For the First Time Together is the Collection of UNDERWORLD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to 4K Ultra HD are all five films in a Limited Edition 5-Movie Collection of UNDERWORLD from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

In 2003, director Len Wiseman introduces Selene (Kate Beckinsale) who is on a mission to destroy anyone, and everyone connected with killing her family. When she learns about a man named Michael Corvin (Scott Speedman) and that the Lycans led by Lucian (Michael Sheen) are looking for him discovering the reasons they are so interested. Along the way she learns things about her father Viktor (Bill Nighy) and that the stories she knew are made up for both vampire and Lycans benefits.

The story is even deeper, and Selene is struck with the truth about the history and beginnings of the first vampire and Lycan. The history involves Michael Corvin and scientist Singe (Erwin Leder) explains what could come of it all.

The smash hit of UNDERWORLD let to the 2006 release of UNDERWORLD: Evolution again directed by Len Wiseman. It is now 1202 with vampire and werewolves once again attacking one another. This time it is Markus (Tony Curran), Viktor (Bill Nighy) and Amelia (Zita Gorog) who are looking for another in the werewolf bloodline in William Corvinus (Brian Steele) to put him somewhere no one can find him.

Selene (Kate Beckinsale) has her hands full keeping Michael safe (Scott Speedman) knowing she is going to have to have it out with Kraven (Shane Brolly) who wants Markus (Tony Curran) dead. In the mix is Alexander Corvinus (Derek Jacobi) who finds a metal piece knowing the other half once belonged to Lucian. In hiding, Tanis (Steven Mackintosh) tells them more of the history and the first Lycan-Vampire hybrid.

With all the destruction, it is Selene that gets the answers to questions she never knew she had and a gift that will make her even more of a threat to everyone around her.

UNDERWORLD: Rise of the Lycans directed by Patrick Tatopoulos would hit theatres in 2009 with the first Lycan Lucian (Michael Sheen) beginning the next chapter. Viktor (Bill Nighy) takes Lucian raising him believing he can use him and all like him to be at the beck and call of vampires. Viktor has a daughter, Sonja (Rhona Mitra) and she has a passionate affair with Lucian and even when he saves Viktor’s daughter, Viktor’s anger is raging, and Lucian is imprisoned.

But the lovers are not going to take it all and fight back, but it is the elder Viktor that once again uses his powers to subdue the situation. Lucian’s anger sends him looking for Viktor and knowing that a war is about to start with Lycan against Vampire.

In 2012, director Mans Marlind would bring UNDERWORLD: Awakening as the world learns that there really are Vampires and Lycans in the world. Selene (Kate Beckinsale) is put in cryogenic suspension for twelve years and Michael () is held captive. Escaping, Selene meets David in tunnels below the basement where she is being held. There, she realizes that it is filled with sick Lycans.

She also learns a horrible secret of what was done to her while she was in suspension. Getting away from the Lycans with a young girl named Eve (India Eisley) by her side and a coven that will not accept hybrids, David (Theo James) tries to convince her to stay. Outside, Selene is met with a savage battle. She also meets Sebastian (Michael Ealy) who tells her that a corporation called Antigen is responsible for what happened to her.

Run by Dr. Jacob Lane (Stephen Rea), she learns that their purpose is to create a Super-Lycan. Horrified, Selene sees that Lane has Michael also in cryostasis and attempts to free him but when the Lycans discover where she is, they must run. The police are alerted, and Selene, Eve and David have no choice but to get away, even after discovering Michael is now missing.

UNDERWORLD: Blood Wars hit theatres in 2016 directed by Anna Foerster and the final installment to the franchise. Now it is the vampires that are in jeopardy of being vanquished totally by the Lycans. Selene (Kate Beckinsale) is being hunted by both sides as Marius, leader of the Lycans, wants the young girl Eve and the vampires are still a little upset about what happened to Viktor.

Thomas (Charles Dance) has reluctantly agreed to allow Selene, bringing David (Theo James), to come into his coven to train new Death Dealers but Semira (Lara Pulver) and Varga (Bradley James) are furious with the arrangement and set in motion death of other vampires and the draining of Selene. Once again on the run, more attacks happen to other covens. In the midst of it all, David learns that he is the rightful heir to the Easter Coven and returns to claim his place.

Selene, believing her time is over, is taken in by the Nordic Coven led by Lena (Clementine Nicholson). Now the war comes to a head as it is time for a changing of the guard – but it is not going to be easy as the blood war rages, and Selene finally gets the answers she needs. Now, Selene, David and Lena chose to rule, and Eve is safe.

Beckinsale as Selene has taken the story of her character into so many different story directions that it is incredible to have all five of these films together to binge (which I love doing) the action. Spending thirteen years telling Selene’s story, Beckinsale left no emotional stone unturned and brought audiences back for more.

Sheen as Lucian also puts his mark on the story but then again anything Sheen does – sign me up. Equally, Nighy returning again and again to play Viktor is just such a joy to watch. The same can be said for the incredible talent of Dance as Thomas. These actors bring to much to these characters to make them not only awesomely interesting but irreplaceable in the storyline.

The addition of James brings in the fresh blood yet still has its place in the original story of the vampires and Lycans mythology.

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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.

UNDERWORLD Bonus Features include: 4K Ultra HD, Theatrical & Extended Versions of the Film, and Alternate Flashbacks. The Bluray includes Extended Version of the Film, Director & Cast Commentary, Fang vs. Fiction Documentary, 7 Featurettes, Outtakes, Storyboard Comparisons and “Worms of the Earth” by Finch.

UNDERWORLD: Evolution Bonus Features include: 4K Ultra HD Theatrical Trailer. The Bluray includes Director & Filmmaker Commentary, The Hybrid Theory, The War Rages On, Bloodlines: From Script to Screen, Making Monsters Roar, Building a Saga, Music and Mayhem and “Her Portrait in Black” by Atreyu.

UNDERWORLD: Rise of the Lycans Bonus Features include: 4K Ultra HD Rise of the Lycans: Inside the Castle Walls and Theatrical Trailer. The Bluray includes Behind the Castle Walls: Picture-in-Picture Experience, Filmmaker Commentary, 3 Featurettes, and “Death Club” by William Control featuring Matt Skiba.

UNDERWORLD: Awakening Bonus Features include: 4K Ultra HD Underworld: Endless War 3-Part Animated Series and Theatrical Trailer. The Bluray includes Cracking the UNDERWORLD: Picture-in-Picture Experience, Filmmakers Commentary, 5 Featurettes, and Blooper Reel.

UNDERWORLD: Blood Wars Bonus Features include: 4K Ultra HD Franchise Recap and Theatrical Trailer. The Bluray includes UNDERWORLD: Blood Wars – The Official Movie Graphic Novel, The Evolution of Selene, Building a Blood War, Old & New Blood and The Evil Evolved.

Each of these films is filled with intensity of story and amazing action as well. It is a battle royale between the vampires and Lycans. Each have their goods and evils that become clearer and clearer with each film.

It is interesting that vampires are always seen as the ‘bad guys’ but with the UNDERWORLD franchise, we see that the Lycans are not as innocent as we’d like them to be, no matter how cool Lucian is. Both sides want nothing but pure destruction of the other and will do almost anything to make that happen.

Selene is the calming force between the two even if she does not mind throwing down from time to time to make that happen. Beckinsale looks amazing film and film and I believe that is what keeps us coming back for more. She delivers and makes it all look so easy that we are completely sucked into every moment that each film gives us.

So, when doing your Christmas shopping (because we are doing it earlier and earlier), and you have someone who needs to binge on the awesomeness that is UNDERWORLD, then this collection is a must-have for your own home entertainment library.

In the end – it is an immortal battle for supremacy!

DOLITTLE Brings Charm to the Big Screen

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director Stephen Gaghan and Universal Pictures is the story of animals who live with none other than DOLITTLE.

Dr. John Dolittle (Robert Downey, Jr.) began as a doctor who has the unique ability to speak with animals. Known far and wide, even the Queen called upon him to help with her animals. In gratitude Dolittle is given an estate to continue his work with animals and given them shelter.

When tragedy strikes the good doctor, he closes the gates to everyone and becomes secluded from the world. That is until meeting the young Tommy (Harry Collett) who discovers a squirrel that needs a doctor! It is the flying parrot Polly (voiced by Emma Thompson) who leads the lad to Dolittle's door.

At the same time, the young Lady Rose (Carmel Laniado) is sent to Dolittle on behest of Queen Victoria (Jessie Buckley) to come to the palace and help the monarch. Quickly is snapped back to his self by all the animals who know that he needs to do what's right. Visiting the Queen he is met by Lord Thomas Badgley (Jim Broadbent) and the nefarious Dr. Blair Mudfly.

It seems a plot is in the works against the Queen and only Dolittle knows how to stop it. The mysterious illness that has taken the Queen has a cure and Dolittle knows where it can be found.

Taking along Tommy, their journey begins with a ship full of animals and a mission - to save the Queen.

Downey, Jr. as Dolittle is perfect casting with his unique ability to be quirky and humorous in his own way. It could also be that I'm happy to see him on the big screen again taking on a role that is lighthearted and warm in character. Downey, Jr. has a flair to entertain an audience, so much so that I can easy overlook the mushiness of his accent.

Collett as Tommy is a young man unlike the rest of his hunting family. He sees the grace in loving animals and once meeting Dolittle, knows his path in life. The adventure is just a bonus! Collett is charming and fun to watch alongside Downey, Jr. and that makes for wonderful storytelling.

Sheen as Mudfly has become good at being bad. This time he is able to add a little slap stick comedy to his role but never go against Downey, Jr.! Broadbent as Badgley is supposed to be taking care of the Queen but is he?

Laniado as Lady Rose is sweet, elegant and wants to protect her Queen. A strong young woman who isn't afraid of much and that serves her well against both man and animal. The spark between herself and Tommy is very sweet as well.

The animal cast include: Rami Malek as Chee-Chee, John Cena as Yoshi, Kumail Nanjiani as Plimpton, Octavia Spencer as Dab-Dab, Tom Holland as Jip, Craig Robinson as Kevin, Ralph Fiennes as Barry, Selena Gomez as Betsy, Marion Cotillard as Tutu, Frances de la Tour as the Dragon and Jason Mantzoukas as James the Dragonfly.

Other cast include Kasia Smutniak as Lily Dolittle, Oliver Chris as Sir Gareth, Clive Francis, and Antonio Banderas as King Rassouli.

DOLITTLE is a charming fun adventure for the entire family. This is an introduction to Dolittle like we have not seen before and it does leave the door open in case Downey, Jr. wants to return. The audience was taken with the bounty of talking animals and all their own personalities and it did bring lots of laughs with side jokes.

The human cast is fun and ready to take on the journey which is unexpected and full of twists and turns. DOLITTLE is the reason families come to the movies together on a Saturday and escape into a magical world for a time and still talk about it after.

So, gather the entire family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins - everybody!) and enjoy time together with the animals.

In the end - he's not just a people person!

RESISTANCE Takes on Survival after D-Day

Jeri Jacquin

On DVD from acclaimed novel by Owen Sheers, director/writer Amit Gupta, Omnibus Entertainment  Film Movement comes the story of a village finding their way to stand strong and show RESISTANCE.

It is 1944 during Nazi-occupied Britain during a difficult time in the war. D-Day has devastated the country while Panzer and Nazi troops invade the countryside. In a quiet village, this particular morning starts with the women waking up to find all the men have vanished.

Sarah’s (Andrea Riseborough) husband is one of the men but she believes he is gone to join the top secret group called BRO. Speaking with the other women, they agree that it is important to keep the home front safe and continue on.

What they didn’t expect was a Wehrmacht platoon setting up an outpost in one of the homes. Leading the platoon is Albrecht (Tom Wlaschiha), a commanding officer who wants to remain low-key while looking for those in the resistance. Albrecht tries to find a common ground with the women of the village but they are emotionally shut down.

What none of them know is that George (Iwan Rheon) is a young man from the village who wants to do his part. After meeting with Tom Atkins (Michael Sheen), he does what is necessary to make a dent in the activities of the group in his village.

When Albrecht befriends Sarah, it confuses everyone including Albrecht’s own men. It all comes to a head when the war moves closer to the village and each makes their own move to resist.

Riseborough as Sarah is just stunning! Her recent role in the stellar film NOCTURNAL ANIMALS and BIRDMAN show her strength in portraying memorable characters and Sarah is one of them. Stoic and conflicted, every bit of it shows in her behaviors and it is impossible not to feel it through the screen.

Wlaschiha as Albrecht is a commanding officer who shows this dual personality. One moment he is thoughtful, emotional and shows caring and then next he has no problem ordering the death of someone. He reaches out to Sarah’s character understanding the rejection but still wanting something other than what the war makes him feel.

Rheon as George is such a far cry from his role in the hit series GAME OF THRONES. In RESISTANCE he is a young man who believes he has a duty to protect the villagers and, as Tom says, he must be prepared to do the unthinkable.

Sheen as Tom has a small role here but it lays the groundwork and understanding of what the men of this particular village face. Kimberley Nixon plays Bethan, a young woman trying to understand what the war is doing to everyone. Melanie Walters as Helen Roberts is a strong woman but knows that perhaps flexibility might be the answer to surviving but the results are disastrous.

Other cast include Stanislav Ianevski as Bernhardt, Anatole Taubman as Sebald, Simon Armstrong as George’s Father, Mossie Smith as Ruth, George Taylor as Gernot and Sharon Morgan as Maggie.

Film Movement is celebrating its 15th year in 2017, Film Movement has released more than 250 feature films and shorts culled from prestigious film festivals worldwide, and last year it had its first Academy Award-nominated film, THEEB. Film Movement’s theatrical distribution strategy has evolved to include promising American independent films, documentaries, and an even stronger slate of foreign art house titles. Noted directors Film Movement brings are Eric Rohmer, Peter Greenaway, Bille August, Marleen Gorris, Takeshi Kitano and Ettore Scola. For more information, please visit www.filmmovement.com.

RESISTANCE is an extraordinary film about the struggles of war added with the fear of survival through this particularly harsh winter. Trying to take care of their own, there is no way this village is going to accept occupation by anyone which is something Albrecht never understands.

It is totally realistic to think that several of the women in the village try to find a compromise with their ‘captors’, even if they know deep down there is no such thing as compromise. RESISTANCE takes the viewer on a journey through every human emotion with shocks that lead to the very end.

This cast is stunning together as Riseborough and Wlaschiha lead the entire film in so many directions it is impossible to take your eyes off the screen.

In the end – the lines are blurred between collaboration, occupation, duty and survival!