and Sony Picture Classics. To see what is coming to theaters and to home entertainment please visit www.sonypictures.com.

LITTLE WOMEN has always been a beloved classic and there is no doubt about that. In this telling there is a little more of the life loving Jo with her need to make sure life is on her terms. Then it is life that lets her know they can co-exist as long as she is willing to bend from time to time with the unexpected events that shape things a little differently.

This is a film that is clearly about women in the forefront of the telling. Each of the women, including housemother Hannah, have a part to play in each other’s lives through the good and the not so good. The March women clearly have different personalities and different points of view which make the film even more entertaining to watch. The clashes and the misunderstandings are expected but their resolutions are filled with love and hope.

In the end – own your story!

MARRIAGE STORY Hits Viewers Hard with Life, Love and Relationships

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Netflix from writer/director Noah Baumback is the story of a marriage that becomes a bit of a battle with MARRIAGE STORY.

Charlie Barber (Adam Driver) and wife Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) are a young married couple living in New York City and both are in the ‘business’. Charlie is a theater director and Nicole has been in film and on stage.

Things have been difficult for them both when Nicole is offered a television pilot in Los Angeles. Charlie watches her go to L.A. living with her mother Sandra (Julie Hagerty) and taking their son Henry (Azhy Robertson) with her. Its difficult to get away for Charlie with a play coming to Broadway as it takes up much more of his time than ever.

The more time the couple spends away from each other, issue begin to arise as Nicole feels neglected by Charlie. To his surprise Nicole is talking to attorney Nora Fanshaw (Laura Dern) who tells Charlie to get a lawyer of his own for the separation. Thinking it will all blow over, Charlie takes his time finding a lawyer. When it turns out everything isn’t going to blow over, he turns to Bert Spitz (Alan Alda).

The first order of business is to get an apartment in Los Angeles since everything now will be done according to the laws of California. This drives Charlie nuts because he believes they are New Yorkers! This isn’t going to be the only line in the sand to be drawn by Nicole’s attorney. Once the case hits court, Charlie is about to find out how much more his life is about to change.

The lawyers start with the smallest of accusations making them huge and worthy of fodder for the judge to deal with. Watching his own lawyer Bert accept what is happening, Charlie hires Jay Marotta (Ray Liotta) to try and salvage what is left of their shredded lives.

This is the story of love, relationships and what happens when those two things break down completely.

Johansson as Nicole is a woman who decides that she wants something more in her life. Letting her husband pursue his dreams, she decides that its time for her to do the same. I have to say that Johansson character was a tad bit shady in her dealings and I’m not the only one who thinks so. I mean really? I get that using the laws to her advantage is one thing but wow, I was head shaking a time or two. Of course, Johansson gives a stellar performance but I expect nothing less.

Driver as Charlie is a man who is sort of a bit of a narcissist in that he thinks what he does is more important that what’s going on in the real world. Don’t get me wrong, I think he was done under a time or two but at the same time he was seriously oblivious to his wife and young child. This is the year of Driver with saying adios to Kylo Ren in STAR WARS: The Rise of Skywalker, THE REPORT and now MARRIAGE STORY.

Dern as Fanshaw came in with legal guns blazing but then that’s what California divorce lawyers do with a good case that has the potential to be a money maker. Did that sound biting? Oh well. Alda as Spitz gives that California-laid-back lets-not-work-ourselves-up-lawyer-vibe that works well with Charlie – in the beginning anyway. Liotta as Marotta is the kind of lawyer Charlie needed from the beginning but there is a price to be paid for that kind of game play.

It was great to see Julie Hagerty on the screen again as Sandra who seemed to be more on Charlie’s side than her daughters.

Other cast include – Martha Kelly as The Evaluator, Rich Fulcher as the Judge, Mark O’Brien as Carter, Kyle Bornheimer as Ted, Matthew Shear as Terry, Brooke Bloom as Mary Ann, and Merritt Wever as Cassie.

MARRIAGE STORY is a harsh film to take in on many levels because there isn’t a speck of it that isn’t true in most divorces I’ve ever heard about. It is about the break down of communication between two people who are used to having words written to say by someone else so getting their own out takes a bit. They are a creative couple who have created a marriage that isn’t working without special effects.

That’s what makes their separation so difficult to watch, mainly because all I could think was how easy it all could have gone if they JUST TALKED it out. No secrets, no surprises and no other childish nonsense that seems to go hand in hand with divorces these days.

So, I think MARRIAGE STORY should be required before anyone gets married, especially the scene when the Evaluator visits both Charlie and Nicole because wow! Add THE WAR OF THE ROSES into that viewing list as well for good measure.

There will be awards and nominations for both Johannson and Driver to be sure because their performances are very good. Currently the awards up for grabs as the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild so watch for those coming soon.

In the end – just a look inside one marriage.

TRIAL BY FIRE Questions Guilt

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Edward Zwick and Flashlight Films comes the story of the secrets and lies with TRIAL BY FIRE.

It is 1992 and Todd Willingham (Jack O'Connell) is in a complicated and jealousy driven relationship with wife Stacy (Emily Meade). One morning after leaving for work, Todd wakes up to his children calling him. He notices immediately that the house is filled with smoke.

Trying to get to them he becomes overwhelmed with smoke. Running outside, Todd breaks windows still trying to reach his children but the fire causes an explosion.

Dealing with the death of their three children, Todd and Stacy are pulled over after the funeral to have him arrested for murder. The town's law enforcement have investigated the fire and come to the conclusion that Todd intentionally killed the children.

After a quick trial filled with testimony that is anger filled and no defense put in place for Todd, he is sentenced to the death penalty and sent to prison. 

Elizabeth Gilbert (Laura Dern) is a writer raising two teenagers while taking care of an ex-husband. A friend tells her about writing to prisoners and Todd lands in her life. She learns he has been in prison for twelve years awaiting execution.

Visiting him in prison, she learns about who Todd was when the incident happened and how he is now. After getting a copy of the trial she realizes that everything about it was a travesty. Todd's only other 'regular' relationship is prison guard Daniels (Chris Coy) who doesn't want to befriend a prisoner but can't seem to help himself.

As Todd comes closer to execution, Elizabeth races to find help from those who also see the wrongs and try to make them right before it is too late.

O'Connell as Todd is a man with anger and jealousy issues in his marriage. The one thing that even his wife can agree with is that Todd loves his children. While in jail that is all he can think about while trying to figure out how he got behind bars. O'Connell gives a startling performance with moments of somber realizations that how he has lived his life has set the stage for those who want to see the execution go through.

Dern as Elizabeth is a woman dealing with so many things in her life of which none have to do with her. Reaching out to Todd and getting to know him starts a friendship that is based on the truths they both tell.

Meade as Stacy is a woman who doesn't know how to do the right thing. Dealing with the death of her children she is constantly being pushed in all directions by family and law enforcement to agree with the verdict handed down to Todd.

Coy as Daniels tries from the moment Todd steps into the prison to dehumanize him. As the years go on, Daniels sees who this man really is and even finds himself enjoying Todd's company. He, like Elizabeth, want someone to save a changed man. 

Other cast include: Jade Pettyjohn as Julie Gilbert, Jeff Perry as Hurst, Jason Douglas as John Jackson, Wayne Pere as George Gilbert, Katie McClellan as Margaret Hays, Blair Bomar as Sandy and Rhoda Griffis as Darlene. 

TRIAL BY FIRE is not only the story of Todd Willingham but the story of Texas, law enforcement and even then governor Rick Perry. As each step progresses from the moment Todd is arrested to the films conclusion is aimed at added another notch to the execution belt of a state that seems to have the highest in the country. 

No one in the town Todd is from all the way up the ladder seemed interested in whether the truth was told or not. That's what I took away from the film the most - the lack of concern for the possibility that the law wasn't followed.

The cast constantly brings more and more questions to the forefront of the story as the film goes on which by the end had me totally and emotionally worn out. 

Another aspect of the film is watching Todd grow as a person realizing the mistakes he made in his life. The one thing that didn't change and perhaps actually grew was this man's love of his children. The film explores his realizations and the truth behind the tragedy. Is he really innocent?

TRIAL BY FIRE is directed by Academy Award winner Edward Zwick and adapted by Academy Award winner Geoffrey Fletcher from David Grann’s article Trial by Fire found in The New Yorker.

In the end - stand up for what is right and for what is true!

It’s Time to Experience HBO’s BIG LITTLE LIES on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray this week from creator David E. Kelley, director Jean-Marc Vallee and HBO Home Entertainment is the unbelievable limited series BIG LITTLE LIES.

The story begins in Monterey when a death occurs on the steps of the local school. Through the investigation, the police speak to Madeline Mckenzie (Reese Witherspoon), a well known Mom who takes no guff from anyone as she raises her elementary school daughter Chloe (Darby Camp) as well as a teenager Abigail (Kathryn Newton).

Also, Celeste (Nicole Kidman) who is a mother of twin boys is a seemingly close friend to Madeline. New to Monterey is Jane (Shailene Woodley) who is raising her son Ziggy (Iain Armitage) all by herself. This is where the stories begin!

Madeline and Jane meet the first day of school when Madeline discovers her teenage daughter is acting out. At a stop sign there is a confrontation and Madeline ends up on the asphalt. Jane stops to help and their friendship begins from there.

Being new to school, Ziggy is accused by his classmate Amabella (Ivy George) of hurting her. Her mother Renata (Laura Dern) isn’t about to have it and wants something done. Jane meets with the principle and says that Ziggy denies hurting anyone but that’s not good enough for Renata.

If that isn’t bad enough, Madeline is dealing with ex-husband Nathan (James Tupper) who pushes constantly. Part of it is due to his new wife Bonnie (Zoe Kravitz) who doesn’t know her limitations when it comes to Abigail who drives Madeline to distraction. That distraction upsets her husband Ed (Adam Scott) who thinks she spends way to much time worrying about everyone else – except him.

Celeste and her husband Perry (Alexander Skarsgård) are also having issues when he has a problem with not knowing every little thing that goes on in the family. Their relationship is based on physical issues and not always good ones. Perry tends to resolve issues with an angry frightening tone.

Jane’s story is unclear to Madeline and Celeste but they both figure she will tell them in time. Yet Ziggy is coming to the age where he is asking questions about his father and where he might be. Jane continues to say she doesn’t know but Madeline believes there is more that she isn’t telling.

To keep from losing her mind completely, Madeline works with the local theatre on a production of Avenue Q which now the mayor objects to. Not about to give up, she talks Celeste into legal intervention to get city hall of their stage. Perry isn’t happy about this either.

Celeste and Perry begin therapy with Dr. Reisman (Robin Weigert) and she immediately asks questions that have the couple very uncomfortable. With Perry always traveling out of town, Celeste continues with therapy as she is confronted with the issues that are plaguing her.

Jane finally tells Madeline about Ziggy’s father and a search begins for the man. Jane isn’t sure how to handle all of her feelings as she plays out in her heard what could happen.

Renata is wielding her ugliness towards Jane and Ziggy by not making him welcome to a party. Madeline is furious and decides it is probably best that she put together a little fun of her own to keep Renata at bay. Of course the fact that she has a long arm means that there will be more problems between the two later.

Jane has finally had enough of Renata when she discovers there is a petition to have Ziggy suspended from school. The two come together for a confrontation that could either help or hurt but they are still no closer to the truth about the bullying.

The night of Avenue Q, Madeline is thrilled that everyone has shown up, that is everyone but Celeste and Perry. When Celeste is defending herself, Perry is hurt and a statement he makes later has her realizing that maybe it’s time to leave.

In the meantime Nathan discovers that having Abigail living with him is harder than he could have imagined, especially when he discovers she has found an interesting way to raise money for Amnesty International.

As with all secrets, there comes a tipping point as Celeste deals with Perry, Madeline has a moment of realization about her life with Ed and Jane learns the truth about the bullying that is more shocking that she could have imagined and in one snap of time everyone’s life will change.

It is a moment that could save them or ruin them all.

Witherspoon as Madeline is a total spit-fire who doesn’t take crap from anyone. She goes from 0 to bitch in a split second but she had me cracking up the entire time. Probably because I recognize some of those qualities in someone I know. Witherspoon is fast talking, fast paced and tries to give this character so much to occupy her mind; it’s easy to see she has real problems that can not be avoided forever. I just loved her in this role.

Kidman as Celeste has the role of a woman torn by a life and a husband that she seems to adore. Being a part of her kid’s life is so important to this character that she is willing to put aside the mounting issues that are a frightening reality that can’t be hidden much longer. Kidman handles this role with elegance, grace and with a manner that puts everyone else’s needs before her own life. An amazing performance!

Woodley as Jane is a woman who is full of secrets and the time is coming where those secrets can’t stay hidden much longer. It served her well for a long time but as her son gets older it becomes clear daily that she needs to face her fears and face the truth of the life she has been hiding behind. Just so well done!

Dern as Renata is a woman who is in dire need of something, anything! This character is that woman who will do anything to make sure that everyone else follows her directions. That form of control is hiding the fear that she really feels and to watch it unravel is truly interesting. Dern has always been a favorite of mine and between BIG LITTLE LIES and her returning role in TWIN PEAKS: The Return, she continues to be high on my list.

Skarsgård as Perry is a nightmare to watch. His presence is loving at times but there are moments where you can see something else, something frightening and that means has Skarsgård done his role proper. Scott as husband Ed has more patience with his wife than I ever could have. Trying to be supportive and understanding, Madeline pushes the boundaries of that until he lets her know things have to change. I applauded when he stood up for himself!

Kravitz as Bonnie is a yoga-practicing-health-food-eating step-mother to Abigail who drives Madeline to distraction. It is an interesting dynamic that happens in a lot of extended families. Tupper as Nathan is an ex-husband who doesn’t embrace his mistakes because he’s to busy trying to be super dad to make up for them.

Newton as Abigail is a teen character that just drives me nuts. Yes, I raised four teens and I can assure you none of them ever talked to me like that. It might have had something to do consequences because Abigail certainly didn’t seem to have any.

Other cast include Larry Bates as Stu, Larry Sullivan as Oren, Virginia Kull as Ms. Barnes, Merrin Dungey as Detective Quinlan, Hong Chau as Jackie, Santiago Cabrera as Joseph, PJ Byrne as Principal Nippal, Sarah Burns as Gabrielle, Sarah Baker as Thea Cunningham, Jeffrey Nordling as Gordon Klein and Joseph Cross as Tom.

HBO Home Entertainment has an extensive array of critically-acclaimed and groundbreaking programs found on Bluray, DVD and Digital HD. They have provided viewers with some of the most amazing programs with huge fan bases that include the shows True Blood, Sex and the City, The Sopranos, True Detectives, The Wire, Entourage and Game of Thrones. Launched in 1984, HBO is world wide in viewed entertainment in more than 70 territories around the world! For more of what they have to offer please visit www.hbo.com.

The Bluray and Digital HD includes the bonus features of About BIG LITTLE LIES – An extended behind-the-scenes look at the series with never-before-seen cast & crew interviews and Inside the Episodes with director Jean-Marc Vallee and writer David E. Kelley. Included as well is the Digital HD Ultraviolet that allows viewing on iTunes, television, computer, tablet and Smartphone.

BIG LITTLE LIES is an amazing limited series and I couldn’t help but binge watch on Bluray. There was no way I could sleep without knowing what was going to happen next and this cast made it all look so effortless. Witherspoon, Kidman and Woodley gave performances that were both intense, hilarious and stunning.

It is the story of the lives lived behind closed doors and the faces we put on to everyone else. It is about the secrets we keep from one another and the excuses given when the cracks begin to show. Most of all, BIG LITTLE LIES is a coming together when lives are torn apart which is stunningly done by Kelley and director Vallee.

I didn’t know what to expect from this HBO limited series but I can tell you that I would absolutely love if it were continued – at least for another season maybe? There is so much more of their stories to tell and by the end you will want to see more as well.

It’s time to experience BIG LITTLE LIES for yourself! We are giving away copies of the series and to discover how to get yours please visit http://moviemaven.homestead.com.

In the end – a perfect life is a perfect lie!

A Look at the Iconic Golden Arches with THE FOUNDER on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Today on Bluray/DVD and Digital HD from director John Lee Hancock, the Weinstein Company and Anchor Bay Entertainment is the story behind McDonalds with THE FOUNDER.

It is 1954 and Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton) is a man who is always on the move with his supply business. Working for Prince Castle who made five-spindle shake makers, he sold them one at a time to restaurants. He was surprised to receive a telephone call from Dick McDonald (Nick Offerman) ordering several of the machines.

Living with wife Ethel (Laura Dern) in a beautiful home in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Kroc is always looking for the next big thing to keep their lifestyle. Always on the road, he becomes more and more irritated with the drive-in burger experience.

Still intrigued by the telephone call for more than one of the machines, Kroc goes to see what restaurant needs more than one! He arrives in San Bernardino, California to see something stunning. People lining up to get a McDonald’s hamburger, fries and a coke, Kroc loves the food.

He introduces himself to Dick and Mac McDonald (John Carroll Lynch) and they give him a tour of their hamburger assembly line process, quality produce and service. Kroc knows that this is a business he wants to be part of and convinces the brothers to go into partnership with Kroc franchising out to others.

Rollie Smith (Patrick Wilson) and wife Joan (Linda Cardellini) show interest in the business and he shows interest in Joan. Finding a boom in the franchising of McDonalds, Kroc is constantly being stopped by the brothers in making any changes per their contract. If that isn’t enough, Ethel is alone more than with her husband.

Kroc wants to make McDonalds iconic and without the brothers so with the help of Harry Sonneborn (B.J. Novak). His new company, Franchise Realty Corporation, begins the takeover of land that any McDonalds is on. Changing the name to The McDonald’s Corporation, he buys out the brothers which includes the name and takes a new wife.

McDonalds is now a part of the American landscape!

Keaton as Kroc is stunning in this role. He has this amazing ability to hook me into watching every character he has ever portrayed and the role of Kroc is no exception. I love the way he turns a phrase and gives this character charm – even when I really didn’t want to like Kroc.

Offerman as Nick plays a man who is clear about his business goals. Knowing that the idea of McDonalds was something special, he does try his damnedest to keep Kroc in line. It’s when things get out of control that Offerman gives us a look at a man who believed in something and someone only to be taken advantage of. Lynch as brother Mac is the brother who absolutely breaks my heart. He wants to believe that expanding would mean so much and was hit the hardest when it turned on them both. Lynch is one of my favorite actors because he can play both the villain and an endearing character and make it look easy.

Dern as Ethel is a woman who is the perfect housewife taking care of Ray when he is home. Supporting every endeavor he takes on means she also comes in second in every endeavor he takes on. Cardellini as Joan is a subtle character who is beautiful, talented, smart and believes in Kroc.

Wilson as Rollie wants to be part of the McDonalds franchise and offers suggestions. Having his own restaurant, Rollie believes he has a lot to offer Kroc. Novak as Sonneborn is the key to changing everything in the initial deal with the McDonald brothers and it is brilliant actually. Novak is the level headed character in the film while everyone else is shouting and outraged.

Other cast includes Justin Brooke as Fred Turner, Kate Kneeland as June Martino, Griff Furst as Jim Zien, Wilbur Fitzgerald as Jerry Cullen, David de Vriest as Jack Horford, Andrew Benator as Leonard Rosenblatt, and Cara Mantella as Myra Rosenblatt.

The Weinstein Company is the film studio founded by Bob and Harvey Weinstein founded in 1979. Since 2005, TWC has released such films as VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA, THE READER, INGLORIOUS BASTERDS, THE KING’S SPEECH, THE ARTIST, DJANGO UNCHAINED and THE HATEFUL EIGHT. The Weinstein’s have received 341 Oscar nominations and won 81 Academy Awards.

Anchor Bay brings amazing entertainment to those extending their media library and is also celebrating their 20^th Anniversary. From theatrical to home release, Anchor Bay brings STARZ Original series, AMC Network series, The Weinstein Company, Radius, children’s entertainment, fitness, and sports to fans. To discover more of what Anchor Bay Entertainment has to offer, please visit www.anchorbayent.com.

THE FOUNDER is such an interesting look at a place known all over the world. I remember my first McDonalds visit when I was five when the outside was red and white with the big arches on either side of the building.

The one thing that I and others never thought about was the story behind those golden arches. This film is a double edge sword in that it’s a history I want to know but one that I’m surprised to learn. The McDonald brothers are portrayed as two men who have a grand idea and it works for them in a fantastic way.

That is until Ray Kroc comes in and although I understand his excitement, I was very upset in a way about how he went about it all. Does that mean I’ll never eat a McDonald’s French fry ever again – hardly.

Keaton puts his stamp on this role and along with Offerman and Lynch, THE FOUNDER is a film I highly recommend. The cinematography, costumes and sets are amazing and brought me back to that era with ease. This is a story that is well done by writer Robert D. Siegel who is also known for the 2008 film THE WRESTLER.

The Bluray includes the Special Features of a Behind-the-Scenes Gallery Featurette and Press Conferences. The Digital HD allows viewing from your television, computer, tablet and Smartphone.

In the end – risk taker, rule breaker and game changer!