His Fight Comes From THE EAST

 De Oost

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from writer/director Jim Taihutto, Mustafa Duygulu and Magnet Releasing based on a true story of a war within THE EAST. 

Johan (Martijn Lakemeier) is a young Dutch man sent to Indonesia in 1946 as the Netherlands attempt to stop the people from claiming their independence. Almost immediately Johan is curious about everything around him, especially a man known as The Turk (Marwan Kenzari).

The Turk has also noticed Johan and shows the young soldier the way around getting information, working with the higher-ranking officers and government officials and what is expected of him in return.

At first, Johan takes it all in and pays attention to what is said and done. That is also when he begins to see that there are horrible things happening to the native peoples. Trying to understand what is happening and why the man he has come to respect does not seem to comprehend the wrong being done, Johan decides he must stop it all.

He takes on The Turk and his own fellow soldiers with a shocking ending!

Lakemeier as Johan portrays the conscience of a young soldier yet the conscience of many soldiers who might not have been able to step forward. It was the strong against the weak on both sides and Lakemeier gave his character the strength to face the repercussions of standing up for something so heinous. As a young man going through so much, there is no surprise to learn it has followed him home and is in every step he takes.

Kenzari as The Turk is the mysterious man who seems to have control of everything around him. The soldiers, government and officials know who he is and know he can make things happen. Whether right or wrong seems to be of no concern to him and Kenzari gives his character a shivering coldness that makes its way through the screen and creeps me out. Well done!

Other cast include Jonas Smulders as Mattias Cohen, Abel van Gijlswijk as Charlie, Coen Bril as eddy Coolen, Jeroen Perceval as Janssen, Mike Reus as Commandant Mulder, Peter Muller as Major Penders, Huub Smit as Lt. Hartman, Putri Ayudya as Myra, David Wristers as Marcus Waterman, Robert de Hoog as Nachtegaal and Reinout Bussemaker as Johan de Vries.

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. Upcoming films include Ti West’s THE SACRAMENT and to find out more of what is to come please visit www.magnetreleasingfilms.com.

THE EAST is a film of war, those who participate in the wrongs of war and one man who must decide to stand up for what he knows is right. The haunting of what Johan saw would make anyone question why? The character that Lakemeier portrays is a young man who must come to terms with it long after the war is over.

It becomes one man against being a soldier, against fellow soldiers and against those who think they are justified in their behavior. Using these young men to do their dirty work is unthinkable and as stories like these emerge either through media or film, soldiers become more and more aware of their conscientious duty to cry foul when they see it.

THE EAST is a difficult film yet one that is important to watch but it allows the conversations to be had. Yes, it does remind me of the 1986 film PLATOON as well as the 1989 film CASUALTIES OF WAR. That being said, those films also brought out the injustices and conversations. Johan’s story is equally as important and Lakemeier’s portrayal is heartbreaking and relevant.

In the end – it’s a war between duty and conscience!

 

Netflix Brings Immortality with THE OLD GUARD

Jeri Jacquin

Currently as a Netflix original film from director Gina Prince-Bythewood and Skydance is a story based on the graphic novel bring to life THE OLD GUARD.

Andy (Charlize Theron) is the leader of a group of mercenaries that go where they are needed to right wrongs in the world. Along with her crew Booker (Matthias Schoenaerts), Joe (Marwan Kenzari) and Nicky (Luca Marinelli), they are on a mission but finds it to be a set up. After a firefight, those doing the shooting realize that the Andy and crew are not as dead as they thought.

While recuperating, soldier Nile (Kiki Layne) is doing her duty and trying to find a wanted man in Afghanistan. Thinking they had their man; it quickly turns badly and Nile is grievously injured. When she wakes up, Nile knows that something is different, and it isn't until she is captured by Andy does she know what it is.

Andy quickly explains that she is now one of them, an immortal and not just any immortal. They are hundreds of years old and Nile is the newbie. When they are attacked again, Nicky and Joe are captures and taken to a man named Merrick (Harry Melling) with the help of Copley (Chiwetel Ejiofor).

They want the secret of the immortals, Copley for humanitarian reasons and Merrick for purely selfish reasons. Andy isn't about to let that happen and with the help of Nikki they are going to get Nicky and Joe back, whatever it takes. When push comes to shove, nothing stops an immortal!

Theron as Andy is as strong of a character as she has ever played. It is truly great to see this actress continue to take on roles that are strong, tough and kick-ass. I would expect nothing less after seeing her in the 2015 MAD MAX: Fury Road and 2017's ATOMIC BLONDE. In this film she once again proves that she may be down again…and again…and again, but always doing right is timeless.

Layne as Nile quickly becomes Andy's sidekick being equally as tough and strong even being new to the immortal game. Knowing that what she has become changes her life in more ways than she could possibly imagine, she discovers quickly that she easily fits into this new life that she had no control over. Well done Ms. Layne!

Schoenaerts as Booker has been with the group for more years than he can count, and he recalls what his life has been like so far. It is good to see Schoenaerts in an equally heavy character role and he makes it look so easy. Ejiofor as Copley has his own personal reason for wanting to find THE OLD GUARD, but he isn't going about it the right way. Ejiofor seems to choose roles based on duality of his characters in dilemma situations but if you're good at something, don't mess with the formula, right?

Marinelli as Nicky is just as tough, even if there is a relationship with Joe played by Marwan Kenzari. This duo put together are tough and strong in a situation that they have faced time and time again.

The surprise might be Melling as Merrick and it’s going to drive people nuts trying to figure out why he looks familiar. I'm not about to give it away either because I think it will be such a surprise when it comes to the viewer. Melling gets a chance to be a full grown greedy bad guy.

Other cast include Van Veronica Ngo as Quynh, Natacha Karam as Dizzy, Mette Towley as Jordan, Anamaria Marinca as Dr. Kozak, Micheal Ward a Lykon, Shala Nyx as Gita, Majid Essaidi as Sadeq and Joey Ansah as Keane.

Netflix is the world's leading streaming entertainment service with over 158 million paid memberships in over 190 countries. Enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films, Netflix is across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere and on any internet-connected screen. For more information please visit www.netflix.com.

THE OLD GUARD is a film that mixes the possibilities of being immortal with what is means to live as an immortal. Living through the ages, Andy and her crew have seen it all and they have even experienced loss, but on a level that most humans cannot even comprehend.

Director Prince-Bythewood has directed a story based on the graphic novel by Greg Rucka that leaves the door wide open for another film and more story to tell. There are two points to notice at the end (and no I'm not telling you) that will make it clear that it is possible, and I actually wouldn't mind seeing where the story goes.

Netflix is working its flix-off to give subscribers some real quality entertainment choices. THE OLD GUARD is exactly what the quarantine ordered with adventure, action and a solid storyline that is easy to follow even if you have not read the graphic novel. So, break out the popcorn and have a Friday or Saturday night at-the-movies right in your own home.

In the end - forever is as hard as it looks!

ALADDIN Brings Live Action to the Screen

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Guy Ritchie and Walt Disney Pictures is the story of a princess and a thief named ALADDIN.

Aladdin (Mena Massoud) is a young man who finds his way around the city of Agrabah stealing to survive along with his friend, the monkey Abu. He also sees what the people of the city endure and tries help when he can. One day he meets Jasmine (Naomi Scott) who also wants to help those in need.

Telling Aladdin that she is the hand maiden to the Princess, they outrun the guards and spend a little time together. While looking out over the city, Jasmine realizes that a new suitor has landed and makes her leave from Aladdin to get back to the palace.

Once there she is introduced to Prince Anders (Billy Magnussen) by her father the Sultan (Navid Negahban) with Jafar (Marwan Kenzari), the Sultan’s Vizier watching on. Jasmine isn’t impressed and along with her real hand maiden Dalia (Nasim Pedrad) and tiger Raja, she saunters away.

That’s when Aladdin makes his way to the palace to return a bracelet and is apprehended by Jafar. Sitting on the desert floor, Jafar explains that he doesn’t stand a chance with the princess but, if he does one thing for him, Aladdin could be paid handsomely. All he has to do is enter the Cave of Wonders and return a lamp – and just a lamp.

Things go awry and Aladdin along with Abu get caught in the cave. It is what comes out of the lamp that could save them – a Genie (Will Smith). Given three wishes, Aladdin tries to choose a life with Jasmine by becoming a Prince. Of course the one person who isn’t happy about this is Jafar. He has plans that don’t include the Sultan or Aladdin.

Jasmine finds herself thrilled with Prince Ali but plays a little hard to get. The Genie has an eye for someone as well so both are enjoying life. That is until it is all about to come crashing down as Jafar has his own little spy in a parrot named Yago.

In Agrabah, anything and everything is possible if you believe!

I’m sure families are going to be thrilled to see ALADDIN mainly because it is always a joy to be able to see a film that is oriented for kids. Making an afternoon of colorful characters along with song and dance is always a good afternoon. That’s what Disney has been known for and attempts with this film to follow in its history.

Massoud and Scott as Aladdin and Princess Jasmine play their roles and although difficult to break the mold of the 1992 animated version, this is cartoon come to life. The same can be said of Smith attempting to fill the role that Robin Williams made so iconic.

In the case of these three characters I applaud their attempt to embrace their animated counterparts. That being said, there seems to be a sense of detachment in their portrayals that I couldn’t get past. Massoud and Scott work well together but there are hits and misses along the way. Scott’s rendition of a woman’s empowerment tune just seemed more like a cry for help.

Smith as the Genie is blue, he sings and he is charming. I like Smith, don’t get me wrong, I just have a hard time embracing this version of him or the Genie. He also had a few missteps with his songs except obviously for the raps. Pedrad as Dalia get to throw out a few clever lines and be thrilled that a man has taken interest in her.

Kenzari as Jafar doesn’t exactly give the same frights and sense of doom as his animated counterpart but he did make me laugh. I’m not sure that was the point of his performance but he does give it a different perspective.

Other cast include Jordan A. Nash as Omar, Taliyah Blair as Lian, Aubrey Lin as Omi, Amir Boutrous as Jamal, and Numan Acar as Hakim.

ALADDIN is colorful, filled with music, dance and filled with special effects and as I said, that’s the Disney way. The problem is that there didn’t feel as if there was a need to make it a live action film. I would have been thrilled to see the original cleaned up a little and put back on the big screen for a special engagement.

Yes, it’s fairly clear that I am not a fan of taking films that have delighted fans and families for years and feel the need to make them “live”. I know the song and dance of ‘but it’s for a new generation’ – welp, I am still here and breathing and I’d appreciate it if Hollywood would put a moratorium on remaking, retelling, reimagining or rethinking any more films for oh, say seventy-five years.

Instead, put the money where it could be better spent – on originality and new stories for the next generation to enjoy. That’s my soapbox and I’m happy standing on it.

In the meantime, enjoy ALADDIN with your family with a big tub of popcorn and sing along because you’ll know the words, that hasn’t changed.

In the end – the magic is live!