The Fear is LONGLEGS

 

Jeri Jacquin

On DVD and Bluray from writer/director Osgood Perkins and Neon comes a thriller when you fear LONGLEGS.

It is 1990 and Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) is an FBI agent who seems to have an unusual gift for understanding crimes, one might even say clairvoyant. Working with boss William Carter (Blair Underwood), they are dealing with a case of unusual murder-suicides.  In each of the incidences, they find a letter signed by someone named Longlegs. What is even more unusual, the note is not written by any of the family members.

Lee begins to take each case apart piece by piece to find some similarities, one being that each family involved had a 9-year-old-daughter with upcoming birthdays. Trying to get a handle on the case, she does make her daily call to mom Ruth (Alicia Witt) who is living on her own promising to find time to see her. Ruth is understanding about her work but mainly wants to know that she is well. When she and Carter find an unusual doll at the crime scene, it is a clue that they must visit the only survivor of one of the attacks.

As they continue to follow the clues, Lee begins to feel that something is drawing her closer and closer to the answers she seeks but it is going to come at a very high cost. The thing is – sometimes you go looking for answers, you might not like what you find!

Monroe as Lee portrays an agent who is clearly into her work and not much else. Wanting to solve crimes, she delves in deep and uses her unusual ability to sense things and that comes to the attention of her boss. Monroe gives this character a haunting look and feel but, then again, what she is being asked to do is bound to bring about a sense of foreboding. It is a eerie performance and I am here for every second of it.

Witt as Ruth is much like her daughter but clearly has mental health issues. It feels as if her disconnect is what keeps daughter Lee away. When she must question her mother about her childhood, the answers are vague and unnerving. Well done! Underwood as Carter takes up the mantle to follow every lead no matter where it takes him. Noticing that Lee has uncovered so much so quickly, they go together to find clues and it gets stranger and stranger. Underwood is a strong presence with Lee being the quieter of the two and his trust in her skills is everything.

The huge shout out goes to Cage as Kobble. What a fantastically frightening transformation but it is something we should be use to. From his character of the no conscience of FACE/OFF Castor Troy, the film MANDY as Red Miller, or even the devilish Dracula in the film RENFIELD, it is easy to realize that he can play good guys of course, but man when he lets out the bad, it is BAD in the best possible way!

Other cast include Lauren Acala as young Lee, Dakota Aulby as Agent Fisk, Kiernan Shipka as Carrie Anne Camera, Maila Hosie as young Carrie, Jason Day as Lee’s father, Lisa Chandler as Lee’s mother, Ava Kelders as Ruby Carter, Carmel Amit as Anna Carter, Peter Bryant as senior FBI Agent, and the fantastic Nicolas Cage as Dale Kobble.

Neon is a film production company that is best known for such films as I, TONYA and one of the most incredible Oscar winning film PARASITE. With a total of 12 Academy Award nominations, Neon appeals to audiences that are looking for in-your-face storytelling. For more information, please visit www.neonrated.com.

Bonus Features include On-Set Interviews with Osgood Perkins, Maika Monroe, Blair Under and Alicia Witt, Feature Commentary with Osgood Perkins, The Clues, The Evidence, Dirty & Sweet, Teaser and Trailer.

LONGLEGS is a film that can swim along with SILENCE OF THE LAMBS and probably be half a lap ahead. Set in the 1990s, it has the feel of films from that era and I absolutely love films from that time period. They aren’t all blood and gore but more mental freak outs and jumps which are much more fun. There is a solid story here and I was not prepared for all the twists and turns so had to pick my jaw up off the floor once or twice.

This is what a good thriller looks like on the big screen and a big flat screen with a good sound bar. Perkins knew exactly what he was doing while writing the script, he found a cast that absolutely embraces where the characters are going and found in it all, an actor who could deliver the evil required to take us all on this mind-bending ride. Turn the lights out and be prepared to pick up your own jaw off the floor!

In the end – it’s almost-birthday girl!

The Return of OLDBOY to Theatres

 

Jeri Jacquin

Celebrating its 20^th Anniversary from director Park Chan-Wook and Neon is the restored and remastered in stunning 4K masterpiece film of OLDBOY.

Oh Dae-Su (Choi Min-sik) has been held prisoner for fifteen years and his days are spent trying to understand why. He is not being held in a cell but in a room with a bed, shower, ability to write and even watch the world go by on television. It may have been a sealed hotel room but a prison is a prison when you can’t walk out the door.

During this time, Oh Dai-Su decided that it was time to free himself after realizing that whoever is holding him will not allow suicide. He then decides to use his time shadowboxing and it makes him stronger. At the same time, he finds a way out of his prison after years of preparation.

Once out in the world, he meets Mi-do (Kang Hye-jung), a sushi chef that helps when he passes out in a restauraunt. When he finally feels more ‘human’, he begins to realize that he may be physically free, but mentally the question of who is responsible for his imprisonment hits hard. The person responsible for his captivity, continues to make his presence known and Dae-su thinks Mi-do could be part of it all.

He turns to buddy Joo-hwan (Ji Dae-han) while Mi-do finds out what happened to Dae-su’s young daughter after being set up for his wife’s death. Every step leads him to Lee Woo-jin (Yoo Ji-tae), a wealthy man that seems to know Dae-su very well and challenges him to discover the reason for his imprisonment.

What Oh Dae-Su discovers with each step is horrifying as he moves closer and closer to the truth of who is responsible and why he lost fifteen years of his life.

Min-sik as Dae-Su is nothing short of perfection in this role. As a man who struggles with captivity (as would any sane human being), this character goes from complete madness to the focus of survival. Once freed, if you can call it that, the mental prison still exists as Min-sik takes us on his portrayal of a man seeking answers and once he gets them, well, it’s a conversation for sure. I adore Min-sik in this role and having the film re-released just reminded me why.

Hye-jung as Mi-do is drawn to Dae-Su and truly wants to help him find answers. Putting herself in dangerous situations, it is clear that she has her own struggles to deal with. She is naïve but equally as invested in discovering who is haunting her new friend. With ever step that they uncover information, Hye-jung’s character maintains her undeniable care and concern for Dae-Su.

Dae-han as Joo-hwan tries to help his friend of many years look through the world of the internet and chat rooms for answers and connection. Dae-han is crafty and makes his role look easy.

Ji-tae as Woo-jin is deceitful and has the presence making him feel invincible and untouchable. He has a reason for everything he does as Ji-tae brings his character out in the open with no fear and plenty of story to tell. This actor has a presence that brings such intensity that it’s kind of freaky.

Other cast include Oh Tae-kyung as young Dae-su, Yoo Yeon-seok as young Woo-jin, Woo Il-han as young Joo-hwan, Kim Byeong-ok as Mr. Han, Yoo Jin-seo as Lee Soo-ah, and Oh Dal-su as Mr. Park Cheol-woong.

Neon is a film production company that is best known for such films as I, TONYA and one of the most incredible Oscar winning film PARASITE. With a total of 12 Academy Award nominations, Neon appeals to audiences that are looking for in-your-face storytelling. For more information, please visit www.neonrated.com.

OLDBOY was released in 2003 as the remastering of the original film just breathes new life into a fantastic story. I can easily see why directors that saw the film when it was first released, realized where storytelling and filmmaking could go. The uniqueness, the characters and flow of it all is truly a work of cinematic art.

Min-sik gives a stellar performance of Dae-su’s struggle to understanding his captivity, survive his captivity both physically and mentally and struggle to come back into the world to find out why it happened in the first place. The twists and turns this character goes through gives the viewer and experience like no other. He is strong and he will fight to his last breath.

Park Chan-Wook is also responsible for two other films as producer that are high on my list with the 2009 film THIRST and 2016’s THE HANDMAIDEN. His ability to tell this particular story is done with such in-your-face intensity that the fight scenes brought a mixture of jaw-drop and a few moments of uncomfortable giggle. That is because I expect a lot from the character of Dae-su but man oh man I got more than I bargained for.

Personally, I was thrilled when I heard that the film would be released in theatres because it is another opportunity for everyone to see the original. Imitations are fine I guess but the original source material can not be remade, reimagined or repeated as far as I’m concerned. OLDBOY is iconic in itself and should remain so.

In the end – laugh and the world laughs with you, weep and you weep alone!

 

 

 

 

 

CINEMACON 2022 Brings Out the Red Carpet for Studios and Theatre Owners

 

Jeri Jacquin

This past week, Las Vegas hosted the annual NATO (National Association of Theatre Owners) CINEMACON gathering together to experience what the studios have to offer theatres with their coming slates for 2022-2023 and beyond.

Caesar’s Palace was the place to be as each studio called us into the Colosseum to talk about the return of the theatrical experience and thanking the theatre owners for hanging on during the Covid shutdown. Reopening to movie-lovers, theatre owners were thanked by studio executives and stars for recognizing that everyone wants to get back into theatres!

Starting on Monday, Sony studios began the convention with director David Leitch giving the audience a look at the new film starring Brad Pitt with BULLETTRAIN. The lovely Reese Witherspoon joins the fun via the big screen to talk about the highly anticipated summer film WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING.

One of my favorite actresses, Viola Davis is introduced by the director of her latest film THE WOMAN KING, Gina Price-Bythewood and receives the CinemaCon Trailblazer of the Year award. Marvel’s film EL MUERTO brings Bad Bunny to star in its Latinx character driven film that will hit theatres in January of 2024.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse gives us a look at what’s to come and introduced by Phil Betancourt and Chris Miller. This installment has over two hundred and forty characters in six universes and that’s going to test my attention span for sure. Other films coming from Sony include 65 MOVIE, DEVOTION, MADAME WEB, KRAVEN, THE EQUALIZER, GHOSTBUSTERS AND VEMON.

Sony’s Chairman/CEO Tom Rothman talks about the upcoming film about George Foreman to close out the studio’s presentation.

Tuesday morning brought the studio Neon and right out of the gate is Matt Reeves, the director of the successful recent release of BATMAN. He announces that he will be heading up the next BATMAN film much to the excitement of the audience. My shock of the morning is watching the iconic David Cronenberg arrive on stage to introduce the trailer for the Viggo Mortensen-Kristen Stewart film CRIMES OF THE FUTURE. He says, “Seems an appropriate place to launch our attack on the world.”

Cronenberg also admits that writing CRIMES OF THE FUTURE took about 20 years and adding another confession that he has never been to Las Vegas. Welcome sir!

The film FIRE OF LOVE explores the relationship of love between a couple who also happens to love volcanos. An odd but interesting top for this Sundance award winner and I cannot wait to see it.

To finish the Neon presentation is MOONAGE DAYDREAM which is a film about the amazing David Bowie. We were treated to a performance of Hallo Spaceboy as director Brett Morgen says, “Bowie cannot be defined, he can be experienced”. If that were not enough, another performance of Heroes. Everyone in the audience was engrossed and emotional.

Warner Bros. presentation begins with Chairman Toby Emmerich talking about Reeves return for the next installment of BATMAN, followed by Denis Villenueve talking about his own excitement bringing DUNE 2 to the big screen in theatres. That is when the presentation is taken over by none other than Aisha Tyler.

Baz Luhrmann takes the stage to talk about the power of seeing a film in theatres and also talks about his next film ELVIS starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks. He says, “it is not really a biopic but more about America in the 50s, 60s and 70s with Elvis Presley at the center of culture.”

Next, a look at the film WONKA starring Timothy Chalamet and THE FLASH starring Ezra Miller. Olivia Wilde takes the stage to talk about her directed film DON’T WORRY DARLING with Florence Pugh and Harry Styles. She says her film is a “love letter to the movies that push the boundaries of our imagination”. I don’t know Ms. Wilde, I can imagine quite a lot!

I absolutely loved seeing Helen Mirren enter the stage along with Zachy Levi and Asher Angel to talk about their new film SHAZAM! Fury of the Gods. Mirren says of her character, “She’s convinced of her righteousness.” James Wan offers up a trailer for AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM and director Gary Dauberman gives us a take on the new Stephen King film SALEM’S LOT.

The roof always comes down when The Rock enters a large room, and the Colosseum is no exception. Coming in to do double duty introducing two of his films DC SUPER PETS and BLACK ADAM, he couldn’t waste the chance to talk about the bromance with Kevin Hart “who continues to be like my third child”.

Talking about BLACK ADAM, Johnson says it is “truly a dream of mine” and shares the stage with Quintessa Swindell and Noah Cent and a peek at the film. Chairman of Warner Bros. Pictures Toby Emmerich is on hand to give Johnson the Entertainment Icon of the Decade Award. Well deserved!

Jason Blum refers to his new film THE BLACK PHONE as ‘scary as hell’ and the audience will have a chance to see it for themselves later in the evening. Ethan Hawke gives a startling and stunning performance in this eerie film that is going to keep me up nights for a while.

Wednesday morning starts out with a smile on my face particularly because Disney is bringing it all it has to offer. Starting out the morning with a peek at the upcoming slate, it is exciting to see more. Starting with Chris Evans, as the voice of Buzz Lightyear, screening to the audience a thirty-minute preview of the highly anticipated family film LIGHTYEAR coming this summer.

The film AMSTERDAM stars Christian Bale and Robert DeNiro is coming in November and BOB’S BURGER coming in May. Jon Landau announced the re-release of AVATAR this September as James Cameron gives the audience a peek at AVATAR: The Way of Water. And that is exactly how you end a presentation, with a big blue bang!

Universal Pictures and Focus Features bring their presentations starting out with writer/director Jordan Peele talking about his next film NOPE. Waiting for its release, he says, “I’m going to personally thrive on the amount of times I hear the word nope”, and I hope he has a counter on hand because from the looks of it – the number of times is going to be infinite!

Jamie Lee Curtis is always a joy and a laugh to see as I did a few years ago when she was promoting the HALLOWEEN film. She is back to talk about the next film HALLOWEEN ENDS saying that playing Laurie Strode has “been the ride of my life”. Her final warning about the new film is “trust me it’s gonna f**k you up!” and I trust her!

Allison Williams brings a trailer for the film M3GAN and the film BEAST OF NO NATION with Idris Elba. Ko Joy decides to have a little fun with the audience to get them ready for a look at his new film EASTER SUNDAY. I am so looking forward to the dark film THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER since I am a wicked period piece fan, this is going to be good.

If lots of laugh is what anyone is looking for, Steve Carell promises that we will get just that with the new installment from Illumination of MINIONS: The Rise of Gru. Along with that, Carell does not mind offering up Gru-voice lessons that are equally as hilarious.

The first entire LGBTQ cast is brought about by Billy Eichner and the film BROS, George Clooney and Julia Roberts come together again with a TICKET TO PARADISE, Carey Mulligan brings SHE SAID to the screen in November and MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS is coming this July. Other films include VENGEANCE, SPOILER ALERT, CHAMPIONS, Anthony Hopkins film ARMAGEDDON TIME, and the Kate Blanchett starring in TAR.

Like a kid weeks before Christmas, I am excited to see any sneak peek or just the name mentioned of DOWNTON ABBEY: A New Era. On stage a special message is brought from the cast that just gets me giddy all over again.

Speaking of Christmas, what is the holiday season without a good horror film as David Harbour gives the audience a look at VIOLENT NIGHT. Our favorite swash-buckling cat is back with PUSS IN BOOTS: The Last Wish but a certain perro in the film thinks he has what it takes to declaw our hero with new charm.

Finally, and what a way to end the evening, Jeff Goldblum and Bryce Dallas Howard give a never-before-seen footage peek at JURASSIC WORLD: Dominion. Bigger, badder and madder dinosaurs are hitting the screen in weeks!

On Thursday, the final day of CinemaCon, the Paramount presentation begins with a supersonic performance that reminds us that SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 is still ringing at the box office. Chris Aronson, President of Domestic Distribution for Paramount, dressed like Eggman with the warning “papa has a brand new stache’!” He also introduces a reel to show what is coming with such films as TOP GUN MAVERICK, PAWS OF FURY, BABYLON, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, IF, TIGERS APPRENTICE, PAWS and A QUIET PLACE: Day One. Brian Robbins talks films of 2023 with TRANSFORMERS, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES and BOB MARLEY.

That all leads up to a message from Tom Cruise who could not attend CinemaCon because he was filming his newest MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: Dead Reckoning Part One. On the wings of a biplane, he apologizes for not being able to attend and hopes we all understand before hanging on as the plane makes a daring dive! All of this leads up to a first screening of TOP GUN MAVERICK.

The final presentation on the final day of CinemaCon comes from Lionsgate with host Sebastian Mariscalco. Starting off with an introduction by 50 Cent, a preview of EXPENDABLES 4 hits the screen followed by a look at the horror offering THE DEVIL’S LIGHT. Rachel McAdams and Abby Fortson have the chance to talk about their newest film ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME MARGARET.

Helen Mirren makes another appearance on stage to present WHITE BIRD: A Wonder Story. Director Mark Forster says it “is a film of magical realism that is both beautiful and emotional”. That is an amazing description of the film.

Robert DeNiro and Kim Cattrall talk the film ABOUT MY FATHER from Sebastian Mariscalco. DeNiro says, “Your father was a guy I sort of understand” which is probably the most amazing compliment ever.

Director Chad Stahciski and Keanu Reeves talk JOHN WICK CHAPTER 4. Keanu cracked me up saying, “and to think, this all started because of a puppy.” Dang it Keanu, can you be any cuter? Just a personal observation.

To wrap up the Lionsgate presentation, more films coming include Eli Roth’s BORDERLANDS, BALLERINA, DIRTY DANCING 2 and HUNGER GAMES: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

The final show at CinemaCon is the BIG SCREEN ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS that go the following actors, congratulations to them all and well deserved.

 

Cinema Verite Award – Robert DeNiro

Comedy Star of the Year – Billy Eichner

Rising Star of 2022 – Abby Ryder Fortson

CinemaCon Vanguard Award – Rachel McAdams

Star of Tomorrow – Glen Powell

CinemaCon Star of the Year – Zoe Saldana

 

There you have it, the four days of presentations, stars, studios and theatre owners all gathered in one place to celebrate what we love the most – MOVIES! As 2022 begins to reopen, so do our favorite theatres that are popping the popcorn, keeping the soda’s cold, and stocking up on our favorite movie candy’s. As the theatrical experience brings us all back together to see everything as it was meant to be seen, you can be sure I will review it all.

Our thanks to Sony, Neon, Warner Bros. Pictures, Walt Disney Studios, Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Paramount, and Lionsgate for bringing us such exciting previews. Thanks to Cesar’s Palace for our yearly home away from home with your thoughtful staff.

See you next year CinemaCon and thank you!

TED K

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and Digital from writer/director Ted Stone and Neon is the unnerving story of a man who would becoming known as TED K.

Ted Kaczynski (Sharlto Copley) was born and raised in Chicago in the early 40’s becoming clear in his early years that he was gifted in mathematics. Graduating high school at the age of 16, he would attend Harvard University receiving a degree in mathematics and even became aa assistant professor for a brief time.

In 1971, with the help of his older brother David, Ted would build a small cabin in the woods of Montana living without electricity or running water. There he spent his time in the woods but easily became agitated when people, machinery or outsiders in general came to close to him.

When the outside world encroaches and he has had enough, Ted decides it is time to take action. Believing he is right in the actions he has taken; Ted also records his thoughts, explanations and reasons step by step. He begins his path to destruction starting with a mail package bomb and continuing on to more intense explosives.

Reaching out to brother David and his mother to talk only frustrates Ted sending him on an emotional spiral. Adding to that more intrusion from the outside world he begins to write a list of what he sees as problems.

Believing that here is no more peace in his life, Ted begins a grander plan that rocks the world who cannot begin to understand the man that will be known as the Unabomber.

Copley as Ted is disturbing in his portrayal of a man who lived a quiet life until the world came crashing in around him. Having enough of it all and believing the only way to make a difference is to be louder than the noise around him, Copley is remarkable in his performance as a man bent on destruction. Even the process of changing his characters appearance was so interesting until I jumped back in horror at the steps taken.

This is not an easy role because the portrayal is so dark and complex. If he had been left alone, one has to wonder if he would have simply led his life on the land or would his actions still have come to pass. Copley does not attempt to answer this question but instead give the performance of a man who could not be changed. A strong performance from this actor who still has my hope for DISTRICT 10.

Other cast include Drew Powell as Tom, Travis Bruyer as Ranger Jones, Wayne Pyle as Psychiatrist Gary Dryce, Tahmus Rounds as tommy Sauerkraut, Amber Mason as Becky, Sal Rendino as Gilbert, Christian Calloway as Tommy, Megan Folsom as Mrs. Hill, Daniel Knight as Bob, and Keith Barber as F.B.I. Agent White.

Neon is a film production company that is best known for such films as I, TONYA and one of the most incredible Oscar winning film PARASITE. With a total of 12 Academy Award nominations, Neon appeals to audiences that are looking for in-your-face storytelling. For more information, please visit www.neonrated.com.

TED K is the film based on the eccentric dairies and writings to Ted Kaczynski. From 1978 to 1995, bombs were sent all over the country. The FBI could never know where the next bomb would go off and Ted played games leaving false clues making it more difficult to find him. It would be his own brother that would suspect him.

His manifesto Industrial Society and Its Future was printed by The Washington Post saying he believed, “The Industrial Revolution and its consequences have been a disaster for the human race. Arrested in 1996, he was convicted to eight life sentences without the possibility of parole. Ted Kaczynski spent seventeen years terrorizing with every step he took and every fiber of his being.

Director Stone had the difficult job of taking the written words of Ted Kaczynski and putting it on the screen giving it authenticity and believability. This is two hours of a life that did so much damage in 17 years. Yet, Stone has done just that, brought an inside look at a man who believed justified in everything he did.

TED K has been nominated for Directors Debuts Competition for director Tony Stone at Camerimage, Best Feature at Fantasy Filmfest and Best Film for Tony Stone at the Stockholm Film Festival.

In the end – it started with wanting peace.

Pain Lives in TITANE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from writer/director Julia Ducoumau and Neon comes the story of horror, pain and redemption in TITANE.

Alexia (Agathe Rousselle) started out life with a shattering changing injury as a child that causes her to have a titanium plate put in her head. A scar reminds her daily of that event and as an adult she still is emotionally cut off from people.

Working at a car show as a sexy dancer, she shows a bit of her brutal side with co-worker Justine (Garance Marillier). Later that evening, Alexia shocks when she reacts to a man coming onto her. Acting as if her behavior is perfectly fine, she once again meets up with Justin. The results are not any different and, in fact, all hell breaks loose.

Running from the law, Alexia realizes she must change her appearance to get away. She gets the wild idea to pretend to be a kid named Adrien that disappeared ten years ago. Adrien's father Vincent (Vincent Lindon) identifies the 'boy' and brings him home. Vincent is a fire captain and is dealing with health issues of his own and needs his ‘son’ to feel complete again.

Happy to have Adrien home, he introduces his ‘son’ to everyone and asks that they not ask questions. Vincent tries to communicate with Adrien but is met with a wall of silence. As the days go on, Alexia is trying to cover up something that is getting harder and harder to do. She is also feeling protective of Vincent.

As they two begin to understand one another, they each make choices about who they are and the secrets that are slowly revealing themselves!

Rousselle as Alexia is absolutely fantastic, shocking, and mesmerizing in the role of a young woman who has no rhyme or reason to what she is doing. Through her silence with Vincent, Rousselle has given us the equal silent treatment but everything we need is right in front of us through her eyes and slow deliberate actions. Disturbing yet a fascinating look into her characters world, this actress draws us in until we, like Alexia, cannot escape.

Lindon as Vincent is a man who is also slowly destroying himself. Dealing with the guilt of a missing son and a failed relationship, Vincent desperately tries to hang on to the one thing he has left – his work. When ‘Adrien’ returns, there is a light of hope back in his life as he tries to reconnect with the person in his life who he loved. Even as there is a struggle between ‘father and son’, Vincent refuses to give up – even to the end.

Other cast include Lais Salameh as Ryanne, Myriem Akheddiou as Alexia’s mother, Bertrand Bonello as Alexia’s father and Adele Guigue as the young Alexia.

Neon is a film production company that is best known for such films as I, TONYA and one of the most incredible Oscar winning film PARASITE. With a total of 12 Academy Award nominations, Neon appeals to audiences that are looking for in-your-face storytelling. For more information, please visit www.neonrated.com.

TITANE: A metal highly resistant to heat and corrosion, with high tensile strength alloys, often used in medical prostheses due to its pronounced biocompatibility.

This film is an intense jaw drop from one moment to the next. Alexia is a young woman on a path that is destructive, heinous, disturbing and sorrowful. Running the gambit of emotions, the jaw-drop can be found in each of these as the visuals are so deep that it is impossible to look away.

After Rousselle puts the viewer in a paralyzing mood from the first hour of the film, joining up Lindon there is no way to look away even for a second. Starting out wondering if I liked or did not like Alexia, there was no way for me to make a decision because this character with the help of Rousselle screamed ‘hold on second while I switch gears’ (car pun intended).

Ducoumau is no stranger to controversy and that is seen by her 2016 film RAW. She has given us everything original that many of us are hungry for at the box office. The wheels on TITANE spin and keep spinning until it is out of control with no stopping till it is darn ready to.

This is not going to be a film for everyone so let me get that out in the open but that should not stop anyone from seeing past the violence and shock. Look for something deeper and guttural about these two human beings who are driven by something we could never possibly understand – or can we?

In the end – her silence says everything!

 

 

 

 

 

His Search is for PIG

 

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Michael Sarnoski and Neon is a story of a complex man who just wants his PIG. 

Rob (Nicolas Cage) is a forager that has been living in the woods of Portland for over ten years. Along with his pig, they forage during the day for truffles and enjoy the solitude together. The only time he has a visitor is when young Amir (Alex Wolff) arrives to collect the truffles and delivery the hermit supplies. Not interested in conversation of any kind, Amir goes on his way.

Later in the evening, Pig wakes Rob grunting at the door and the unthinkable happens – Pig is taken! Making his way back into the world, he relies on Amir to take him where he wants to go in search of his bovine. Clue after clue, Rob is back in the place he once had a name for himself, and it is a name not forgotten.

Amir is stunned to watch Rob navigate his way back into a world he gave up on so long ago. Each person they meet has their own story to tell about him and it leads to who is responsible for taking Pig!

Cage as Rob is so moving as a man who has his reasons for living a secluded life. The two things that made his life continue are truffles and Pig. The occasional visit from Amir seem to make him more irritated than anything else. I have come to appreciate Cage taking roles where he is more action than talk because anything else I may need to know shows in every part of his face. He gives Rob a fragile humanity that seems to escape Amir until he sees interactions with others.

Wolff as Amir is a young man who has made a business out of selling the truffles that Rob finds but also has a story of his own. Trying to make a life of his own away from a father who clearly has issues of his own, Wolff starts off Amir as a fast driving, narcissistic young man who weaves his way into a business with Rob that keeps him from needing anything from daddy dearest. Yet, there is a heartbreak he must come to terms with.

Other cast include Adam Arkin as Darius, Gretchen Corbett as Mac, Darius Pierce as Edgar, Julia Bray as Tweakette, Elijah Ungvary as Tweaker and Nina Belforte as Charlotte.

Neon is a film production company that is best known for such films as I, TONYA and one of the most incredible Oscar winning film PARASITE. With a total of 12 Academy Award nominations, Neon appeals to audiences that are looking for in-your-face storytelling. For more information please visit www.neonrated.com.

Director Sarnoski says, “What began as a very personal project has transformed into a labor of love for so many talented people. I am thrilled for us all to be bringing this strange world to life.”

PIG is such an amazing film that is a mixture of humanity, an unlikely friendship, food, and a pig. Cage and Wolff give us a mystery to be sure but as each of their story’s are told and we see Rob re-engage in the world (well, in the best way he emotionally knows how). His motivation comes in the form of a lovely pig who clearly enjoys his human’s company. Of course, those who know Rob is in the forest misunderstand their relationship.

Once Pig is taken, Rob snaps out of the forest haze and will do anything to track him down. That includes going places from his past and seeing people who are shocked to see him in one way or another. Mixed into the story are truffles and what is means to chefs looking to create something “exiting” in their industry which does not escape Rob in the slightest.

I can not say enough about Cage’s performance except he carries the story on Rob’s shoulders with the weight of an invisible anchor. As a die-hard Cage fan (and I love the film KNOWING so take THAT!), it is interesting to see the directions he takes in every movie he chooses. Fascinating and sometimes happily unexpected for me. Wolff gives his character attitude, but it is based on something much deeper, and this young actor expresses it so very well. Performing alongside Cage, this actor held his own and it was enjoyable from start to finish.

PIG is a film that is mean to be enjoyed with a beautifully plated serving of love and a glass full of aerated soul.

In the end – we do not get a lot of things to truly care about!

 

 

IN THE EARTH

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from writer/director Ben Wheatley and Neon is the story of what is IN THE EARTH.

Martin (Joel Fry) in on his way to meet fellow scientist and researcher Dr. Olivia Wendle (Hayley Squires) deep in the forest. Arriving at his destination, he is given warnings about the goings on deep among the trees. Also making the journey is Alma (Ellra Torchia) who is investigating strange happenings in the forest as well.

Looking about the cabin they meet up at, Alma tells him about the folklore of the area. As night falls and they camp in the woods, she is woken up by something moving about the site. In the daylight they find wooden statues and a large, smooth black rock where a large rock would not be expected.

They find Dr. Wendle who tells them of her work with sound and the reaction of the earth to it and believes the items they found in the forest are part of it. She also tells them about Zach (Reece Shearsmith) who she has not seen in weeks. Dr. Wendle also knows that something is wrong with him and promises that he does not mean any harm. That is when a strange fog comes towards the three of them and now it is time to survive.

Fry as Martin is looking to help a friend and becomes caught up in something he has no control over. Joined by Torchia as Alma, the two characters, with each step get closer and closer to a mystery they could have never anticipated. Every moment brings them answers but even more questions that they look to the good doctor for.

Squires as Dr. Wendle tries to explain to Martin and Alma about her research. From the music to the lights, Wendle believes that she can reach into the earth and connect in a unique way. She also explains the strange behavior of Shearsmith who plays Zach. He seems possessed by whatever is in the woods and who ever is causing his mental reaction.

Neon is a film production company that is best known for such films as I, TONYA and one of the most incredible Oscar winning film PARASITE. With a total of 12 Academy Award nominations, Neon appeals to audiences that are looking for in-your-face storytelling. For more information, please visit www.neonrated.com.

IN THE EARTH is a film best watched in the dark for full effect (and it is uber cool in the dark) and with a huge tub of popcorn. The anticipation waiting for the answers, because I had a few, is almost forgotten because what takes over is the question “what is causing this?”. Thinking every answer under the sun, I realized that made the film even more enjoyable.

Wheatley says of his film, “It was kind of thinking of ideas about folk, horror and about the construction of myth. There is always a seed of truth in it somewhere but the trapping around it may be absolute nonsense. In this movie, there is a lot of different perspectives on this thing they cannot understand. That was the main idea; that there would be something almost alien that they are trying to come to an understanding with and they move towards that everybody making up lots of reasons and excuse for what it is.”

Having a small cast lets the viewer focus on the story and the characters which I truly enjoy. Their surroundings is another cast member with the deep forests and mysterious stone that keeps its mystery to itself.

In the end – nature is a force of evil!

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMMONITE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and On Demand from writer/director Francis Lee and Neon is a story of two women in search of something more than AMMONITE.

Mary Anning (Kate Winslet) is a renown fossil hunter who spends her days on the shores of Lyme Regis in 1840 England. Day after day the self-taught paleontologist has an amazing eye for finding fossils that she sells to tourists. Taking care of her ailing mother Molly (Gemma Jones), Mary keeps to herself.

One day, at her shop door is Roderick Murchison (James McArdle) looking to learn about how Mary finds fossils. Along with him on the visit is his wife Charlotte Murchison (Saoirse Ronan) who is quiet and meek. A few days pass when Murchison offers Mary a large amount of money to watch over the depressive Charlotte while he goes on his next adventure.

Knowing the money would help, she begrudgingly agrees. Almost right away Charlotte becomes seriously ill and as she starts to get well, she and Mary start to show signs of friendship toward each other. Both have pasts that are haunting their ability to be happy with thin veils of uncomfortableness that wakes up with them each and every day.

What comes from that friendship is complicated, loving and forces life choices that are painful for them both but needed to break free.

Winslet as Mary is a woman set in her ways. Taking care of an ailing mother, Mary, in a way, hides behind her as I see it. Diving into her work finding fossils is another way to avoid people totally. Making sure they have enough money to survive is important, but the years have created a bubble around Mary’s life. I actually love when Winslet takes on roles that are a challenge to understand and grasp as the tale unfolds.

Ronan as Charlotte has a depression she is fighting through and does not see any light in her life. Even with Mary, the first days she remains aloof and dangerously closed off. Ronan is always a light on the screen and following her career is a joy. With every role she chooses there is simplicity mixed with complexity that is all wrapped up on her face that does not give anything away until she is ready for us to know – and then only in doses.

Jones as mother Molly has become use to living the secluded life her daughter provides and sees Charlotte as an interloper. Shaw makes herself known as Elizabeth Philpot who has a connection to Mary that is endearing and telling.

McArdle as Murchison is a husband who says openly that he wants his wife back but does not seem to be heart broken over leaving her with Mary. Do not think we didn’t notice that Murchison!

Other cast include Claire Rushbrook as Eleanor Butters, Alec Secareanu as Dr. Lieberson and Fiona Shaw as Elizabeth Philpot.

Neon is a film production company that is best known for such films as I, TONYA and one of the most incredible Oscar winning film PARASITE. With a total of 12 Academy Award nominations, Neon appeals to audiences that are looking for in-your-face storytelling. For more information please visit www.neonrated.com.

Director Lee says, “I wanted to explore what this relationship might mean to someone who has not only been socially and geographically isolated but who has had to close off to any emotional life, where you replace affection and intimacy with work and duty. Where you have been overlooked and ignored your whole life because of your gender and social class. Given this world, would Mary be able to access how she feels for Charlotte? Would she be able to let her guard down to allow the possibility of something new and wonderful to enter her life?”

When asked about the importance to telling Mary’s story, Winslet says, “She is so important. Her strength, her courage – I admire those qualities very much, but also her vulnerability, which she had to keep hidden. Now more than ever we’re living in a time when women are absolutely obsessed with other women and when, more than what we look like or how we feel when we walk down the street, it’s about what women have to say. Women are greater together; the stronger female voices we have, the more togetherness we show.

When asked what she wanted audiences to take away from seeing AMMONITE, Saoirse Ronan says, “Everyone’s going to take away something different from it, which is always wonderful, when you have people coming up to you saying “I really got this bit” or “I felt like that was me…”. You’re watching two people really discover themselves as individuals and within a partnership, and I think that’s a really beautiful thing to watch and it doesn’t necessarily come easy.”

The film has a quiet character which is the shoreline itself with its secrets waiting for Mary to discover but also a gray and cold feel. You could say that both women can sit before the waves and feel a kinship with the waves showing outside what they feel inside.

AMMONITE is a simple tale with a not-so-simple story that pushes hard to be told. Winslet and Ronan carry the entire film and bring out the characters fears, hopes and desires is so well done. This might be the story of two women but know it is also the story of two people who are learned to break through the closed off life they had come to know.

In the end – it is simply love.

MEMORIES OF MURDER

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres for a Limited Engagement from Oscar winning writer/director Bong Joon Ho and Neon is the true story of a serial killer with MEMORIES OF MURDER.

Detective Park Doo-man (Song Kang-ho) is called to a field where a young woman is found murdered. Upset that the forensic team does a horrible job, it will be hard to find the killer. Then another woman is found, and he decides to question the handicapped Baek Kwang-ho (Park No-shik). The only way to get an answer is to have his partner Cho (Kim Roi-ha) use his special horrible techniques to get the answers they want.

Enter from Seoul is Detective Seo Tae-yoon (Kim Sang-kyung) who volunteers to come and help solve the crimes. Almost immediately he realizes that there is another victim out there. Telling Sgt. Koo Hee-bong (Hee-Bong Byun) his thoughts, they begin their search and find exactly what Seo expected. Looking for clues, Officer Kwon Kwi-ok (Go Seo-hee) tells them about a theory she has regarding a song played on the radio. Going from one suspect to another, nothing is adding up.

Until the next victim sends the crew over the edge in panic. They are led to Park Hyeon-gyu (Park Hae-il) who works at the local factory near the field. Getting no where with him, they have no choice but to let him go. Park and Seo talk out what they can do next until they realize that perhaps there is a witness they had not considered. As the night goes on, one more girl has been murdered and Seo blames himself deciding that maybe its time he take the law into his own hands.

When all the leads take them nowhere, the crime remains unsolved as year later, Park returns to the scene.

Kang-ho as Detective Park is a man who prides himself on being able to look in the eyes of a person and tell whether they are lying or not. The problem is in this case, he seems to be losing his touch which means he relies on other methods that are not law enforcement approved. His problem with Seo turns out to be based on hating an outsider coming in but must put that aside if they are going to catch a killer.

Sang-kyung as Seo comes in and watches the detective around him while he digs deeper into the reports of what has been happening. Putting the pieces together, he becomes obsessed with one suspect to the point of losing that part of himself that set him apart from the others. Not getting along with Detective Park only lasts until they put their theories together and go forward.

Roi-ha as Cho is the kind of cop that everybody hates and gives good cops a bad name. His temper is ridiculously out of control, but he always relied on Park to keep him in check. With the arrival of Seo, a change takes place in the squad room. Byun as Sgt. Hee-bong has had almost enough with Park and Cho’s ridiculous tactics and turns to Seo who seems to take things more seriously.

Seo-hee as Officer Kwon Kwi-ok is a young woman who is taking in everything around her. Once she finds a clue on her own, she is hesitant to share until realizing she must help find the killer. No-shik as Baek is a mentally disabled young man who is treated poorly by the police to get what they wanted when all they really needed to do what just talk to him as a friend.

Other cast include Song Jae-ho as Sgt. Shin Dong-chul, Jeon Mi-seon as Kwok Seol-yung and Yeom Hye-ran as So-hyeon’s mother, Tae-ho Ryu as Jo Byeong-soon, Woo Go-na as Kim So-hyeon, Ok-joo Lee as Oh Nam-joo, Jong-ryol Choi as Gwang-ho’s father.

Neon is a film production company that is best known for such films as I, TONYA and one of the most incredible Oscar winning film PARASITE. With a total of 12 Academy Award nominations, Neon appeals to audiences that are looking for in-your-face storytelling. For more information please visit www.neonrated.com.

Talking about the style of MEMORIES OF MURDER, the writer/director says “First of all, I thought of the victims’ families. I asked myself many times whether or not I had the right to make this movie. Writing the screenplay was so difficult that I even resorted to knocking back some stiff drinks sometimes.”

Continuing, “I struggled over how I could remain responsible to the victims’ families. In most thrillers, death is merely a game or a puzzle, but in MEMORIES OF MURDER, death is accompanied by sadness and anger. This movie will make you feel how profoundly terrible and tragic murders are. I am genuinely saddened by the deaths of these women. Not only do I feel rage toward the murderer, but I am also enraged about the circumstanced that allowed these women to be killed. I hope the audiences who watch the film will feel as I do.”

MEMORIES OF MURDER is the true story of a serial murder cast in South Korea during the 80’s. Compared to the Zodiac murders in California, this film takes us on a journey of how the police mishandled the case and by the time they managed to put the pieces together, the murders stopped – or did they.

The film takes its time in the telling but then again writer/director Bong Joon Ho is not in a hurry. Its almost as if he wants to make sure we understand every little bit of the evidence and not get distracted with the shenanigans going on around the case. As a mother and grandmother, let me tell you I absolutely looked past that and focused on what was being discovered minute by minute.

The cast is exceptional and brings MEMORIES OF MURDER to audiences that might not have known the history of this serial killer in South Korea.

In the end – for two detectives everything is new!

SHE DIES TOMORROW Is Mind Bending

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to drive-in theatres and soon on Digital from writer/director/producer Amy Seimetz and Neon is the twists of life when SHE DIES TOMORROW.

Amy (Kate Sheil) has a very serious problem and it has shaken her to the core. She is convinced that this is her last day on earth. Almost immediately she begins to plan how her death should go. From looking at urns to thinking of being turned into a leather jacket looking on the internet for someone who can do it. It is almost as if she accepts death without a thought.

Calling her friend Jane (Jane Adams) telling her of what she thinks is coming. Trying to help Amy with other explanations for her feelings, she warns her friend to be careful about what she is thinking. Leaving to finish her plans, Jane begins to feel a certain way about life and goes to see her brother Jason (Chris Messina) and wife Susan (Katie Aselton) while they are having a birthday party.

The emotional struggle keeps spreading and each is trying to find a connection and an answer but Amy keeps moving forward with her plans.

Sheil as Amy is a very different young woman. Instead of freaking out, although there is that moments at a time, she jumps headfirst into acceptance with urns and the Jame Gumb SILENCE OF THE LAMBS version of a skin coat. Yet, there is something fascinating about her portrayal with a quote I like to "keep your wits when all others around you are losing theirs". That the performance that Sheil gives and I loved every second of it.

Adams as Jane is a woman who already has problems and now feeling at death's door, she brings the fear to her brother. Brother Chris Messina as Jason cares for his sister and wants to see her through whatever it is she is experiencing. Messina gives his understanding but also has to deal with wife Susan.

Aselton as Susan isn't happy about spending her birthday dealing with, what she considers, ravings from her husband’s sister Jane. She is irritated and wants to make it clear to husband Jason that her behavior is no longer acceptable.

Other cast include Tunde Adebimpe as Brian, Jennifer Kim as Tilly. Madison Calderon as Madison, cameos by Josh Lucas, Adam Wingard, Olivia Taylor Dudley, Michelle Rodriguez.

Neon is a film production company that is best known for such films as I, TONYA and one of the most incredible Oscar winning film PARASITE. With a total of 12 Academy Award nominations, Neon appeals to audiences that are looking for in-your-face storytelling. For more information please visit www.neonrated.com.

It is nice to see big named actors getting in on the storyline, it gives the message - at least to me - that not only are they supportive of the project but can't take lesser roles and feel good about it.

This is definetly a trippy story that at the heart of is seems to be how each of the characters handles death and feeling as if they know when that will happen. One thing the movie does is forces us to question our own thought process about it.

The last time I felt this tripped out was the 1980 film ALTERED STATES and perhaps watching films from David Lynch. That being said I have an affinity for films that don't follow rules and give something that requires the viewer to pay attention to the details.

SHE DIES TOMORROW gets in your face and doesn't leave, not even after the final credits. It is clear that the fear of death is one thing, knowing what to do with that information is quite something else (skin jacket included).

So, answer the question out loud that we all wonder in secret.

In the end - your deepest fear is spreading!