Flying High with SUPERMAN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from writer/director James Gunn based on character from DC Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures is SUPERMAN.

Superman (David Corenswet) finds himself back at Fortress of Solitude, with dog Krypto’s help) needing to give himself time to heal after a battle brought on by Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) who wants to do everything to rid the world of the Kryptonian. Back in the fight, Superman has his fists busy giving Luthor time to pull off a fortress heist in order to get the world to turn against the people’s hero.

That includes the government who also believes the information Luthor brings back to them gives them reason to put everything under his control. Using the one thing he believes will keep Superman under his thumb, Luthor has created a place where no one will find him. No one that is except for the very determined Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi) when the Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion) and Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) take a pass.

Lois and Jimmy (Skyler Gisondo) discover the truth about Luthor and his nefarious dealing that has caused all the chaos putting Metropolis in danger and countries on the brink of war. It is Superman’s earthly parents, Martha (Neva Howell) and Jonathan (Pruitt Vince) Kent, who remind Clark of who he is, what he is truly capable of and that where he comes from does not define all he has accomplished. That will take him head on once again with Luthor’s twisted mind and determination to destroy Superman!

Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman takes up the mantle from some pretty serious predecessors. He portrays his character with a sense of humanity towards those he is fierce to protect, not just loved ones but people from every corner of the planet. Corenswet lets a naïve charm come into play which, I imagine, is intentional to win over the audience. He also portrays a vulnerability and duality with where Superman is originally from and where Clark Kent grew up but never forgets who is responsible for the chaos. Nice jump out the gate for Corenswet.

Hoult as Lex Luthor is one absolutely unhinged individual from beginning to end. Wanting to rid the world of Superman, he manipulates, is a narcissist, wreaks havoc and shows every sign of having not one drop of a conscience. Hoult takes all of that and brings us on a rollercoaster of insanity and it works. Perhaps we were the twisted ones because, at times, he made the audience laugh in the madness. Gathegi as Mr. Terrific is the sanest person in the whole film. He is the calm in the chaos and isn’t easily rattled as he moves through each with confrontation finesse and a bit of magnetism I must say. Seeing the determination of both Superman and Lois, there is nothing that would keep him away from helping to stop Luthor.

Brosnahan as Lois Lane brings the expected character who is strong, opinionated and is like a dog with a story-bone (sorry Krypto). As a journalist she questions everything and isn’t about to let someone like Luthor get away with anything. There is always a trail and Lois is on it with a vengeance. Brosnahan’s character also realizes that if there is going to be help for Superman, she’s going to be part of it when so many others won’t. As for the connection between Lois and Clark/Superman, I’m not sure they mesh well but then again it’s the first time out so I’ll hold out. Gisondo as Jimmy keeps on top of the stories at the Daily Planet and even has his own connections that he is secretive about. He not only helps discover connections but works with Lois on making sure the truth is exposed. Gisondo has that “Jimmy” quality but with more of an edge making a name for himself for his own work, for them both.

Fillion as the Green Lantern needs no help with his ego even if he does need help with a haircut. His confidence is interesting even if a bit misguided at times and referring to the trio as the Justice Gang just doesn’t roll off the tongue does it. That doesn’t stop him from believing in the name till the bitter end.  He does bring a bit of comedy to the drama and I’m here for it. Merced as Hawkgirl is a bit put off by all the hype and has a bit of the Negosanic Teenage Warhead oozing off her winged pours. Although not one to jump into the fray right away, it won’t stop her from eventually having a big of fun with the bad guys.

Shout out to Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho! What an awesome character who deals with his own problems with Luthor and the journey this story takes him on. Yes, we cheered for him quite loudly!

Other cast include Angela Sarafyan as Lara, Michael Rooker as Robot #1, Pom Klementieff as Robot #5, Sara Sampaio as Eve, Stephen Blackehart as Sydney, Bonnie Discepolo as Ms. Jessop, Terence Rosemore as Otis Berg, Natasha Halevi as Amanda, Paul Kim as Larry, Christian Lees as Desmond, Dinesh Thyagarajan as Malik, Wendell Pierce as Perry White, Mikaela Hoover as Cat, Christiopher McDonald as Ron Troupe, Zlatko Buric as Vasil Ghurkos, Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr., Sean Gunn as Maxwell Lord, Louisa Krause as Sapphire Stagg, James Liao as General Mori, Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard, Alan Tudyk as Gary and Bradley Cooper.

The film has a huge price tag on its head but the hype will definitely bring Superman fans into the theatres. The DC Universe is now in the hands of director Gunn and Peter Safran as co-chairmen and co-CEOs. The revamping is in its infancy with SUPERMAN being the first in a long line of new and revamped stories. Their next move will depend on the audience’s reaction to their telling and the acceptance of the changes Gunn made. It might take a little getting used to but I have a sneaky suspicion that the flaws might be happily overlooked.

Let’s get to it, I have seen three Superman’s in my lifetime. Growing up it was George Reeves as my first Superman in his television series Adventures of Superman, years later it would be Christopher Reeves (no relation) who became the new face of Superman, and more years later it would be Henry Cavill that would be the new Man of Steel. So, when it was announced that Gunn was going ‘in a new direction’, I was more than disappointed that Cavill would not be returning. Honestly, I wasn’t sure that having a fourth Superman in a lifetime was on my bingo card.

When it was time to screen the film, it was my granddaughter who asked to see SUPERMAN because she wanted to see Krypto so, of course, I gave in. What transpired was two hours and nine minutes of fun, excitement and adventure for the both of us and although Krypto may have been the main reason originally, the flying pooch would not be the only reason. Corenswet takes on the mantle of Superman that is slightly different in Gunn’s version of the DC world, but it works. It works in the sense that it is a fast-paced story that allows for no time to catch one’s breath and adds touches of humanity, humor and many surprises. There are stunning special effects, gadgets and gizmos, different spaces and place so hold onto your capes. I’m thinking there are going to be a lot of dogs named Krypto and he did steal the film several times. I highly recommend big popcorn bucket, big drink and IMAX recliners because, in the words of a previous version of this superhero – look, up in the sky, it’s a bird, it’s a plane…it’s SUPERMAN!

In the end – look up!

The Fear of NOSFERATU

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently in theatres from writer/director Robert Eggers and Focus Features comes another retelling of the story of NOSFERATU.

Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp) is a young woman living with her husband Thomas (Nicholas Hoult) in Germany. As an estate agent, Thomas is hoping that his position as Schloss Grunewald will give him an opportunity to bring a wonderful life for his wife. Called in to see his employer Herr Knock (Simon McBurney), Thomas is told that he would be traveling to visit the recluse Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgard) who wishes to purchase property in Wisborg.

Thomas asks friends Friedrich Harding (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and wife Anna (Emma Corrin) to look after Ellen as he travels to Transylvania. Arriving after weeks, he is greeted with hostility by the Romani townsfolk and witnesses a ritual that is shocking. Having to make the rest of the journey to Orlok’s castle, he is greeted by Orlok and the appearance is disturbing to Thomas. Yet, he does what he must to finish the paperwork so he can return home to Ellen.

Lord Orlok has other plans and it includes also wanting to return to see the lovely young Ellen. Thomas realizes that he must escape before the nightmares and their effects consume him. Near death, his makes his way home without realizes that Ellen is also suffering melancholy to be confronted by scientist Albin Eberhart Von Franze (Willem Dafoe). Olek has no choice but to sail for Wisborg in a rat infested ship, using the scurrying creatures to cause havoc in his new hometown met by Knock.

Wisborg is struck by the plague and Thomas attempts to regain his strength as Ellen realizes that her own dreams and nightmares are caused by one thing. Now, Thomas, Dr. Wilhelm Sievers (Ralph Ineson), Von Granze and Ellen must come together with a plan that can put a stop to the madness and destruction happening in their town.  

Hoult as Thomas is a man that clearly wants a standard of life for himself and wife Ellen. Accepting an assignment that could bring him financial reward, it could never have imagined what was truly to come. Hoult has truly spent the last few years covering almost every genre of film and standing out. In this film he is challenged with horror and a bit of bravery all in the name of love. Depp as Ellen is clearly a woman who suffers from a strange malady. Finding refuge in her marriage, it is only a temporary reprieve. Depp gives her character the look of a woman struggling to discover what is true in her life and what is madness.

Skarsgard as Orlok is a strange character but that is nothing new for this actor. The mystery is in how Orlok truly looks which is masked by shadows. The other problem for me is that the attempted accent muddled the speech so much I gave up trying to understand him. Pennywise and Orlok do have a lot in common and that’s where Skarsgard wins. Dafoe as Von Franze comes across as slightly rattled in his own mind with zippy Shakespearean one liners causing a bit of chaos trying to convince everyone that there is a vampire present.

Taylor-Johnson as Fredrich is a wealthy man who befriends Thomas and Ellen. He loves his wife and children and as the world becomes unhinged, Taylor-Johnson character has a difficult time grasping the reality of the situation. Corrin as Anna loves her friendship with Ellen and is distraught at her condition. There is nothing Corrin’s character Anna won’t do for Ellen and it may cost her.

McBurney as Knock is the servant of Orlok but that doesn’t mean his opportunity to cause a little mayhem on his own isn’t possible. Creepy and dedicated, every opportunity McBurney is on screen is a chance to shock. Ineson as Sievers is a former student of Von Franze and doctor to Ellen. Seeking help to discover the cause of a young woman’s malady, he knows that his mentor may be a little off, but brilliant none-the-less.

Focus Features’ mission is to make a lasting impact on global audiences by creating the home for artists to share diverse, distinctive stories that inspire human connection. Focus Features is part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies that brings entertainment and news to a global audience. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.focusfeatures.com.

NOSFERATU is a film that is grey, dark and filled with vampyric folklore. That being said, I was not overwhelmed by it at all. It felt campy, with overdramatic characters that felt more like this should be a stage production and not a film. Changing the names and locations just didn’t work for me as it felt more like Eggers was trying to create a different vampire story. That’s fine but then do just that – be original and stay out of another writers back yard.

The cinematography was beautifully done with the exception of a few wonky camera sweeps and the music added a nice touch of eerie to the scenes. However, the 1992 film BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA continues to be my standard and this film hasn’t changed that opinion. It is unfortunate that NOSFERATU could not find its footing because, and let’s be honest, we want to see, understand and be scared of the being in the coffin and Orlok just isn’t any of these things.

Personally, it is not a good sign when the audience is talking and giggling during the film constantly and leaving after disappointed.

In the end – succumb to the darkness!

The Name is RENFIELD on Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital from director Chris McKay and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is one man’s story of learning how to be RENFIELD.

Robert Montague Renfield (Nicholas Hoult) has been spanning the eras being the familiar to the one and only Count Dracula (Nicolas Cage). At a personal cross-road, Renfield finds himself attending a 12-step self-help group with others who are coping with being in a bad relationship with a narcissist.

New Orleans has also been plagued by the Lobo crime family headed by Mom Ella (Shohreh Aghdashloo) and out of control son Teddy (Ben Schwartz). Trying to put them behind bars is officer Rebecca Quincy (Awkwafina) who is shut down every time she has Teddy in cuffs.

A chance meeting brings Renfield (his tin of bugs) and Quincy together and angers Ella but Dracula has other plans. Making it clear that he is happy with being in the 21st century, he shares the plan with Renfield that he must do better at providing, well food, for his master. This isn’t sitting well with Renfield who is learning to be his own man!

Teddy is now after Renfield as well but ends up in Dracula’s lair. That’s where the ancient fanged horror finds out that Renfield has been sort of living a good life. Now the table is about to turn as Dracula finds people who are just as happy to be evil in order to take out the good because, as Dracula says, the good taste so much better.

Co-dependency – it’s time to take back the power!

Hoult as Renfield is charming, disarming, thoughtful, caring and pretty much an accessory to eras of, well, murder. That being said, Hoult brought life to a character that has been a bit overlooked throughout history. I just love how he is given his due and in the most unusual way. The interaction between Hoult and Cage is fantastic and a bit intimidating just to watch.

Awkwafina as Quincy is a cop who has been fighting for years to find justice for her murdered father. Especially when the ones responsible are the Lobo family. She gives us a hard edge but comedy to boot. Awkwafina gets a chance to show some action skills and it’s pretty cool.

Schwartz as Teddy is just ridiculously out of control and pretty much knows he can get away with anything. The corrupt police department makes sure of that. Schwartz looks like he is having a great time in this role.  Aghdashloo as Ella has one purpose, to keep her crime family together even if her son is a loose cannon. It’s wonderful to see her take on a comedic role while being the most well-dressed bad gal in the film.

Now, let’s talk about Cage as Dracula – I swear I either couldn’t stop laughing or was riveted by his portrayal. This isn’t your handsome, smooth talking nice guy that is misunderstood. Nope, he is clearly got dental issues, controlling tendencies, a plan for world domination and needs a nail technician asap! He has taken this role and given is thrills, laughs, chills and more thrills. Well done from start to finish.

Other cast includes Adrian Martinez as Chris, Danya LaBelle as Karla, Rhonda Dents as Sharon, Christopher Cook as Bob, Michael Sullivan as Weird Kevin, Rosha Washington as Trevante, T. C. Matherne as Kyle, Brandon Jones as Mark, Jenna Kanell as Carol, James Black as Captain Browning, Caroline Williams as Vanessa, Bess Rous as Caitlyn and Camille Chen as Kate.

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

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.

Exclusive Bonus Features include Hilarious Deleted and Extended Scenes, Alternate Takes, Dracula UnCaged – Go inside the mind of a vampire as Dracula himself, Nicolas Cage, reveals the secrets behind turning a classic character into a memorable monster, Monsters & Men: Behind the Scenes of RENFIELD - An in-depth look at RENFIELD’s cast, costumes and more as the actors and filmmakers reveal how they modernized a famous terror tale with trailblazing comedy and over-the-top action.

Also, Stages of Rejuvenation – See how special makeup effects brings the undead to life throughout the four stages of Dracula’s incredible transformation, Flesh & Blood – Exploding heads. Peeling faces. Severed limbs. They’re all part of the macabre movie magic that fuels RENFIELD with invention action and hilarious horror, Fighting Dirty – Stunt coordinator Christopher Brewster leads a look at the training, choreography, and careful execution that goes into the film’s spectacular stunt and fight scenes.

Finally, The Making of a Deleted Scene: Renfield’s Dance! – Nicholas Hoult and choreographer Kathryn Burns pull back the curtain on constructing an elaborate musical number for a fantasy dance sequence and Feature commentary with Producer Samantha Niesenboim, Screenwriter Ryan Ridley, and Crew.

RENFIELD is such a horror/comedy filled with amazing performances. Starting with Hoult and Cage then add a spicy dash of Awkwafina and add a well-chosen cast of disturbing characters and this is fun for everyone. There is action, a long history story line, blood, gun fights, body fights, more action and all in the name of the prince of darkness.

The opportunity for Renfield to tell his side of the story makes it clear that working for a self-indulgent, narcissistic ageless boss needed its moment in the sun (pun intended). Jaw dropping moments along with uncomfortable laughs only add to this strange and pretty dang cool telling.

I was all in for Cage being Dracula but man, oh man, did direction McKay get it right from action to cinematography to special effects. It is everything we didn’t know we wanted!

In the end –  behind every great monster is an overworked sidekick!

The Name is RENFIELD

 

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres today from director Chris McKay and Universal Pictures is one man’s story of learning how to be RENFIELD.

Robert Montague Renfield (Nicholas Hoult) has been spanning the eras being the familiar to the one and only Count Dracula (Nicholas Cage). At a personal cross-road, Renfield finds himself attending a 12-step self-help group with others who are coping with being in a bad relationship with a narcissist.

New Orleans has also been plagued by the Lobo crime family headed by Mom Ella (Shohreh Aghdashloo) and out of control son Teddy (Ben Schwartz). Trying to put them behind bars is officer Rebecca Quincy (Awkwafina) who is shut down every time she has Teddy in cuffs.

A chance meeting brings Renfield (his tin of bugs) and Quincy together and angers Ella but Dracula has other plans. Making it clear that he is happy with being in the 21^st century, he shares the plan with Renfield that he must do better at providing, well food, for his master. This isn’t sitting well with Renfield who is learning to be his own man!

Teddy is now after Renfield as well but ends up in Dracula’s lair. That’s where the ancient fanged horror finds out that Renfield has been sort of living a good life. Now the table is about to turn as Dracula finds people who are just as happy to be evil in order to take out the good because, as Dracula says, the good taste so much better.

Co-dependency – its time to take back the power!

Hoult as Renfield is charming, disarming, thoughtful, caring and pretty much accessory to eras of, well, murder. That being said, Hoult brought life to a character that has been a bit overlooked throughout history. I just love how he is given his due and in the most unusual way. The interaction between Hoult and Cage is fantastic and a bit intimidating just to watch.

Awkwafina as Quincy is a cop who has been fighting for years to find justice for her murdered father. Especially when the ones responsible are the Lobo family. She gives us a hard edge but comedy to boot. Awkwafina gets a chance to show some action skills and it’s pretty cool.

Schwartz as Teddy is just ridiculously out of control and pretty much knows he can get away with anything. The corrupt police department makes sure of that. Schwartz looks like he is having a great time in this role.  Aghdashloo as Ella has one purpose, to keep her crime family together even if her son is a loose cannon. Its wonderful to see her take on a comedic role while being the most well-dressed bad gal in the film.

Now, lets talk about Cage as Dracula – I swear I either couldn’t stop laughing or was riveted by his portrayal. This isn’t your handsome, smooth talking nice guy that is misunderstood. Nope, he is clearly got dental issues, controlling tendencies, a plan for world domination and needs a nail technician asap! He has taken this role and given is thrills, laughs, chills and more thrills. Well done from start to finish.

Other cast includes Adrian Martinez as Chris, Danya LaBelle as Karla, Rhonda Dents as Sharon, Christopher Cook as Bob, Michael Sullivan as Weird Kevin, Rosha Washington as Trevante, T. C. Matherne as Kyle, Brandon Jones as Mark, Jenna Kanell as Carol, James Black as Captain Browning, Caroline Williams as Vanessa, Bess Rous as Caitlyn and Camille Chen as Kate.

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

RENFIELD is such a horror/comedy filled with amazing performances. Starting with Hoult and Cage then add a spicy dash of Awkwafina and add a well-chosen cast of disturbing characters and this is fun for everyone. There is action, a long history story line, blood, gun fights, body fights, more action and all in the name of the prince of darkness.

The opportunity for Renfield to tell his side of the story makes it clear that working for a self-indulgent, narcissistic ageless boss needed its moment in the sun (pun intended). Jaw dropping moments along with uncomfortable laughs only add to this strange and pretty dang cool telling.

I was all in for Cage being Dracula but man, oh man, did direction McKay get it right from action to cinematography to special effects. It is everything we didn’t know we wanted!

In the end – it sucks to be him!

Get Ready to Dine to THE MENU

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Mark Mylod and Searchlight Pictures is the tasty and delectable food on THE MENU.

On a beautiful island, a very special dining experience with Chef Julian Slowik (Ralph Fiennes) awaits invited guests. Arriving on the dock are food critic Lillian (Janet McTeer) and Ted (Paul Adelstein), a movie star (John Leguizamo) who loves to drop names and his assistant Felicity (Aimee Carrero), Richard (Reed Birney) and wife Anne (Judith Light), and business buddies Bryce (Rob Yang), Soren (Arturo Castro) and Dave (Mark St. Cry).

Finally, foodie groupie Tyler (Nicholas Hoult) and date Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy) follow the group led by Elsa (Hong Chau). Explaining the surroundings of how the menu is created for the Hawthorne, it is clear that the staff is devoted to Chef Slowick. Led into the dining room, the group is served wine as they wait for the chef to appear.

When he does, he explains that the courses are special and have meaning. From molecular gastronomy to art on a plate, Chef Slowick wants his guests to taste everything. That is when Elsa whispers to the chef that Margot is a guest not on the original list. That upsets the him as he explains each part of the experience was perfectly planned and, Margot is not eating the food in front of her.

Tyler is jealous that the chef wants to speak to her and not him but is not going to let that stop him from enjoying the plates put before him. As the evening progresses and the wine flows, the truth of their dining experience becomes clearer than a wine glass!

Fiennes as Slowik gives a performance that is deliberate, controlled and knowledgeable. Even when you think he is going to lose control, he diverts to a story that should tell the guests everything. Fiennes is just a plate of perfection in this role and is the straight man to the last frame of the film. I just adore this performance from him.

Taylor-Joy as Margot is just a strong mysterious character who is not afraid of saying what she thinks or standing her ground. Even as she comes face to face with the chef, Margot does not back down as her part in all this expands more and more. Taylor-Joy meets his control word for word and even her panic is controlled and it is powerful.

Hoult as Tyler is just that guy who is so drawn into being a foodie groupie that he blocks out everything else that is happening. Upset with Margot that she does not share in his obsession, he looks forward to each plate with tunnel vision. Hoult gives it his all and although irritating at moments, his character has a purpose.

Bloom and Adelstein are so precocious that its hilarious and proves that having an opinion can be, well, dangerous. Leguizamo and Carrero have their own boss/employee issues with each other as the name dropper has his own confessions to make. Birney and Light are a couple that has spent a lot of time at Hawthorne dining and its time to pay the check.

Yang, Castro and Cyr are three men who have their own secrets that will take flight right before their eyes.

A big mad respect shout-out to Chau as Elsa because I loved ever minute she was on screen. This character is not afraid of anything or anyone and has no problem saying ‘no’. The scene when the three business men try to bread-bully Elsa, she says with a straight face ‘no’, I broke out laughing. Chau is stunning!

Other cast include Christina Brucato as Katherine, Peter Grosz as the Sommelier, Adam Aalderks as Jeremy, Jon Paul Allyn as the Boat Waiter and Rebecca Koon as Linda.

Searchlight Pictures is responsible for such films as SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, 12 YEARS A SLAVE, THE SHAPE OF WATER and THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI. They have an extensive film library as well as documentaries, scripted series, and limited series. For more information, please visit www.searchlightpictures.com.

THE MENU is nothing short of a plate full of perfection, it is deliciously phuged-up and I could not get enough of it. Keeping the cast in one room 99% of the time is brilliantly done and as Fiennes character controls every aspect, it is thrilling to watch how each character begins to crack around the edges and Taylor-Joy matching wits with the chef.

Those in the kitchen also have a part to play and are the raw characters. They are dedicated to the chef and they seem detached from everything that is happening. Focused on making delicious and intricate food, you hardly ever see them looking into the dining room. It was actually kind of freaky and disturbing but I loved it as well.

The plates of food served are stunningly beautiful but, like Margot, is probably not something I would eat. That makes her character relatable on so many non-conformist levels. The last plate served was exactly my cup of flower-tea sizzling with no pretentiousness or fan-fare.

Vague enough? Of course this is, why would I give away the best parts of the film when THE MENU is waiting to serve you as well. I am just going to let my palate savor every drop of what Chef Slowik served up and keep his secret recipes for everyone else to discover.

In the end – wonderful surprises wait you all!

THE CURRENT WAR Electrifies on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray from 101 Studios, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment and director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon is the story of what lights up our world from THE CURRENT WAR.

Thomas Edison (Benedict Cumberbatch) is an inventor who is on a mission to make his electric DC (Direct Current) lightbulb even better. At the time of inventing he realizes that his process reaches fewer home and was touted to be expensive.

Along comes George Westinghouse (Michael Shannon) who is also an inventor and is interested in what Edison is doing and sees a larger potential. Wishing to discuss the process even more, Westinghouse invites the Edison’s to dinner since the train was coming through their city. It was a meeting that was never to be. Westinghouse decides to work on his own technology by using AC (Alternating Current) as a mode for transporting electricity to a wider area.

In the middle of these two men is the quiet Nicola Tesla (Nicholas Hoult) who arrives in America to work for Edison. Having ideas of his own, he follows Edison only to discover that his employer only wanted to hear about his own work and no one else’s.

The war begins as Edison sees no other way but to publicly try to bring down Westinghouse by suing him for patent infringement. Taking swings at one another, the game goes back and forth so discover who has the stronger bat. In between, both men are under the umbrella of tragedy and potential financial ruin.

Edison makes decisions about his own inventions when he is approaches by prison officials but when he needs funding, his assistant Samuel Insull (Tom Holland) suggests that he work on the Phonograph. Again, in between the war is Tesla who leaves Edison and is talked to by Westinghouse but sees the same issue as with Edison.

It all comes to a head when Edison and Westinghouse both vie for providing electricity to the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1883 Chicago. At a final meeting between Edison and Westinghouse, one would expect a gloating session but they both know that each would be known as inventors.

Cumberbatch as Edison is a man that is obsessed with his invention. Supported by his wife in all ways, it is a miracle that she could keep up with his inability to see outside himself. His obsession leads to bad decisions that people keep trying to point out to him. Cumberbatch gives Edison the right twitches, especially when Edison goes against his own nature. Once again Cumberbatch turns in a solid performance.

Shannon as Westinghouse is equally as obsessed with inventions, but the difference is that he does wear his heart a little on his sleeve. When slighted or when lies are told, Westinghouse gives his anger a minute to find it’s place before jumping in and making sure the world knows what’s what! Shannon has these unique expressions that I already know this isn’t a character to mess with.

Hoult as Tesla is a man caught in the middle of the Edison and Westinghouse war. Neither will listen or they want something from him, but he holds true to himself. He doesn’t want to be part of the mess; he only wants to share his knowledge with the world but his light is kept dim by the two bigger names.

Holland as Insull also sees the potential of Edison’s work and tries to steer him clear of things that keep his invention from jumping the tracks. It isn’t an easy job, especially when your boss has a strong mind of his own. Shout out to Macfadyen as J.P. Morgan who sits and watches the mess waiting to pick up the pieces.

Other cast include Katherine Waterston as Marguerite Walker, Simon Manyonda as Lewis Latimer, Stanley Townsend as Franklin Pope, John Schwab as Rudolph Young, Conor MacNeill as William Kemmler, Matthew Macfadyen as J.P. Morgan, Damiel Molony as bourke Cockran and Tuppence Middleton as Mary Edison.

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

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.

THE CURRENT WAR is a period piece that captured my attention simple because it is a period piece. Having Cumberbatch and Shannon go at it is just icing on top of the cake for me. It is an fascinating look at how we came to throw a switch in our home today with ease and the battle it took to get us here.

I absolutely enjoyed the film from start to finish because it is never clear who was going to win the fight or if there was even a fight. It was more like two highly intelligent men could have made their lives a lot easier if they were so stubborn AND listened to Tesla. I wonder how different our world would have been.

In the end – only one could power the world!

His Story and Life Collide in TOLKIEN

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Dome Karukoski and Fox Searchlight Pictures comes the story of stories told about the life of TOLKIEN.

The story begins with war as Private Sam Hodges (Craig Roberts) finds a very ill Tolkien and makes it his mission to help him survive. Out in the field as bombs rage and gas explodes, he once again sees how his life began and led him to the field of inhumanity.

J.R.R. Tolkien (Nicholas Hoult) was a young man living with his mother and brother in a small English house in the middle of vast fields. One day Father Francis (Colm Meaney) helps the family move to the city to start again but it doesn’t last long as once again Father Francis moves Tolkien and his younger brother to the house of Mrs. Faulkner (Pam Ferris). Becoming their guardian, she starts with the boys’ education and Tolkien dives deeper into his drawings and writings.

Eventual Mrs. Faulkner takes in Edith Bratt (Lily Collins) and Tolkien is quite taken with her. Continuing to be watched over by Father Francis, the young man is told that he can’t share his feelings about her and still go to university. He makes the sad choice to leave her and joins childhood friends Rob Gilson (Patrick Gibson), Geoffrey Smith (Anthony Boyle) and Christopher Wiseman (Tom Glynn-Carney), also known as the TCBS, to university.

As the group continues to meet, Tolkien is one step away from having to leave school when he discovers Professor Wright (Derek Jacobi). Sharing his story’s with the Professor, both men become thrilled at the possibilities of the story and language. Finally finding his place in school, the war breaks out and Tolkien is called up.

Before shipping out he once again sees Edith and he finds himself still smitten with the young girl. They have a chance to explain to one another the situation as it was then but their hearts never let go of one another only to be parted again by battle.

Tolkien fights to stay alive, fights to find his friends and without realizing it would soon take all the horrors of war and create one of the most iconic stories ever written.

Hoult as Tolkien takes on the monumental task of playing a character that became famous for his books and his name becomes world wide again when the films come to the screen. I will be honest, I wasn’t sure that justice could be done in the story telling of a writer who impacted my life so profoundly yet Hoult did so. The struggles of youth followed Tolkien and he could have ‘gone wrong’ as the sayings goes but instead he found a path that Hoult walks honorably.

Collins as Edith is a young girl understanding Tolkien much more than anyone else (other than his brother). She pushes him to continue to write stories because she saw something magical about the world Tolkien creates. Collins gives her character strength, dignity and a forwardness not seen by women of Edith’s day. Meaney as Father Francis takes the role of father, protector and if that doesn’t work he uses good old fashioned guilt to ‘guide’ Tolkien’s life choices. I have to say I wasn’t happy with this character and that’s probably because I’m not much for emotional bullying which means Meaney did a fantastic job!

Gibson, Boyle and Glynn-Carney as Rob, Geoffrey and Christopher are three friends I’d love to have had growing up. Although they started out prickly, the story of each of these young men would impact Tolkien in ways they would never see coming. These four actors when on screen together are gripping and I enjoyed watching their friendship grow.

Now, as for Roberts as Private Sam Hodges, I have only one thing to say – stellar and well done young man, extremely well done. From beginning to end it was the life of Tolkien that was his mission and he took it so seriously that nothing would turn him from it. Sound like a story character you might know? 

Other cast include Laura Donnelly as Mabel Tolkien, Guillermo Bedward as Hilary Tolkien, Nia Gwynne as Browen, Tony Nash as Mackintosh, Owen Teale as Headmaster Gilson, Lara Maguire as Rose, Holly Dempster as Beryl, Genevieve O’Reilly as Mrs. Smith and David Birkbeck as Porter.

TOLKIEN is well done, beautifully put on screen and gives the viewer a deep look inside what it took for THE LORD OF THE RINGS to make it to the page. Watching the story unfold is like seeing how characters were born in his mind. I caught myself a few times pointing at things I saw on the screen with an inhale and then a smile. Okay, so being a raging Tolkien fan it was like being part of a mental treasure hunt.

The cast brings together with such intensity the moments in Tolkien’s life that he held on to for dear life. The story is raw and beautiful at the same time to the point where I didn’t want it to end. The good news is that sitting on my library shelf are the books and films which are a wonderful solace brought by a man who took what he experienced in his life and shared it in the most magnificent way with the world.

In the end – a life of love, courage and fellowship!

J.D. Salinger’s Story Comes to Life in REBEL IN THE RYE

Jeri Jacquin

This Friday from writer/director Danny Strong and IFC Films is the life of an author who wrote himself into history as the REBEL IN THE RYE.

The film begins with J.D. Salinger (Nicholas Hoult) stating “Holden Caulfield is dead”! That being said, a young Salinger is trying to find out where he belongs in the world. Convincing his parents that he wants to be a writer, Jerry enters Columbia University where he meets Whit Burnett (Kevin Spacey). Immediately testing his professor, Burnett challenges Jerry to become the writer he is.

Wanting to become published, Jerry’s learns that to be published means giving up what he believes is the heart of his work. He also finds love with Oona O’Neill (Zoey Deutch) and the war comes into his life. Burnett sees this young writer with great potential leave for battle asking that he continue writing stories with the character of Holden Caulfield.

War is more than he can take as Jerry retreats into himself mentally telling the story of Caulfield. Trying to find his way back to the world, The Catcher in the Rye is born and the book explodes. Jerry and wife Claire (Lucy Boynton) find a cottage in the woods but it is only a matter of time before the world expects another masterpiece from him. Even Burnett reaches out and Caulfield isn’t keen on going farther than the fence on his land.

It is what happens when you ‘write and get nothing in return’.

Hoult as Salinger is absolutely stunning. He brings to the character frustration, heart ache, stubbornness, fear, challenges and all of it leads to Salinger being reclusive. He takes the character step by step but doesn’t take his foot off the gas. I loved every moment of Hoult on screen and probably because I have always loved Salinger’s work. He gives Salinger to us with the good, bad and the ugly and I wouldn’t have it any other way. So well done and thank you.

Spacey as Burnett, I mean really, do I need to say it? Spacey gives this character a sly sense of humor and cutting wit but behind it is such insecurity and fear equally Salinger’s own. Watching his protégé move forward without him, Spacey’s Burnett is struggling to reconnect with what he believes is a young man with immense talent. Spacey is once again outstanding and beautiful in this role.

Paulson as Olding is an agent who believes in her client. She continually struggles to get his work published, especially when they want rewrites, but always does what Jerry wants. Boynton as Claire tries to understand what Jerry is going through but he makes it difficult when he spends more time writing than with their marriage and children. Deutch as Oona makes Jerry happy until she doesn’t and her marriage to someone else is in the tabloids and still talked about to this day.

Other cast include Brian d’Arcy James as Giroux, Victor Garber as Sol Salinger, James Urbaniak as Gus, Adam Busch as Nigel, and Jefferson Mays as William.

The film’s director Strong writes the screenplay with Kenneth Slawenski who wrote the biography J.D. Salinger: A Life. Together Strong and Slawenski give the audience some insight to the life of Salinger.

THE REBEL IN THE RYE is cinematically beautiful with the era costuming that adds another depth to the story telling. Hoult and Spacey together are stunning playing off each other with a friendship that becomes a struggle for Salinger. The scene between the two trying to reconnect really broke my heart a bit and I loved it at the same time.

That’s really what this film does, takes us on a blink of an eye journey through the life of a writer that has captured the hearts and minds of millions – and continues to do so. After seeing the film I came home to find my copy of The Catcher in the Rye and within a few days came away with a deeper love of the book and a deeper joy from the film.

Discover Salinger in a different way with REBEL IN THE RYE.

In the end – it is a battle between writing and the writer!