He Believes in THE PROMISED LAND

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Nikolaj Arcel and Magnolia Pictures is a drama of power, love and a belief in THE PROMISED LAND.

It is Denmark in the 18^th century as Captain Ludvig Kahlen (Mads Mikkelsen), giving twenty-five years of military service, asks his King for land to farm and create a settlement on the Jutland. Fighting others in the King’s court, he tells them that his own money will fund the farming in exchange for land and title. This is enough to be allowed a patent as he gathers supplies and heads to a remote piece of land, he deems farmable to begin.

Unhappy about it is Frederik De Schinkel (Simon Bennebjerg) of Hald Manor, a spoiled man and heinous landowner who believed the land Kahlen has taken actually belongs to him. Especially when two of his indentured servants, Ann Barbara (Amanda Collin) and Johannes (Morten Hee Andersen) have made a run for it. Needing help to start the farm, Kahlen takes in the two servants and also tries to hire Romani Tatere upsetting Schinkel further.

That is when De Schinkel decides he will do whatever it takes to force Kahlen off the land. What he doesn’t realize is that the woman he is suppose to marry, Edel Helene (Kristine Kujath) wants Kahlen to help her get away. By becoming a nobleman, he would be able to marry her instead. The quiet Captain wants to be able to make his dream come true and moves forward with his settlement plan.

When Ann Barbara’s life changes, so does that of the young Anmai Mus (Melina Hagberg) who is taken in by Kahlen. After hard work, the first crop comes in of potatoes and it impresses the King so much that he grants him funding and settlers to expand the farm. Schinkel is so angry; he puts a plan in place that puts them all in more danger than they could have imagined.

They have never met a man more determined than Kahlen.

Mikkelsen as Kahlen is just sheer perfection in this role. A quiet man who is quite stubborn and refuses to take no for an answer from just about anyone. Mikkelsen’s portrayal of Kahlen is strong, determined and doesn’t hesitate to protect what he is trying to do and, eventually, all those who help him get there. Personally, I have always enjoyed the characters that Mikkelsen has chosen to play as no two are even remotely alike. Here he shows the resilience and eventually a heart that understands what human beings are capable of, both good and evil.

Bennebjerg as De Shinkel is a greedy, brutal and power-hungry man in a place where no one would ever think to stop him. Living remotely away from the king’s power base, he is free to crush anyone that gets in his way. Living that way for so long, a man like Kahlen sets him immediately on edge and offers him a chance to be even more cruel to everyone around him. Bennebjerg does an exceedingly good job at his role because I certainly didn’t like De Shinkel in the slightest and thought Kahlen showed great restraint.

Collin as Ann Barbara knew of De Shrinkel’s cruelty and experienced it firsthand. It is clear why she ran and quickly made herself indispensable to Kahlen, whether he wanted to admit it or not. Taking charge of his household, Collin’s portrayal of Ann Barbara is strong and is the one person who could reach Kahlen at his peak of stubbornness. She stayed by his side and did what ever it took to keep everyone safe.

Hagberg as Anmai Mus is a young girl who is turned on by almost everyone around her. Protected by Kahlen and Ann Barbara, she grows up to become part of the land and as life grows, so does she.

Other cast include Jacob Lohmann as Trappaud, Olaf Hojgaard as Preisler, Gustav Lindh as Anton Eklund, Magnus Krepper as Hector, Morten Burian as Lauenfeldt, Thomas W. Gabrielsson as Bondo, Soren Malling as Paulli.

Magnolia Pictures is responsible for such releases as SLAY THE DRAGON, JOHN LEWIS: Good Trouble, the crime thriller THE WHISTLERS, documentaries such as THE PIECES I AM and films such as the directorial debut of Italian filmmaker Filippo Meneghetti. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.magpictures.com.

THE PROMISED LAND is based on the book by Ida Jessen entitled The Captain and Ann Barbara. The film’s cinematography is just stunning as it also plays a character in the film. Open, spacious, rugged and eventually forgiving, it lends itself to the story of a man determined to bring about a new life for himself.

What I love about this story is that the dialogue isn’t run-on but instead lets the actors take control of their characters. It is in their actions that I found myself drawn to the story completely. Mikkelsen and Collin are astounding as their lead characters believe there is life to be had from the ground up.

The film premiered at the 80^th Venice International Film Festival in August 2023 and an entry for Best International Feature Film as the Danish entry for the 96^th Academy Awards. There are nominations all over the spectrum of festival and each win is well deserved.

In the end – he is taking on so much more than the land!

FANTASTIC BEASTS: The Secrets of Dumbledore

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director David Yates and Warner Bros. Pictures are secrets revealed with FANTASTIC BEASTS: The Secrets of Dumbledore.

It is 1932 China and Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) has arrived to help the magical creature Qilin have her baby. In his moment of joy, it is all interrupted by Credence (Ezra Miller) and a group of Grindelwald’s (Mads Mikkelsen) lackeys. Trying to save the baby Qilin, Newt is attacked, and the newborn is taken from him. What the attackers do not know is that there was a second Qilin born and now Newt must hide it.

Dumbledore (Jude Law) calls upon Newt for help as he is unable to stop Grindelwald because of a blood-pact between them. Also being recruited is Theseus (Callum Turner), Lally Hicks (Jessica Williams), Yusuf Kama (William Nadylam) and the return of Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) who is still pining for Queenie (Alison Sudol).

Each has a role to play, and it begins with Yusuf turning up at Grindelwald’s hide out which will not be hidden for long. The International Confederation of Wizards has acquitted Grindelwald of all the crimes he committed. Using the Qilin’s blood, now he can see what Dumbledore is planning and how to stop it.

As Newt, Theseus, Lally and Jacob go to Germany things get out of hand when Jacob has a bit much to drink and is still upset that Queenie has gone to the dark side. Starting a ruckus, it becomes clear that the news will spread that there was an assassination attempt by the muggle Jacob! Also, Theseus is taken into custody as things get more complicated. Grindelwald sends Credence to defeat Dumbledore who tries to explain to the young man that he has not been told the truth.

Dumbledore gives the next assignments that first they must rescue Theseus and then make their way to Bhutan where the new Supreme Mugwump will be elected. In order to get close to Grindelwald, a diversion is created allowing Newt to tell everyone what Grindelwald has done. In anger, Grindelwald tries to hurt his protégé, but Albus and his brother Aberforth (Richard Coyle) are not going to allow it.

It is time to put everything right in the wizarding world!

Law returns as Dumbledore and per his usual habits, he is playing a game of wizard chess of his very own. He can not go against Grindelwald due to the blood-pact, but he certainly has no problem going around it all. All along he has trusted Newt with his plans and this time around is no exception. Law gives us a straightforward Dumbledore, a younger version of the character we all have come to love and does it with finesse and wonderment.

Redmayne as Newt is back with his love of creatures great and small and, at the same time, has full trust in what Dumbledore is trying to accomplish. Newt knows that if Grindelwald is not stopped, the wizarding world as well as the muggle world will collide in the most brutal way. Newt is smart, vulnerable and a loyal friend to all who truly come to understand him. Redmayne has given us such an amazing character who believes in doing ‘what is right instead of what is easy’.

Mikkelsen as Grindelwald has had the very difficult task of bringing a second life to this character. I have been a fan of Mikkelsen as far back as I can remember and have always been fascinated by the roles he chooses. Coming into the skin of Grindelwald works because he has the unique ability to be a villain without it needing costuming or grandness. Do not get me wrong, if grand is necessary, he can do that too!

Fogler as Jacob is the muggle who might hesitate for a second to rejoin the fight against Grindelwald and for very Queenie reasons. Yet, when Dumbledore calls, Jacob knows there is going to be all sorts of goings on. I love this character because Fogler makes him what we all hope we would be - a good muggle friend. Sudol as Queenie returns, and her presence is a distraction for Jacob as Grindelwald keeps an eye on her. The truth she knows is the truth she tells – well sort of.

Turner as Theseus is now seeing the other side of the wand and the struggles his brother has faced. Now part of the fight, Turner gives his character the fighting spirit against Grindelwald. Williams as Lally is smart, wickedly quick and trusts Dumbledore implicitly which makes her a force to be reckoned with. Williams is absolutely lovely. Nadylam as Yusuf has one of the hardest tasks, being in the presence of Grindelwald and becoming part of his force. Well done Nadylam because going into any lion’s den is not easy, going into the wizard’s den takes guts!

Miller as Credence has the saddest role of them all. He believes Grindelwald and uses his anger to fight everything Dumbledore stands for. It takes wand vs. wand in order to learn what he needs to. Miller is the dark wizard, yet he reminds me so much of Severus Snape and that is a compliment to Miller even if it did make me a bit sad.

Other cast include Katherine Waterston as Tina Goldstein, Poppy Corby-Tuech as Vinda Rosier, Maja Bloom as Carrow, Paul Low-Hang as Zabini, and Wilf Scolding as Frank Doyle.

Warner Brothers is home to one of the most successful collections of brands in the world and stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry from feature film, television and home entertainments with worldwide distribution to DVD and Bluray, animation, comic books, videogames and broadcasting. For more please visit www.warnerbros.com.

FANTASTIC BEASTS: The Secrets of Dumbledore is the film that unravels mysteries, bands people together for the good of both the wizarding world and the muggle world. Fighting against a force that only wants to destroy, Dumbledore brings together the brightest and most loyal to help him stop the madness.

What I loved also about the film are the little, subtle pieces in the film. From seeing Hogwarts again which made my heart thump an extra beat, to the seeker, markings on the Tibetan wheel and so many more. See if you can find them yourself because it is so much fun.

The cinematography is once again grand in a way that it adds so much to the story. The CGI is what you would expect of the wizarding world and the soundtrack is memorable. All of this brings the viewer (and fans) back into this special place that has captured the worlds attention since the beginning. Get your wands ready!

In the end – return to the magic!

RIDERS OF JUSTICE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from Magnet Releasing, Zentropa entertainmentS3 and writer/director Anders Thomas Jensen is the story of a man who is taking on the RIDERS OF JUSTICE.

Markus (Mads Mikkelsen) is dealing with a tragedy while parenting daughter Mathilde (Andrea Heick Gadeberg). When a survivor Otto (Nikolaj Lie Kaas) from the train wreck comes forward believing that it was no accident, it brings out the soldier in Markus who wants to find out who is responsible for turning his family’s life upside down.

Otto convinces Markus that he can help enlisting friends Lennart (Lars Brygmann) and Emmenthaler (Nicolas Bro) to use their skills to find answers. When they are attacked, Markus brings them to his home where they can work on leads in relative safety. When the group of men go to the house of someone that can perhaps give them answers, Markus shows the depths of his anger.

Mathilde is being kept from all of this under the pretense that Markus is going through therapy and she is thrilled by it. She also finds herself getting close to everyone and even her boyfriend has a chance to spend time with the group. That is when things take a turn as social media might be the death of them all.

Mikkelson as Markus has the opportunity to play a rough, gruff, no nonsense character that can not but help bring people around him that are his exact opposite. The only reason he tolerates any of them is because they can help him do what he believes needs done – take out the person responsible for hurting his family. Let us be honest, Mikkelson does this type of role well in the first place but as Markus, we get to see him deal with the little bit of craziness his new house guests bring. I really enjoyed his role in this because he has to find a way to not only deal with his own issues but everyone else’s as well.

Kaas as Otto truly believes he knows exactly who is responsible and it is his way of dealing with his own guilt about the accident. A tad twitchy, he tries to reach Markus on a level that will allow the two to work together. Even after irritating Markus beyond belief, Kaas jumps into the family dynamic that is sometimes very charming even if it irritates the parental unit.

Brygmann as Lennart is another emotional bag of hot mess, but he brings to the group more ways to get information to help Markus. It is Otto that tries to keep the situation together and Lennart needs Otto to keep him together. Bro as Emmenthaler is the computer whiz but again, he is someone who can go off the rails just by touching his precious computer parts. He makes it clear he will help but no one is to make his life crazier than it already is.

Gadeberg as Mathilde is a young woman dealing with the loss of the family she loved so much. Turning to her boyfriend for some stability, it irritates her father more than it would any other father because Markus responds quickly. Mathilde lets him know how she is feeling and shares her feelings with the new group that has taken up residence in her home.

Other cast include Roland Moller as Kurt, Albert Lindhardt as Sirius, Anne Lind as Emma, Jacob Lohmann as Kenneth, Henrik Olesen as Noah, Gustav Giese as Adrian and Gustav Lindh as Bodashka.

Magnet Releasing is a part of Magnolia Pictures that specializes in films from the vanguard of horror, action, comedy and Asian cinema. It is also the home of classics like Tomas Alfredson’s LET THE RIGHT ON IN, Ti West’s THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL, Andre Ovredal’s TROLLHUNTER, Neil Marshall’s sword and sandals bloodbath CENTURION and Tony Jaa’s ONG BAK trilogy. Recent released include the terrifying anthologies V/H/S and V/H/S/2, Xan Cassavettes’ stylish vampire film KISS OF THE DAMNED, and the sci-fi thriller THE LAST DAYS ON MARS. To find out more please visit www.magnetreleasingfilms.com.

RIDERS OF JUSTICE is such a mash up of emotion, action, reaction, family, loss, and revenge – and that’s just the role of Markus! Adding three other people to the mix who bring their own brand of insecurities and knowledge that it is no wonder our main character feels like he is more of a babysitter than a man on a mission.

That being said, this group of five does an amazing job of checking all the boxes through every human emotion imaginable and even humor from time to time seeps its way into the story. This is also a story of revenge that gets caught up in itself to the point where it is impossible to know how each character will stop before it’s too late.

In the end – someone is going to pay!

 

ARCTIC Brings Life and Death into a Cold Reality

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres from writer/director Joe Penna and Bleeker Street comes the harsh reality and decisions that pit him against the ARCTIC.

Overgard (Mads Mikkelsen) is stranded after an airplane crash in the desolate part of the Arctic. Living day to day he rises, fishes, makes sure a message can be seen from the air and sits on a hill to send out a signal to anyone who may be listening. Living inside the wreckage of his plane is the only thing between himself and the elements.

While sending out his usual signal, he suddenly sees a helicopter and couldn't be more surprised. Glee turns to horror when the crafts swings out of control and crashes to the ground. Racing towards the wreckage, Overgard discovers one pilot dead and another, a young woman (Maria Smaradottir), still alive.

Gathering what medical supplies are on board, he loads the young woman onto a sled and takes her back to the plane. Returning to the wreckage, he gathers up anything that can be used to help continue their survival. One such item is a map!

As the days pass, Overgard continues to study the map and use the limited medical supplies but it is clear that his patient needs more than he can provide. That's when he makes the decision to load up and pull her to the nearest station to find help for them both.

The trip is long, arduous and Overgard is faced with decisions that bring him to the breaking point!

Mikkelsen as Overgard is a man who seems to have fallen into a day to day routine of survival. He always keeps his safe haven of a wrecked plane within visual distance, especially when there is a chance to encounter animals who live in the Arctic. There is a back-story to how he came to survive the crash but there are only glimpses of it which leaves the rest to the viewer. Mikkelsen is a tremendous actor and I will watch absolutely everything he is in. There is something mysterious about the way he portrays characters and with one look he can stop the world from spinning - well, at least in my world.

Smaradottir as the young woman tries her best to not only communicate with Overgard but hang on, especially when seeing all he has done to keep them both alive. Her role is limited to be sure but each time he checks on her, it becomes clear that there isn't much time as he pleads with her to just hold on a little longer. That is pretty much what I was saying to myself through the entire film!

There isn't much dialogue in the film but then again there doesn't need to be. There are a few moments when Overgard talks to himself that made me chuckle and there are times when he attempts to communicate with the wounded pilot. Again that is what makes Mikkelsen engaging to watch, everything you want to know you need only watch his expressions, the way he carries himself and the anger that comes with wanting to survive.

The cinematography is absolutely breathtaking with the vastness of wilderness, the peaks and valleys and the unforgiving moments where nature has its own way of doing things. Each time they stopped, Overgard would MacGyver a way to bring them shelter with the minimal supplies he dragged across the snow.

There are many survival films but there is something extremely breathtaking about a storyline that strips away all the trappings and forces choices that none of us would ever want to make. Throughout the film, this character makes those choices with every step he takes because now survival isn't just about him - he now has a reason to continue that is about more than one person.

ARCTIC is truly a visual and emotional ride that is beautiful, challenging, heartbreaking and will bring about a breath holding ending that you will long remember after the film has ended.

In the end - survival is its own journey.

ROGUE ONE: A Star Wars Story Takes Us to a Galaxy Far, Far Away on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to our own galaxy this week on Bluray/DVD & Digital HD from director Gareth Edwards, Lucas Films and Walt Disney Studios is a chance to be a kid again with ROGUE ONE: A Star Wars Story.

Galen Erso (Mads Mikkelsen) is farming with wife Lyra (Valene Kane) and young daughter Jyn when they are visited by Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn). Demanding that Galen return to his work with the Galactic Empire creating a weapon to stop the rebellion, Krennic isn’t happy when Galen refuses. He sends troops to search for young Jyn, but she is no where to be found.

They don’t know she has been taken in by Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker), it is brief as Jyn (Felicity Jones) is now grown, a criminal and working in a forced labor camp. That is until she is rescued by Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) and reconditioned robot K-2SO (voiced by Alan Tudyk) and taken before the Senate leaders of the Rebellion.

They want Jyn’s help in finding where the plans for the Death Star may be and how to obtain them to help the rebellion. When her only other choice is help or return to the labor camp, Jyn begrudgingly agrees to go with Cassian to the city of Jedah. There they meet Chirrut Imwe (Donnie Yen) and Baze Malbus (Wen Jiang) by walking straight into a street battle.

The group also finds Bodhi Rook (Riz Ahmed), an Imperial pilot who knows Galen! With the location of the plans, they come together and go to the one place no one else would dare go – straight into the Imperial base surrounded and guarded by those whose only goal is to crush the rebellion.

They need to save the rebellion and save the dream!

Jones as Jyn carries the film as a strong character that remembers what happened when she was young. Wanting to find her father, the mission becomes so much more than she could have ever imagined. Jones has the right amount of gumption and emotion giving her character heart and even if she is afraid it doesn’t stop her from going forward.

Luna as Cassian is very focused on what needs to be done to ensure the security of the rebellion. He has the backing of the Senate because this soldier believes in bringing down the Empire. Meeting Jyn doesn’t change that goal, only reshapes how to make it happen.

Tudyk as the voice of K-2SO is absolutely hilarious and clear that this robot has a mind and opinion all his own.

Mendelsohn as Krennic is a man with an agenda that includes taking down anyone that gets in his way. Whitaker as Gerrera sees what Jyn is capable of but also knows the Empire can not be stopped without her.

I was excited when learning that Donnie Yen would be part of ROGUE ONE as Chirrut Imwe. Following his career for several years now from Asian/martial arts films, this is perfect casting. Everything he does has purpose and reminds me of another Jedi master. Jiang as Malbus protects Imwe and clearly knows his way around heavy weaponry which is always handy when fighting any Galactic Empire. Ahmed as Rook is quick and has no trouble showing off his own rebellion side!

Mikkelsen as Galen has the perfect demeanor for this character. He doesn’t have much to say because everything is in his eyes. He has the ability to cut his eyes in such a way that even I’m a little scared of him. I love that he took this role.

Other cast include Alistair Petrie as General Draven, Genevieve O’Reilly as Mon Mothma, Ben Daniels as General Merrick, Ian McElhinney as General Dodonna, Fares Fares as Senator Vaspar, Sharon Brewster as Senator Pamlo, and Jimmy Smits as Bail Organa.

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

ROGUE ONE: A Star Wars Story had me once again from the moment my television screen lit up! Transported immediately and in such a way that time reversed a little taking me back to 1977, ROGUE ONE brings with it such familiarity as if no time had passed between those weekends I spent in the theatre watching STAR WARS and now.

What I mean by that is this film brings with it the costuming, a story that mingles easily into the STAR WARS realm of storytelling yet intense with layering and small nuances that fans are going to get giddy over. It is amazing how one moment in the original STAR WARS storyline (and you’ll know when that is soon enough) brought about this absolutely fantastic cinematic adventure

I do not want to go into details because it is the details that I want everyone to experience for themselves. Just know that there isn’t going to be a disappointing moment in the 133 minutes of sheer joy on the screen. Let everyone have the opportunity to enjoy every aspect of what has been put together for fans.

The Bluray Bonus Features include The Stories with an intimate collection of stories that take you behind the scenes with filmmakers and cast to reveal how the film came to life, A Rogue Idea, Jyn: The Rebel, Cassian: The Spy, K-2SO: The Droid, Baze & Chirrut: Guardians of the Whills, Bodhi & Saw: The Pilot & The Revolutionary, The Empire, Visions of Hope: The Look of Rogue One, The Princess & The Governor and Epilogue: The Story Continues.

This is such an amazing film and STAR WARS fans can’t be disappointed under any circumstances. The film brings many of us back to the beginning with the look and feel and hope that continuing stories will remember that is how we like it!

In the end – it is a rebellion built on hope!