He Seeks ABSOLUTION

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Hans Petter Moland and Samuel Goldwyn Films is the story of a man who is looking for ABSOLUTION.

Thug (Liam Neeson) is a man who has been working for over thirty-years for gangster Charlie Connor (Ron Perlman) being his collector and muscle. Training Connor’s son, Kyle (Daniel Diemer) begins to feel something is changing in him. There are moments he is missing and forgetting names are just the beginning of his issues.

Out at the local bar, Thug meets Loopy (Yolanda Ross) and finds himself enjoying her company. When Connor sends him to a pick up, Thug meets up with Dr. Gruber (Ryan Homchick) and decides to ask him questions about his memory issues. When he is told that the years of boxing and blows to the head, there is no treatment for what ails him. Separated from his daughter Daisy (Frankie Shaw) for years, Thug reaches out to her trying to make a connection.

In the meantime, Thug continues working for Connor and deals with his connections like Gamberro (Javier Molina).  Feeling his condition worsening, Thug begins to try and undo the harm he has caused and it doesn’t sit right with Connor or Kyle. But Thug wants to ask Connor for money to help Daisey and her children have a better life before its too late. After thirty years of making money for everyone else, he thinks its time for a little reciprocation and he’s just the person who knows how to get it.

Neeson as Thug is a man who has made so many mistakes and yet he is not sure how to correct them after so many years have gone by. Once he realizes that something is wrong, the connections he has made in his life become more and more dear to him. The problem now becomes, how does he prove to those he’s wronged that he wants to make it right. Neeson continues to prove that he can take on a role and keep an audience spellbound. His gruff and growling presence allows Neeson to work through this complex character from start to finish.

Perlman as Connor is a gangster that has kept Thug working because he always gets the job done. Having him train son Kyle is important as he sees that his employee can’t keep doing the job. This is an easy character for Perlman having proved he can be a gangster with memorable roles such as Clay Morrow in the hit series Sons of Anarchy. Shaw as Daisy is a daughter who holds resentment toward an absent father. Even though she is angry, Shaw gives her character the ability to forgive in her own way.

Ross as Loopy is a woman who finds herself caring for Thug and wanting to spend time with him. Once she realizes that there is a problem, not only doesn’t she run away, she wants to help until she can’t anymore. Molina as Gamberro is a tough man who is responsible for the horrible things happening to the women in his house. Molina gives us another kind of gangster and he takes it to the limit.

Other cast include Bruce Busta Soscia as Tommy, William Xifaras as Kiko, Matthew Delamater as Jack, Deanna Tarraza as Araceli, Omar Moustafa Ghonim as Armando and Tom Kemp as Burt.

Samuel Goldwyn Films is a major company is dedicated to working with both world-renowned and emerging writers/filmmakers and committed to filmed entertainment that offers original voices in uniquely told stories. This is best exemplified by the Academy Award® nominated SUPER SIZE ME; the critically acclaimed feature debut by Francis Lee GOD’S OWN COUNTRY; SXSW winner MOST BEAUTIFUL ISLAND. For more please visit www.samuelgoldwynfilms.com.

ABSOLUTION is a story of a man who has spent his life doing what others order him to do without consequences. As the time has passed, Thug realizes that there is something wrong and when he gets the devastating news, he sees it as an opportunity to make right as much as he can before he can’t. Neeson provides the performance with depth, feeling and when the moments strike of forgetfulness, it is clearly seen on his face.

This performance, along with the cast, gives quite a unique look into Thug’s life as a man who has spent his life away from a family and mainly alone. Set in a city where everyone is trying to survive in any way possible, those who have nefarious dealings take advantage of anyone who isn’t strong enough to fight.

Everyone pays in the end!

 

 

 

IN THE LAND OF SAINTS AND SINNERS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently playing in theatres from director Robert Lorenz and Samuel Goldwyn Films is the story of a fight for a small town in THE LAND OF SAINTS AND SINNERS.   

It is Northern Ireland in 1974 and in Belfast, Doirean (Kerry Condon), brother Curtis (Desmond Eastwood), Conan (Conor MacNeill) and Seamus (Seamus O’Hara) have killed their target but also killed innocent children. Eager to leave his own killer past behind, Finbar Murphy (Liam Neeson) has found some solace in the coastal town of Glencolmcille.

Informing Robert McQue (Colm Meaney) of his retirement, Finbar is taking time to befriend neighbor Rita (Niamh Cusack), hanging out with police friend Vincent (Ciaran Hinds) and young one Moya (Michelle Gleeson). Quickly discovering that Moya is being hurt, he tries to talk with mom Sinead (Sarah Greene) but realizes this is something he is going to have to handle.

Discovering it is Curtis that Moya is afraid of, Finbar turns to McQue who says no but secretly sends his newest apprentice Kevin Lynch (Jack Gleeson) to keep an eye on him. Doirean begins to search for Curtis and turns to the McQue for answers. When she doesn’t like what he has to say, Doirean enlists Conan and Seamus on a revenge spree until she finds the one man she is looking for – Finbar Murphy!

Neeson as Murphy once again takes the reigns as a man, who the local towns people thinks buys and sells books, who has secrets to keep. As he gets older, the questions of how he wants to spend the rest of his life come into play. Once retiring, he turns to his friendships, books and the town for a bit of peace in his life. Neeson comes head-to-head with bad guys and isn’t about to let the town pay for his mistakes. I enjoyed this character very much, perhaps because it is in Ireland where part of my heart lies, or perhaps all the Irish accents – no matter, it is a very cool film with Neeson running the show.

Condon as Doirean is a woman that has no issue with telling it like it is going to be, punching or shooting anyone that gets in her way. Believing she is fighting for Ireland, that all comes to a standstill when her family is being threatened. I will be totally honest when I saw that Condon’s character was frightening as she spoke with a straight face and never became shook up at any point in the story. I mean my jaw dropped but there Condon was, all in it and all about it – truly scary.

Hinds as Vincent plays off Neeson’s character as if they had been friends all their lives. When these two legends are on the screen, it made me wish they would do more together because they are equally stunning. As Vincent, Hinds is a man who loves the town he protects but doesn’t know everything he should.

Gleeson as Kevin, oh my goodness what can I say! First of all, those eyes, it is a dead giveaway who this young actor is no matter how much he tried to change it up. That being said, he is absolutely nuts but in a way that just gave this character everything believable to follow along with Kevin’s own journey.

Eastwood as Curtis is a young man who thinks that he is entitled to do anything because big sister will protect him. MacNeill as Conan is the muscle that will do what it takes to get the job done but flinches occasionally. O’Hara is a weapons maker and it always kind of makes me shake my head when a creator comes face to face with his creations.

Cusak as Rita is the sweet neighbor lady who is dealing with her own life issues, that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have time for her friend Finbar. Meany as McQue runs his little death business and manages to keep it low-key but low-key doesn’t always mean protected from crazy people. Gleeson as Moya is so sweet and finds friendship with Finbar, Greene as Sinead is trying to be a good Mom doing the best she can.

Samuel Goldwyn Films is a major, independent motion-picture company distrubting such films as ANOTHER ROUND, THE MAN WHO SOLD HIS SKIN, LUNANA: A Yak in the Classroom and the upcoming film SIMONE: Woman of the Century, KLONDIKE and BANK OF DAVE.

Facing East is a production company formed in 2016 by Markus Barmettler and Philip Lee. The veteran duo boasts over twenty productions between them including THE REVENANT, CLOUD ATLAS, HERO, CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON, PURPLE MOUNTAIN AND DER HAUPTMAN. They are currently in collaboration with London Town Films THE UNTITLED PETER GREENAWAY and Michael Gracey’s BETTER MAN.

First, I must say, the lush green, beautiful ocean and small town portrayed in the film IN THE LAND OF SINNERS AND SAINTS just drew me in completely. I actually enjoy films that take a break from the norm of loudness in film. Here, it is a chance to get to know these characters and understand the motivation for each of them. This era is a time when Ireland was going through its paces and bombings were happening frequently.

The underlying story is that of a man who is coming into an age of questioning mortality and wanting a simpler life. Unfortunately, as per Neeson’s roles, Murphy doesn’t get to stay in retirement more than a day before things begin to unravel around him. It is a twist and turn of events, and the twist and turn of people that bring about the chaos that Murphy is determined to put a stop to.

Neeson, Hinds and Gleeson, along with the steely stares of Condon that make this film well done!

In the end – he is haunted by sins and hunted by sinners!

It is His Story of Being DARKMAN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD and Bluray in a Collector’s Edition from director Sam Raimi and Scream Factory is the story of the DARKMAN.

Dr. Peyton Westlake (Liam Neeson) is in the process of developing a synthetic skin but can’t get it to last more than 99 minutes. Keeping him in the lab, he wants to help burn victims with his discovery. Girlfriend Julie Hastings (Frances McDormand) is also hard at work when she discovers that developer Lous Strack Jr. (Colin Friels) has been dealing in bribery. Strack warns her that a memorandum that she found needs to be returned to crime boss Robert G. Durant (Larry Drake).

Back at the lab, Dr. Westlake are still working on the synthetic skin, they are close to fixing the problem making it work. They are interrupted when mobster Durant demands the memorandum that Westlake knows nothing about. Chaos erupts as Westlake is beaten, burned and the lab destroyed as Julie witnesses it all.

Blown into the river, Westlake is found and taken to the hospital as John Doe where he is given a treatment so that he no longer feels pain. Now he has unusual strength and after waking from a coma, escapes the hospital. Julie thinks Westlake is dead and goes on with her work while Westlake attempts to create a face for himself. His anger gives him motivation to go after Durant.

When Julie sees Westlake is alive, he keeps himself in the dark fearing she would reject him if she saw his face. While together at a carnival, his anger overwhelms him as anger takes ahold and his face begins to fall apart. Durant is still watching them both and now he has Julie kidnapped and they try to kill Westlake. Westlake realizes that he can not return to his old life and knows he must walk away from everything he knows.

Neeson as Westlake takes on his role and gives it the darkness it needs. His towering tallness is perfect for giving that ominous feel of a man who wants revenge while also wondering if a life with Julie is possible. I just love Neeson’s portrayal and with Raimi guiding him, it all works. McDormand as Julie is a strong female presence in the film with a toughness of her very own. That’s important as this story needs both of them and McDormand has no difficulty standing up for her own character.

Other cast include Nicholas Worth as Pauly Mazzuchelli, Ted Raimi as Rick Anderson, Nelson Mashita as Yakitito Yanagito, Julius Harris as the Gravedigger, Jessie Ferguson as Eddie Black, Rafael H. Robledo as Rudy Guzman, Dan Bell as Smiley Rogers, Arsenio Trinidad as Hung Fat and Bridget Hoffman as the Computer Voice.

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

Special Features include on Disc One are New 4K Restoration from the Original Negative in Dolby Vision Approved by Director Sam Raimi and Director of Photography Bill Pope, New Audio Commentary with Filmmaker and DARKMAN Superfan Josh Ruben, and Audio Commentary with Bill Pope.

On Disc Two include  New 4k Transfer from the Original Negative Approved by Sam Raimi and Bill Pope, New Audio Commentary with Josh Ruben, Audio Commentary with Bill Pope, “Dissecting DARKMAN” – Interview with Actor Liam Neeson, Interview with Actor Frances McDormand, “The Name is Durant” – interview with Actor Larry Drake, “The Face of Revenge” – Interview with Makeup Designer Tony Gardner, “Henchman Tales” – Interviews with Actors Danny Hicks and Dan Bell, “Dark Design” – Interview with Production Designer Randy Set and Art Director Philip Dagort, Vintage “Making-Of” Featurette – Interviews with Sam Raimi, Liam Neeson, Frances McDormand and More, Vintage Interviews with Sam Raimi, Liam Neeson and Frances McDormand, Theatrical Trailer, TV Spots, Still Galleries – Posters & Production Stills, Behind the Scenes, and Make-Up Effects and Storyboards.

Director Raimi takes this story and mixes together action, horror, revenge, adventure and a bit of humor to bring a superhero movie to life. It is also a dark film take takes a comic book character and brings it from page to screen. As I am a fan of Neeson there isn’t anything I can say that would turn me away from seeing it again and again.

DARKMAN was ahead of its time with Raimi bringing this fourteen-million-dollar story to the big screen at a time when superheroes were looking for their spot is everything. Fire up that big screen television (the bigger the better) and crank up the soundbar because it’s time for his return!

In the end – he is everyone and no one!

 

 

He is Dealing with RETRIBUTION

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Nimrod Antal, Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate comes one man’s fight for his family when facing RETRIBUTION.

Matt Turner (Liam Neeson) is a busy business man who has been spending more time on his phone than with his family. One morning, wife Heather (Embeth Davidtz) insists that Matt take kids Emily (Lilly Aspell) and Zach (Will Champion) to school. It is chaos to get in the car, especially when son Zach is having parental issues.

Once on the move, Matt tries to calm down a jittery client who wants to back out of a deal and let’s partner Anders (Matthew Modine) know all is well. In the meantime, a cell phone is going off in the car and no one seems to know whose it is. That’s when Matt discovers there is a bomb in his car and he is not allowed to get out without it exploding.

Being led around the city by a voice he doesn’t recognize, the kids are getting nervous about what is happening. Trying to get answers, two things are clear – the caller wants a lot of money and is not going to let Matt or the kids out of the car until he gets what he wants. In the meantime, the police are now on the alert but they don’t have the whole story.

Then again, neither does Matt.

Neeson as Matt is back to doing what he does best, one a mission to protect the ones he cares about. This time he is doing it from behind the wheel trying to solve who is responsible and why he and his family are chosen to be put in danger. Trying to explain himself seems to fall on deaf ears so Neeson takes care of it all by himself.

Aspell as Emily in sitting in the backseat learning what is happening and trying to remain calm. That’s pretty stellar for a young actress in the middle of chaos and explosions. Champion as Zach played his part but, once again, a smart mouthed teenager and that I can’t get behind. I get that his character is feeling misunderstood but I’d rather throw Zach out of the moving car and take my chances than listen to his garbage.

Modine as Anders is in business with Matt and they are working hard to make is a success. He also becomes caught up in whatever the mysterious caller is up too. Nice to see Mariner Modine on screen again even if in brief moments.

Other cast include Arian Moayed as Sylvain, Emily Kusche as Mila, Luca Markus as Kat, Bernahrd Pieck as Captain Dregger, Pils Groger as Luc Etienne and Noma Dumezweni as Angela Brickman.

Lionsgate is a global leader in motion picture production and distribution for theatres, television, home entertainment and more. Theatre franchises include THE HUNGER GAMES, and DIVERGENT along with JOHN WICK. Now, adding this film to its 16,000-motion picture and television titles you can see everything coming soon as well as available now at http://www.lionsgate.com.

Roadside Attractions has, since 2003, grossed over $300M and garnered nineteen Academy Award nominations. They have had critical and commercial hits such as MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, BEN IS BACK, BEATRIZ AT DINNER, HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS, WINTER’S BONE and THE COVER as well as so many others. For more information of what Roadside Attractions has to offer please visit www.roadsideattractions.com.

RETRIBUTION is an action ride of mystery until the very end. Neeson takes us on the slow ride through each stop bringing the clues closer and closer as the character of Matt is puzzled about why its all happening. With his kids in the car, it brings another level of intensity because, lets be honest, when it comes to our kids, we probably would make the same choices as Matt Turner.

Even though the situation is based on being in a car and only a cell phone call for dialogue, it is the tension and watching the character Matt Turner try to get one step ahead. It’s hard to think what to do next when stuff if exploding all around and the cops are chasing.

Those who are thrilled with Neeson films are not going to be disappointed. He has made himself into a late career action hero and most of us are on board with it. Director Antal has clearly made himself seen and heard in Hollywood being a part of one of my favorites from Apple TV+ series Servant and two episodes from the hit Netflix series Stranger Things. He has also been a part of the films VACANCY, ARMORED and PREDATORS.

So, stay in your seat at all times because standing up could get you killed.

In the end – just don’t stop!

Liam Neeson Takes on BLACKLIGHT

 

Jeri Jacquin

This week from director Mark Williams and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is a story of corruption and the man who will not tolerate it in BLACKLIGHT.

Travis Block (Liam Neeson) is a war veteran who now works quietly for FBI Director Gabriel Robinson (Aidan Quinn). Whenever there is something that needs to be handled, Block is called in to makes things right.

After several years, Block is trying to retire to spend time with daughter Amanda (Claire van der Boom) and cute granddaughter Natalie (Gabriella Sengos). Trying to make up for the years he was not there for his family, he has a chance to make his own world right.

His assignment is to bring back the undercover Agent Dusty Crane (Taylor John Smith) who is not about to be taken willingly. While running, he finds Mira Jones (Emmy Raver-Lampman), a journalist who suspects foul play in a politician’s death. Agreeing to meet, Block is also on their trail.

When things go wrong, Jones tells Block that the man he was after had information about a program called Operation Unity run by Director Robinson. Denying that their program is nefarious, he also tells Block to just do his job. But, when a story Jones was not ready to release gets published, all craziness breaks loose.

Now Jones’ editor meets an SUV and Block’s family mysteriously disappears and that is not good for anyone. This is a man who clearly does not care who gets in his way where his family is concerned and is determined to find out who is responsible for all the death and why.

Neeson as Block is doing what he has been doing for years, making sure that all the bad guys (no matter what side of that fence you think your on) are held responsible for their deeds. Thinking retirement meant time with his family and no more madness, he finds out all too soon that there are those who are not going to let him go quietly.

Raver-Lampman as Mira Jones is not about to let anyone, or anything get in the way of finding out what Crane knows. She is as determined as Neeson’s character and when they work together, it is no less dangerous but necessary. Raver-Lampman jumps into her role and gets action from start to finish.

Quinn as Robinson has spent more of his career playing a good guy so when he has the opportunity to ramp up to be a shady individual, I am all in. Robinson is a character that thinks he is above the law and above anyone holding him accountable, clearly, he does not know Block as well as he thinks he does.

Other cast include Yael Stone as Helen Davidson, Tim Draxl as Drew Hawthorne, Georgia Flood as Pearl, Melanie Jarnson as Sofia Flores, Andrew Shaw as Jordan Lockhart and Zac Lemons as Wallace.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience and re-experience in our own home theaters. 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.

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

Bonus Features of BLACKLIGHT include BLACKLIGHT: Behind the Scenes and Shooting BLACKLIGHT.

The film is a game of cat and mouse but then what would anyone expect when Liam Neeson has a part. The storyline may be a tad thin, but it does not stop from the pure enjoyment of a good action film. Twists and turns wrap us up in the chase and with a tub of popcorn, it is a great way to spend an evening!

In the end – they’re going to need more men!

THE MARKSMAN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from director Robert Lorenz and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the tale of THE MARKSMAN.

Jim (Liam Neeson) is a rancher who lives on the Arizona/Mexico border raising cattle. The land has been rough, and he is still reeling from the death of his wife. Keeping an eye on Jim is Sarah (Katheryn Winnick) who sees how everything is affecting him. She also is a border agent and Jim calls when he sees immigrant cross the fence or finds someone in trouble.

In Mexico lives young man Miguel (Jacob Perez) who lives with Mom Rosa (Teresa Ruiz). They receive a telephone call from an uncle telling them to run as far away as possible. It seems the cartel is not happy and want to make an example of the family. Thinking they were going to make it; Miguel and Rosa are spotted by the cartel led by Mauricio (Juan Pablo Raba).

Managing to get across the border, that is not going to stop Mauricio and Jim finds himself involved in a shootout. Rosa convinces Jim to help them get to family in Chicago and after seeing what Mauricio is capable of, he agrees. The one who is the least happy about the situation is Sarah, especially after she discovers how vicious Mauricio is.

There is no time to think, and Jim knows he must stay one step ahead of the cartel if they are all going to make it out alive.

Neeson as Jim once again puts in the performance of a man who does not take anything from anybody. He makes it plain from the get-go that Mauricio does not scare him in the slightest. Knowing his way around weapons is what is keeping them alive. So, Neeson gives us his certain set of skills once again to protect a young angry boy. What I love about these roles is that he certainly takes his fair share of punches as one would expect which gives his characters realism in a sense. Calm, cool, collected and having a plan is the way Jim plays it.

Perez as Miguel is an angry young man that just wants to go home, except home is not where he left it. Not knowing how to trust Jim, I think the dog Jackson breaks the ice. Miguel seems a capable young man and proves it when his protector takes to drink. Perez is a young actor who plays his role with believability and smarts.

Raba as Mauricio is one cold hearted individual and that is what makes getting away imperative. This character has no problem it seems taking out one person after another, even if they give him what he wants. Creepy and scary at the same time and Raba gives us the look of a man on a mission who will never stop – ever.

Winnick as Sarah has a history with Jim and wants him to stay safe. Knowing that he tries to do the right thing, she wants him safe and the farther away he gets, the less she can keep him that way. Its good to see Winnick on screen again even though she will always be Lagatha to me!

Other cast include: Alfredo Quiroz as Carlos, Sean Rosales as Hernando, Jose Vasquez as Isidro, Antonio Leyba as Rigo, Dylan Kenin as Randall and Luce Rains as Everett.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience and re-experience in our own home theaters. 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.

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.

The Bonus Features of THE MARKSMAN include The Making of THE MARKSMAN.

Let us be honest with one another, anything that has Liam Neeson in it I am going to watch and love. In recent years he has truly brought some memorable roles to the screen and shown Hollywood that stellar performances can come at any time in one’s life.

His choice in roles has one thing that stands out, the person he is portraying is just trying to be a good person and live within the world of his own making. It is only when someone comes along and tries to mess with that does Neeson’s characters shrug and say, “okay…if you want to play, lets play”.

It is weird to say but when that happens, I find myself shrugging my own shoulders saying out loud to the screen, ‘dude, you asked for it’. A line is drawn and, in THE MARKSMAN, that line was clear, especially when dealing with crazy.

In the end – justice comes down to him!

He is an HONEST THIEF

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray/DVD and Digital from director Mark Williams and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the story of an HONEST THIEF.

Tom Dolan (Liam Neeson) is looking for a storage unit when he is taken with Annie Wilkins (Kate Walsh). A year later they are still going strong, but something is bothering Tom. He has a past that he’s trying to steer clear of, but Tom knows it is time to face it.

Calling Sam Baker (Robert Patrick) at the FBI, he confesses to a crime and makes certain requests when they come and get him. Waiting and waiting, he calls again and speaks to Baker’s partner Sean Meyers (Jeffrey Donovan) who passes the file down to John Nivens (Jai Courtney) and partner Ramon Hall (Anthony Ramos) to follow up on.

When they get to Tom’s hotel room, they hear his story and go to check it out. Finding that the story is true, Meyers and Hall hatch a plan of their own and their boss is caught in the crossfire. Tom realizes that instead of clearing his life, things just got more complicated and Annie could be in danger.

That is when Tom decides that no one is going to hurt the woman he loves or get away with taking his chance of a life.

He is determined.

Neeson as Dolan is a man who has done something illegal and knows that the time is coming to face it. When he does, it is because a woman has come into his life and he does not want to go one step further without clearing everything up. As an action star, Neeson has proven himself time and time again and with good films being hard to come by, HONEST THIEF is 99 minutes of a straight story with solid action and Neeson carries it well.

Walsh as Annie is a woman who embraces her relationship with Tom. Not knowing about his past is what is going to cause her to be in danger. Once she knows what is happening, she does not hesitate to stand by her man. Patrick as Baker is not thrilled with Tom’s continual phone calls wanting to confess and his first mistake is passing off the file. It is nice to see Patrick in the film.

Courtney as Nivens is a cop who is as bad as he wants to be. Not seeing an issue with the problems, he and partner Hall keep creating, he continues to take it one step further than it needs to go. Courtney has the ability to give bad all the badness it needs. Ramos as Hall is Nivens partner that has every opportunity to stop what is coming but instead falls is swayed by fear.

Donovan as Meyers is a cop who is furious about Baker and wants Dolan found, and found immediately. When he finally has a chance to meet Dolan, he realizes something is not right with everything that is happening. Donovan can do both a good and bad character and I like his ability to do both extremely well.

Other cast include and Beth Hall as Jasmine, Lewis Wheeler as ER Doc, Jose Alves as Jose, Patty O’Neil as Sharon and Tazzie as Tazzie.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience and re-experience in our own home theaters. 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.

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.

HONEST THIEF is a wild ride of a story that does not let up from start to finish. The plot is not complicated, but it is fun to watch unravel. Neeson continues his roles as a man looking for redemption but there is always someone in his way. That means he is going to make it clear that no one is going to get away without paying a price.

As I said, this is a 99-minute thrill ride that is a nice break from the world around us and a fun way to bring in the New Year. So, buckle up and remember Dolan isn’t about to sit around and let someone else dictate his past sins!

In the end – never steal a man’s second chance!

 

This is not a Simple ORDINARY LOVE

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from directors Lisa Barros D’Sa, Glenn Leyburn and Bleeker Street is the story of the unexpected bumps in a couple’s life of ORDINARY LOVE.

Joan (Lesley Manville) and Tom (Liam Neeson) have settled into a life that is comfortable for them both. Their routine includes a brisk walk, shopping, television time and humor that is easy for this couple. The comfortable life is interrupted when Joan discovers a lump in her breast.

Keeping everything easy in conversation until they know something more, Joan and Tom continue with their life. When the results are not what they were hoping, the life they had been sharing becomes a test on everything they had been holding on to.

Early into her treatment, Joan meets Peter (David Wilmot) who is a teacher. Now Joan feels a kinship to someone who understands what having cancer brings out in emotions. Spending time in the cafeteria during Joan’s treatments, Tom meets Peter’s partner Steve (Amit Shah) and finds the same kinship of having someone you love living in fear.

As the treatment progresses so does the tension between two people who truly love one another because spending years together with a history.

Manville as Joan is a woman who will forever have a place in my heart. This film brings a very realistic look at the fear, anxiety and frustration that comes with the word ‘cancer’. Even more so for a woman when it is breast cancer. Every thought that came across her face I understood as will most women who have ever had to deal with this disease. From the moment Joan finds the lump to the very end of the film, I remembered that feeling of having no control of anything. Manville is stunning – period.

Neeson as Tom is a man who takes life one day at a time. He wit with Joan is something I couldn’t help but laugh at. Come on, who doesn’t want a partner who can match wits and bring out the best sarcasm. Coming to terms with Joan’s prognosis, he deals with the same feelings of fear, anxiety and frustration except his tact is to keep it inside to be the strong part of the partnership. Even superman can’t keep that up before emotions come to a head. The conversation with his daughter is nothing short of heartbreaking. Well, just when I couldn’t adore Neeson more he gives me reason too.

Wilmot as Peter shares his feelings with Joan, and it is only natural that the two strike up a friendship. Being brutally honest about their feelings is something each can’t do with their partner. Shah as Steve is lost, and Tom sees it from across the room which makes their friendship a bit of a life raft.

ORDINARY LOVE is almost an indescribably film because it is based in a subject matter that most people find uncomfortable. Yes, there are films that deal with cancer, but this is a raw and in-your-face look at what it looks like skin to skin. Cancer takes, and takes, and takes and takes until the lid of safety we all create in our lives is weakened to the point of explosion.

Tom and Joan have a comfortable life but that doesn’t mean there aren’t issues in the life history they share that have never been truly resolved or spoken of. This is also a time where Joan realizes things about herself that are eye opening (if cancer isn’t enough) and Tom also stretches his emotions to what seems like a dangerous place for this character.

Manville and Neeson carry this film from start to finish and they don’t slack at any point. What they give is a fantastic performance that I easily forgot was a performance. Perhaps it is because I have been in Joan’s shoes myself or perhaps, I felt she had a love with Tom that many of us didn’t have going through a difficult time.

So, what ORDINARY LOVE does for those who have experienced cancer, a reminder of what it means to survive and for those that have not experienced it, this is a film to experience how close this film truly is.

I adored Joan and Tom’s relationship in its simplicity and humor and as more of their story is revealed, you feel for this couple even more and become the outside cheerleader to push them toward healing.

In the end – love doesn’t give up.

MIB INTERNATIONAL is Back to Save the Universe

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray/DVD and currently on Digital from director F. Gary Gray and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment are those who serve with MIB INTERNATIONAL.

Agent H (Chris Hemsworth) is on top of the Eiffel Tower with Agent High T (Liam Neeson) to stop an invasion from, where else, outer space. Twenty years earlier, a little girl named Molly has her first encounter with an alien which leads her to want to be part of something bigger, someone who wears a black suit.

Molly’s (Tessa Thompson) day job pays the bills but her interest is in looking for extra-terrestrials and she is wired to do just that. Finally discovering where MIB is located, she has caught the interest of Agent O (Emma Thompson). Seeing potential, Molly is trained and becomes Agent M.

On probation, she is sent on a mission to London where she meets Agent H and tries to partner up. Their investigation begins with a trip to the local club meeting up with Fungus who is turned upside down while M & H are attacked by dancing alien twins! Fungus still manages to tell M that there is something wrong at MIB.

Upset by the attack is Agent C (Rafe Spall), M & H are subjected to his wrath and taken before Agent High T. Convincing him that there is a mole, T puts M on the case with C which is upsetting to H – are you following the alphabet? Now, M has an admirer in Pawny (Kumail Nanjiani) and size does matter when you want to put an alien in your pocket.

H looks for help through old flame Riza (Rebecca Ferguson) and discovers that everything has a history. Now secrets are revealed and the world needs saving once again and only Agents H & M can do what needs to be done!

Hemsworth as Agent H is a carefree agent who doesn’t seem to be ‘in’ the job. He is careless and always being confronted by Agent C that seems to rub him the wrong way. It is actually M who gets him to sharpen back up and be the agent he once was. That doesn’t stop his wit from being fast and sharp but then again we all knew this from his role as Thor.

Thompson as Agent M knew as a young child that the MIB was something she wanted to be part of. As a grown up she never lost the desire to find where the MIB is located and become an agent. She is smart, perceptive and against her better judgment goes along with H. Thompson already worked well with Hemsworth in roles of the THOR franchise.

Spall as Agent C is just a pain in the butt who wants nothing more than to use the neuralizer on Agent H. He is quick witted in this role but then again Spall has truly become an actor that I’ve enjoyed watching. Here he gets to be a douche-bag in a suit who wants nothing more than to make H’s life miserable. Nanjiani is funny as Pawny who decides to declare loyalty to M without realizing the ride he’s about to go on.

Ferguson as Riza is colorful, lovesick and holding a big grudge. Neeson as Agent High T is sharp and looks amazing in “the last suit” he’s ever going to wear. Another suit wearing delight is Thompson as Agent O who sees something in Molly’s persistence and I see something in Thompson’s awesomeness!

Other cast include Marcy Harriell as Molly’s Mom, Inny Clemons as Molly’s Dad, Spencer Wilding as Luca Brasi, Kayvan Novak as Bassam, Larry and Laurent Bourgeois as Alien Twins.

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.

The Special Features on the 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack and Bluray Exclusive include Deleted Scenes, Alien-cestry.com, and Neuralyser: Like It Never Happened.

The Bluray, DVD and Digital Bonus Materials include Gag Reel, New Recruits Classic Suits, Let’s Do This! Inside the Action & Stunts, Look Right Here: Gadgets, Weapons & Rides, Expanding the Universe of MID, Frank & Pawny’s Peanut Gallery, Les Twins Leave It on the Floor, In Case You’ve Been Neutralized: MIB Recap and The MIB Meets the NBA.

MIB International is just a fun alien film that does its job well by having a few good laughs, plenty of action and a storyline that gives us another chapter in the MIB franchise. There are definitely plenty of alien creatures and a thumbs up to the twins which gives me a MATRIX Reloaded vibe.

There is plenty of eye candy with gizmos, gadgets and weaponry that MIB has come to be known for and an appearance of the ‘noisy cricket’.

In the end – the world is not going to save itself!

THE COMMUTER Rides on Rails!

Jeri Jacquin

Get your tickets ready to board the train as director Jaume Collet-Serra and Lionsgate take us all on a thrill ride following THE COMMUTER.

Michael MacCauley (Liam Neeson) is a man that has fallen into a routine of life. Getting up, spending morning moments with wife Karen (Elizabeth McGovern) and family and jumping on the train to get to work is how he sees his life. Having spent the last ten years working for an insurance company, his life is about to change in ways he never saw coming.

Meeting up with friend Alex Murphy (Patrick Wilson), he has a chance to vent about things. Running into former colleague Hawthorne (Sam Neill), Michael and Alex have nothing nice to say about their working relationship or the good ole days.

After having a few beers, Michael boards the train going home feeling a little defeated. Trying to forget life for a moment in a book, he is interrupted by Joanna (Vera Farmiga) who sits and starts a hypothetical conversation that intrigues Michael. The problem is - it is turning out not to be so hypothetical.

Joanna wants Michael to find someone who is on the train and obtain a little something they are carrying. The problem is - even Joanna doesn't know who it is. He is shocked to
learn that Joanna knows about his problems, wife and son and is stunned when he is offered a large sum of money for his services.

When he discovers that murder is happening on the train, Joanna makes it clear learns his family could be next. Now he must walk back and forth on the moving commuter train to find out who doesn't belong and figure out who Joanna really is and what it is she desperately wants.

Time is clicking away faster than the wheels spinning on the train!

Neeson as Michael is once again proving that not only does he still got it but more over we all want to see it. Before going into the theatre, I heard so many conversations of the audience members (of all ages by the way) that they couldn't wait to see the film because it was Liam Neeson. That is one heck of a following to have and I absolutely count myself as one of them. Neeson has the voice, swag and willingness to take hits as this character comes to terms with where he is in his life. That being said, when enough is enough Neeson does what he does best - flip the tables and the audience lost its mind cheering. Neeson has become an absolute treasure and I love it.

Farmiga as Joanna is a woman who got Michael's attention and kept it all through the film. This character basically has me totally rethinking anytime anyone says "let's just say hypothetically speaking" and Farmiga delivers that line so well. Wilson as Alex is a friend Michael turns to when everything begins to go crazy. It's hard to know who to trust when the wheels are turning and time isn't on your side. It's interesting to see Farmiga and Wilson in the same film together without there being a creepy doll or possessed house in the mix.

The cast of commuters is so well done and I'm not going to give a breakdown because this is a train ride I want everyone to be part of for themselves. It is an intense who-done-it or in this case who-is-it and watching Neeson's character try to remain calm and work it out kept my brain busy. Good luck figuring it out!

Other cast includes Jonathan Bans as Walt, Killian Scott as Dylan, Shazad Latif as Vince, Andy Nyman as Tony, Clara Lago as Eva, Roland Moller as Jackson, Florence Pugh as Gwen, Ella-Rae Smith as Sofia and Jonathan Banks as Walt.

THE COMMUTER is a fun thrill ride for the beginning of the new year. This is the type of film, especially for Neeson fans, to gather up a bunch of friends for a night at the movies. I love it when eating popcorn that there is more time with popcorn in your hand up to an open mouth than actually eaten. That's what a fun thriller like THE COMMUTER is.

Of course it is centered on the inside of a train which one might think would confine the story but you would be wrong. There is so much action and different compartments of the train that the action is constant. I'm throwing up tons of props brining intensity and adventure to a moving train and with a storyline of twists.

In the end - lives are on the line!

MARK FELT: The Man Who Brought Down the White House

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Peter Landesman and Sony Picture Classics is the story of the man only known in 1974 as Deep Throat in MARK FELT: The Man Who Brought Down the White House.

Mark Felt (Liam Neeson) is a man dedicated to his work with the FBI. Serving under the Hoover administration as Assistant Director, he knew what was expected of him and demanded the same of everyone he worked with. Living in Washington D.C. with wife Audrey (Diane Lane) he is comfortable and satisfied with his life.

Notified of Hoover’s passing, Felt takes immediate action to remove any files belonging to Hoover to protect the Bureau. Also having a belief that he would be next to take charge of the FBI, Felt is shaken when the position is given to Pat Gray (Marton Csokas) by President Nixon. It is clear that changes are happening and not to the benefit of the Bureau. He stays close with Charlie Bates (Josh Lucas) seeing him as a likeminded agent.

Giving Gray a chance to see how the department works, Felt is notified when the Watergate Hotel is broken into. Almost immediately he begins to see people involved in the investigation that shouldn’t be, particularly Bill Sullivan (Tom Sizemore). Felt has never experienced the level of deceit and makes a decision to stop it if he can.

Reaching out to Sandy Smith (Bruce Greenwood) of Time and Bob Woodward (Julian Morris) of the Washington Post, Felt begins to plant the seeds of inquiry. Everyone knows there is a leak of information that carries the weight of a cover-up that goes to the highest office in the land and all orchestrated by a man hiding in plain sight.

Neeson as Felt is just a bad ass stone cold FBI man who doesn’t let his composure slip for one second. Even when he is disappointed he keeps a straight face that almost says ‘you will not break me’. Of course this is Neeson we are talking about here and in this film his certain set of skills is the stare of a man who isn’t about to let anyone mess with his beloved bureau. He’d rather take apart the highest office in the land than see one brick of the FBI’s building damaged in any way. I just loved watching Neeson take this role and run with it!

Lane as Audrey is a wife of the man she believed should be the head of the FBI. When that doesn’t happen the alcohol flows and so does the realization that she has given everything to Washington D.C.

Lucas as Bates is clearly a man who believes in Felt and does not hesitate to follow any order given. Even when this man that he trusts is clearly doing something Bates can’t even fathom, he never does anything to undermine what Felt is trying to do. Sizemore as Sullivan comes on strong as a man that can not be trusted and continues it until the bitter end. The character of Sullivan is that guy who walks into the room and immediately everyone shuts up because he isn’t to be trusted with anything. The resentment of that is what drives Sullivan and Sizemore makes sure we are all officially creeped out.

Greenwood as Smith only has a little air time but let me tell you something, I love me some Greenwood. The scene between Greenwood and Neeson in the diner is one for the books because nowadays it would be impossible to meet in such a way without the world not knowing about it. Greenwood’s character knows what all of the Watergate scandal is going to cost Felt and is a little scared for him.

Other cast include Tony Goldwyn as Ed Miller, Maika Monroe as Joan Felt, Kate Walsh as Pat Miller, Michael C. Hall as John Dean, Wendi McLendon-Covey as Carol Tschudy, Ike Barinholtz as Angelo Lano, Noah Wyle as Stan Pottinger and Brian d’Arcy James as Robert Kunkel.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give MARK FELT: The Man Who Brought Down the White House four tubs of popcorn out of five. First off it must be said that I can not go past a channel if ALL THE PRESIDENTS MEN is on. I will watch it every single time (thanks Redford and Hoffman!) and that’s how I feel about this film.

The story takes its time in the telling and when the craziness began all I could see in Neeson’s portrayal of Felt is ‘keep your head when all others are losing theirs’. Once Felt sets things in motion, the story doesn’t flinch.

Mark Felt is a man who kept all of this a secret and even when he was tried in 1980 for violating the civil rights of those individuals from the Weather Underground for which he only paid a fine, even then, almost no one knew he was Deep Throat.

Not until 2005 when a Vanity Fair article came out did the rest of the world discover who Mark Felt was and the role he played in bringing down the highest office in the land.

In the end – one man brought it all down!