He has THE SIXTH SENSE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from writer/director M. Night Shyamalan and Walt Disney Home Entertainment celebrating 25 years is the thriller of THE SIXTH SENSE.

Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis) is a child psychologist who is trying to save his marriage to Anna (Olivia Williams). Finding solace in his work, he begins to see Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment), a nine-year-old boy who is having difficulties and his mother Lynn (Toni Collette) is beyond worried. What she doesn’t know is that Cole is having experiences that even he doesn’t understand.

When he finally shares with Malcolm that he is seeing people in another realm, Cole asks Malcolm to please help make it all go away. Believing that Cole may be suffering from schizophrenia, Malcolm debates on whether he should continue the case. There comes a moment when psychologist and patient connect and discover whether there is a way for both to find the answers that are just a life away.

Willis as Malcolm does what Willis has always done, embraces the role and makes it absolutely his own. A complex character dealing with a marriage he can not figure out, a past that haunts him and a boy who he feels like he is failing to help, Willis is extraordinary and iconically memorable. His career in action films speaks for itself but here, he gets a chance to really reach into our psyche and pull out our own fears.

Osment as Cole had me from the word jump. A massive talent wrapped up in a tiny little body of an actor that can make sadness so permeable that to this day I can instantly pull up his face of fear in my mind. It is such an intense, emotional and dark role for a child but Osment swings and knocks it totally out of the park.

Collette as Cole’s mother Lynn is doing her best to raise her son but knows there is something wrong that she can’t put her finger on. Try as she might, Lynn is unable to bring out of her the dark secret that he carries all by himself. What I love about this character is that even though she doesn’t understand her son, she doesn’t give up (even if frustrated) and makes it clear he is loved. Collete gives Moms a lesson in believing what you can’t see or understand but love all the same.

Other cast include Donnie Wahlberg as Vincent Grey, Glenn Fitzgerald as Sean, Mischa Barton as Kyra Collins, Trevor Morgan as Tommy Tammisimo, Bruce Norris as Mr. Stanley Cunningham, Angelica Page as Mrs. Collins, Greg Wood as Mr. Collins, Peter Tambakis as Darren, Jeffrey Zubernis as Bobby, M. Night Shyamalan as Dr. Hill and Olivia Williams as Anna Crowe.

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

The first time I saw THE SIXTH SENSE, I was riveted and walked out of the theatre with my jaw dragging behind me. That’s because Shyamalan wrote a story that no one could see coming and then directed it masterfully. That what we have come to expect from Shyamalan and even though there is only one film that I’m sort of meh on (no I’m not telling), the rest of his films always bring out conversations and twenty-five years later we are still talking about it. That’s the impression the film made.

It's dark tones and focus are very intense and, honestly, there doesn’t need to be a big cast to tell this big story. I loved and love the connection between Willis and Osment on screen because even when they aren’t talking, they are speaking loudly. Their performances bring an edge that twenty-five years later, the world knows the famous phrase, “I see dead people!”.

THE SIXTH SENSE and SIGNS, are available for the first time ever in stunning 4K UHD digital now, and 4K UHD Blu-ray disc on October 22. A special bundle opportunity will also be available at digital retailers on August 27 which includes: THE SIXTH SENSE 4K UHD, SIGNS 4K UHD and UNBREAKABLE 4K UHD.

In the end – not every gift is a blessing!

Celebrating 25 Years As They See the SIGNS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from writer/director M. Night Shyamalan and Walt Disney Home Entertainment is the reason we fear the unknown when there are SIGNS.

Graham Hess (Mel Gibson) is a widower and ex-episcopal priest who is raising his two children Morgan (Rory Culkin) and Bo (Abigail Breslin). Also living on their farm is Graham’s younger brother Merrill (Joaquin Phoenix). One morning, Graham is woken up to the screams of daughter Bo out in the middle of their corn field. When he reaches the children, they show him that the corn has been pushed down in a distinct pattern.

He calls Officer Caroline Paski (Cherry Jones) reporting the discovering thinking that it was the doing of local town boys with a history of causing mayhem. Not long after, the news is reporting strange things happening all around the world as Graham and Merrill try to keep the kids away from it all until, they truly know more. Morgan discovers that using a baby monitor might help them listen in on the strange happenings in the field but it is Graham who sees for himself.

That’s when the family goes into lockdown to not only save their home but each other from whatever has decided that the planet should belong to them – they are in for a big surprise!

Gibson as Graham is a loving father who is having a difficult time being a widow. Doing right by his children, he also struggles with his faith and shuts down when people mention it to him. Once he realizes there are beings out there, he has a new struggle in protecting his children and understanding why it is all happening. This was a strong role for Gibson and that is in the proof that his performance still stands.

Phoenix as brother Merrill lives in an ADU (before ADU’s were even a thing) and helps where he can. Once the mystery lands on their doorstep, he tries to find a meaning to it and does so in the children. Phoenix’s character has its own backstory that haunts him as well and now he has the opportunity to help his brother defend the farm.

Culkin as Morgan is the reader of the family and makes sure that at least one of the family members is informed by ‘experts’. Morgan is smart and doesn’t hesitate to jump into the unknown to find out all he can to help the family survive what is happening around him. Culkin’s performance feels as if he is the adult in all of this and I was with him every step.

Breslin as Bo has a bit of her own way of seeing the world and no one is going to stop her from seeing it any differently. She is also very smart, loves her brother Morgan fiercely and isn’t afraid to say exactly like it is. I just love the character of Bo and the dance she does at the end still sticks in my memory.

Jones as officer Paski is a bit quirky but has a past with Graham that even she can’t shake. Trying to help them solve the field mystery, she is also about to deal with something she has no answer for. I am a huge fan of Jones and have followed her career for a long time. She is just a wonderful presence on the screen, even in smaller roles and that says something about her ability to make herself memorable.

Other cast include Ted Sutton as Cunningham, Merritt Wever as Tracey Abernathy, Lanny Flaherty as Carl Nathan, Marion McCorry as Mrs. Nathan, Patricia Kalember as Colleen and M. Night Shyamalan as Ray Reddy.

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

SIGNS came into theatres in 2002 and my family and I were in line on day one. We love a good alien tale and this film is so much more than that. Yes, there are aliens to be sure but, this is also a film about a family dealing with grief, love, understanding and a fierce loyalty to one another. That is the part of the story that I truly loved so much, the aliens are just a fantastic bonus.

The film was such a success that it garnered nominations from the Online Film Critics Society and the Empire Awards and won an award from the American Society of Composers. The film was actually shot in different parts of Pennsylvania but an interesting side note in that the house and field are owned by the Delaware Valley University agricultural college.

Shyamalan, once again, brings a stellar story to the screen, and now 4K Ultra HD, keeping the cast to a minimum and focusing on the family. Having his films as part of my home entertainment library means that when the family wants to have a thriller movie night, we go straight to the shelf that houses all of his films. That is what a fantastic family night with a big screen television and a sound bar can do!

THE SIXTH SENSE and SIGNS, are available for the first time ever in stunning 4K UHD digital now, and 4K UHD Blu-ray disc on October 22. A special bundle opportunity will also be available at digital retailers on August 27 which includes: THE SIXTH SENSE 4K UHD, SIGNS 4K UHD and UNBREAKABLE 4K UHD.

In the end – it’s not like they didn’t warn us!

 

 

SPLIT Revisit Stellar Performances and Fright Now on Bluray!

Jenise Jacquin

This week on Bluray from director M. Night Shyamalan and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the fantastically creepy SPLIT.

The film star James McAvoy (be still my heart!) as a man who has several serious problems named Dennis, Patricia, Hedwig, Barry, Orwell, Jade, The Beast and Kevin Wendell Crumb. One day he kidnaps Casey (Haley Lu Richardson), Marcia (Jessica Sula) and Claire (Anya Taylor-Joy) taking them to a dark and dismal location. He kidnaps the girls with a plan but Claire is an extra not planned on. It is clear this man has a problem with girls and when they stick together against him; their main goal is to escape.

Claire realizes that this man has the voice of a young boy name Hedwig and tries to be convincing about the need to escape. It also becomes clear that this man is responsible for different personalities who have different agendas. One by one each girl tries to escape and their different tactics keep their captor on edge. What they don't know is that something sinister called The Beast is more terrifying than any of the personalities they have ever seen. 

McAvoy portraying all of these different personalities gives him the opportunity to cement his status as an actor. The most interesting thing about him is that he takes roles that are as equally diverse as the personalities in SPLIT (except perhaps not quite as frightening). I enjoyed the transition between the characters - from the sweet, helpful innocent to the creepy-man-next-door but what I loved most is the spots of 

creepy/mean characters, there are moments of compassion. Especially when he becomes Kevin because there is a moment where you feel for him and what he is going through. In the short time he is Kevin you feel his emotions down to the core and forget everything that came before it. No matter what he does he's a sexy man - call me!

Taylor-Joy as Claire is the character most involved with the splits. She is secluded and misunderstood even before she is kidnapped with the girls and is perfect for this role. It's a good life lesson actually for teens that you never really know what is going on. Claire is actually very smart but has been through a lot and does a great job of hiding it. Taylor-Joy gives the "weird kid" persona something to think about but in a calm, collective, peaceful and beautiful kind of way. You will see exactly what I mean from scene one!

Richardson as Casey was the reason Claire was in the car in the first place so we blame her for everything...period. Sula as Marcia is the follower and she had no guts so there isn't about to be no glory. Even when Claire tells her to stop putting them all in danger, Marcia just does what Marcia does.

Betty Buckley as Dr. Karen Fletcher gets a personal shout out from me. She kept all the characters in line and respectfully sought out to help each one individually. I believe her character is one that sticks out because her presence made me feel like I was in the film not just watching it. Buckley captures different aspects of film because it made me root for her who rooted for Kevin and the other personalities. She had a huge role in a way in how the character behaves because she calls him out when he tries to put something over on everyone. I just plain out enjoyed her performance. 

Other cast includes Sebastian Arcelus as Casey’s Father, Brad William Henke as Uncle John, Neal Huff as Mr. Benoit, Robert Michael Kelly as Joe, and Jon Rainey as Dr. Clerque.

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us all to experience and re-experience in our own home theatres. There are films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.

I really think the film is as creepy, original, and suspenseful on Bluray as it was the first time I saw it on the screen. It isn't a bloody horror film but a suspenseful and smart telling of a man with a serious problem. The different ideas and characters always kept me aware but still creeped out wondering what was going to happen next and who is going to show up at the door - and when you are going to meet The Beast.

I'm making sure to leave tons of information out of this review because this is the film you want to experience for yourself and personally I hate when people give to much away - its more fun to discover the creepy within us all right? SPLIT will definitely give you just that and don't be in such a hurry to hit the stop button on your player because nothing is ever quite finished the way you might expect. 

The Bluray includes the awesome Bonus Features of Alternate Ending and Deleted Scenes with an introduction by M. Night Shyamalan, The Making of SPLIT, The Many Faces of James McAvoy, and The Filmmaker’s Eyes: M. Night Shyamalan. The Digital HD and Ultraviolet Watch It Anywhere gives instant streaming and download on your television, computer, Tablet and Smartphone.

In the end - Kevin has 23 personalities and the 24th is about to be unleashed!

Edited by Jeri Jacquin 

SPLIT Frightens on Bluray: Talking with Jessica Sula

                           

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray next week from writer/director M. Night Shyamalan and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the thriller SPLIT.

This film tells the story of three young women who are being held captive by Kevin (James McAvoy) and his 23 different personalities. Trying to find a way to escape alive is Casey (Anya Taylor-Joy), Claire (Haley Lu Richardson) and Marcia played by Jessica Sula

I had the opportunity to speak with Jessica about SPLIT, working with M. Night Shyamalan, close quarter acting and playing opposite James McAvoy.

Jeri Jacquin: Hi Jessica, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today, it’s a real pleasure.

Jessica Sula: Thank you Jeri, I’m so glad you wanted to talk about the film with me.

JJ: My daughter who writes with me and I absolutely are in love with this movie.

JS: That’s so great, really?

JJ: We think it is the freakiest, twisted, messed up, original films we’ve seen in a long time.

JS: That’s really amazing, that’s so cool, and it is actually. When you are in it you don’t think of it like that but it’s true. When I saw it all put together I thought ‘oh man!’

JJ: It’s like – what have we done!

JS: Absolutely, it’s not something I’ve seen before either so I do agree with you on that.

JJ: When you first saw the script what was your impression of it. I’m sure reading it is different than seeing it done.

JS: It was after I got the part is when I got the script because it was all really very top secret. When I was reading it tried to imagine the scenes because I wanted to know what was going to happen on the next page. I read it in a really short space of time. I’ve never been involved in this genre and it’s M. Night Shyamalan! It was exciting although I didn’t realize how he was going to shoot it which made it even more exciting to see it in a theatre.

JJ: Tell me a little bit about your thoughts when you read what your role was going to be.

JS: I thought oh man….her fate! I was a little bit nervous about how Marcia was going to come across in a survival situation. She is with these two girls who seem very proactive in how we get out. I was worried because I wanted Marcia to have a voice but when we started shooting and talking with Night, it was very much apparent that it was going to be a serious journey for all of them. I thought I was going to be one of those girls who disaster was going to happen to at the hands of James McAvoy. It was kind of funny; I think I laughed a little about it.

JJ: It’s interesting when you said, ‘I was talking with Night’ about your role. Do you know how many people will never say that in their life – ever?

JS: I know! It’s actually quite surreal. You become close especially in the close quarters for the entire shoot and when you leave and start refer to it later I don’t even think about it. He is somebody that always thinks through every shot because what he wants is very particular. It was cool to collaborate with him.

JJ: When Shyamalan does a film he is so in depth about the story and the characters. Did you feel like he has everyone’s role down pat?

JS: A little bit yes because he has it mapped out in his mind already. He is so specific in what he wants. He also will break things down for you if you have a question about a scene or something a character is doing. That is quite nice, especially when you are in a high emotional state and your character is going through trauma.

JJ: Speaking of severe trauma, how long did it take you to get over all this?

JS: It’s more like the energy that goes into it and understanding that the circumstances are frightening, beyond frightening. Just kidnappings in general pop up on the news and it’s strange to be aware of it. When you are in that emotional state everyday and heightened, it was a matter of being tired once it was finished. I went back home after we were done and I just slept.

JJ: You were probably really hyper sensitive to it all because, as you said, the close quarters and the energy.

JS: We talked about scenes and what the characters were going through and no comparison to real life but you do start thinking about it all. There is the thought of not getting out of a real situation like this and that did scare me a bit.

JJ: After seeing SPLIT I didn’t want to be around anywhere dark, forests, and weird areas so I hear you.

JS: We would all talk about that too!

JJ: You are basically in a film, the three of you, with one guy that is many people. Working with James McAvoy in a role like I’ve never seen before, how was that for you?

JS: There were moments where we were watching him and couldn’t believe we were on the same set. He would go through all these changes was amazing. He is a fantastic actor and a lovely person, to get through a subject like this and to work with someone who is going through emotional extremes; he was so kind and made us laugh all the time. He was also really generous, charming and a pure joy to work with. On film when you see it all cut together and he scared me because he was someone I didn’t recognize.

JJ: The first glimpse I had of hearing about the film and I thought ‘no way that is him!’

JS: He is brilliant.

JJ: When you were talking about working in close quarters, the only way I can describe how I felt watching it was that your character was confined in a confined space. Was as difficult to shoot as it was to watch?

JS: It had its technical challenges with moving around and figuring things out. When we were all in one room it was very cramped and it worked. I think it helped drive the scene I think. It was intensely shot with everyone feeling it because of the confined space. I mean your sweating and wanting to get out of there and so I think it adds to the intensity quite nicely.

JJ: That intensity is almost another character in the film.

JS: Very much so, I think Night proves that very well.

JJ: All of you also created that very well and what this cast put together truly does work wonderfully.

JS: That is so lovely for you to say Jeri, thank you. You don’t think about those things when you are working.  

JJ: I think Night has his own genre because his films aren’t horror yet they are, they are not gory yet they are – what ever goes on in that mind of his is some serious business.

JS: We are lucky he is the director.

JJ: When people watch the film on Bluray, what would you like them to know about the film that they wouldn’t otherwise know?

JS: That’s a really good question. I would have to say that I really love everything about the way it was shot, every frame is amazing. I think what was done was really smart.

JJ: Do get more into it and be aware of the surroundings just like the characters had to for the entire film.

JS: Yes, that’s a good way of putting it. I think it’s something that I love from watching thrillers like Hitchcock. Focus on James and everything that he does.

JJ: I don’t think that will be a problem – my daughter has a thing for James, even if his 23 characters are seriously unhinged.

JS: Everyone does, everyone loves James.

JJ: Thank you so much Jessica for your time and for talking about the film and your experience with SPLIT.

I have a horror genre in my own home theatre library and SPLIT will have a special spot on the shelf. Turing our own fears inside out, this film will have you talking long after it is over. James McAvoy leads Sula, Richardson and Taylor-Joy in a cast that gives our spines a reason to shiver and stay out of dark places.

On Bluray this Tuesday from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is a thriller that will leave you breathless – just like a good thriller should! Director M. Night Shyamalan is back in the business of giving us all the shivers with SPLIT.