They are Back and Blue with SMURFS

 

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres from director Chris Miller and Paramount Pictures comes the tale of a village and its secrets with the SMURFS.

Tucked away in the woods, Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is leading his village in singing and dancing. Each Smurf is good at something but No Name Smurf (James Corden) is having a hard time finding out what that ‘something’ is. While spending a little time alone, No Name looks to the sky for answers and listening is Jaunty (Amy Sedaris), a sentient book who wants to help. Staying in secret, the book has good reason as the evil Razamel (JP Karliak) wants to bring all the books together to take over the world.

Razamel’s assistant Joel (Dan Levy) has been tasked with finding the Smurf village and when Papa Smurf is taken, No Name and Smurfette (Rhianna) are on the case. The first place to look is with Razamel’s brother Gargamel who wants to trust his brother but, well, that’s a dead end. Papa Smurf left them a clue and it leads to Mama Poot (Natasha Lyonne) and brother Ken (Nick Offerman).

Razamel, as with all bad guys, underestimates the power of the Smurfs, friendship and what happens when you find that one thing that bring you joy!

Goodman as Papa Smurf gives the voice of calm and reason in the midst of chaos when Razamel Smurf-naps him. Knowing that his village has leaders that can take care of everyone, he also knows they just have to believe in themselves. Offerman as brother Ken is not interested in really getting into the mess with Razamel/Gargamel but realizes that it is because of a history with their father. Offerman always cracks me up and, in this case, his vocals match the attitude.

Corden as No Name Smurf is just trying to find himself. For me, all I hear is Biggie asking where Mr. Dinkles is (2016 TROLLS reference). The insecurities are set aside then he believes he can do magic that can help all the Smurfs. Rhianna as Smurfette is fine but personally I just don’t feel smurfy about it. I was expecting a bit, well more – more enthusiasm, more excitement – just more. Since the film is geared to a certain audience, it isn’t a deal breaker.

Karliak gets double duty voicing both Razamel and Gargamel and yet he manages to give them each their individual voice. They may be brothers but Karliak gives them each a vocal personality and I loved it. Lyonne as Mama Poot is her usual hilarious self and it is the voice that makes the fluffy being such personality. I have to say I’m going to be looking for a Mama Poot character to put on my desk absolutely.

Levy as Joel reminds me of a over zealous intern that is hoping for a permanent job by doing whatever dastardly deed the boss wants. Even when he tries to be “evil”, it only made me laugh even more. Sedaris as Jaunty is a book with a heart of gold who wants to help No Name but also knows that the wizards want her for evil purposes.

Other Smurfs and wizards include Sandra Oh as Moxie Smurf, Jimmy Kimmel as Tardigrade, Octavia Spencer as Asmodius, Nick Kroll as Chernobog, Hannah Waddingham as Jezebeth, Alex Winter as Hefty Smurf, Maya Erskine as Vanity Smurf, Kurt Russell as Ron, Xolo Mariduena as Brainy Smurf, Hugo Miller as Clumsy Smurf, Chris Miller as Grouchy Smurf, Billie Lourd as Worry Smurf, Marshmello as Turtle, Spencer X as Sound Effects Smurf and Chris Prynoski as Quiet Smurf.

SMURFS is definitely a family-oriented film filled with all the themes of friendship, adventure, meeting new friends, knowing where you belong and standing up for what’s right. Those are excellent reasons to take the entire family to see it. The Smurfs became a part of pop culture in 1981 when Hanna-Barbera began airing the animated show. My kids were glued to the television screen every moment it was on screen. Created by artist Peyo as they were originally called Les Schtroumpfs.  

The animation is bright, colorful and everything one would expect of a story that included the Smurfs. There blue skin is highlighted by bright white clothing and iconic tipped hats making them impossible to not recognize. Children still giggle today when they see them just as much as they did forty-four years ago (that’s right, I did the math!). The characters are charming and there is no doubt about that. In this film, there is humor for the kids and for the adults as well. So, load up on the snacks and prepare for a good time together.

In the end – adventure comes out of the blue!

SOVEREIGN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Christian Swegal and Briarcliff Entertainment comes the story of a father and son who believe in the rule of SOVEREIGN.

Jerry Kane (Nick Offerman) is a man who identifies as a Sovereign Citizen who is someone who has anti-government beliefs. Raising his son Joe (Jacob Tremblay) to believe the same thing, there is part of Joe that sees a different possibility for his life. Alone much of the time, his dad speaks on a podcast about the bank trying to foreclose on his home. A knock on the door and papers served makes it clear to the young man that the clock is ticking on being able to turn back.

When Jerry returns home and Joe presents him with the papers, dad goes on a long explanation of why none of it matters because the law doesn’t apply to them. Trying to change it up, Joe is invited to join his dad on the road trip. The seminars are meetings with groups of citizens that feel the need to be heard by Jerry. The lectures he gives are what he considers an explanation about the inner workings of banks and how to stop them from supporting it. Joe does his part to help but also spends his downtime looking into attending school much to Jerry’s surprise and feelings towards the school system in general.

After an encounter with the law, Joe is interviewed y Chief John Bouchart (Dennis Quaid) who talks to the boy about his fathers’ actions and beliefs. Taken in by Social Services, Joe gets a look into spending time with kids his own age and experiencing time in a classroom but it is short lived when he is reunited with his father. Back on the road they finally arrive home once again to deal with the foreclosure and a court date notice. Jerry believes he has the right to stand up for himself but finds that being pushed to the limits with his own rights and the law of the land. Once again up against the law, what happens next brings the unimaginable for all involved.

Offerman as Kane is a man who is deep into the idea of being a Sovereign and lives his life accordingly. Constantly pushing the beliefs on his son, it is a daily deluge of study and reading to keep the boy on the “right” path. This is an intense role to play but Offerman does so exceedingly well to the point portraying a man clearly upset with the world he lives in. There are people in the world who actually believe as Jerry Kane does and Offerman seems to have embodied them all. So well done and frightening at the same time.

Tremblay as Joe is a young man who is clearly torn by the world around him. He tries to support his father as much as he can in the bid to keep the house but knows there is another world out there. While his father is living in his own world, Joe wants to be a part of kids his own age and the potential to go to school and learning. Tremblay being and living part of his father’s teachings, there are moments where you can see the character of Joe trying to find a way out and this young actor shows every bit of it on his face. What a stellar performance that Tremblay should be proud of.

Quaid as Chief Bouchart is a man who was raised to believe that being tough is not only a way to live but a way to a strong career. Watching his own son train to be a police officer, the toughness he has always been as a father follows the toughness of being a cop himself. What his character could never have imagined is that the small town is about to become even smaller. I enjoy when Quaid plays tough characters and with his recent success on the series HAPPY FACE currently streaming on Prime, there is no stopping Quaid from taking on such diverse roles.

Other cast include Terry Nelson as Deputy Hall, Kezia DaCosta as Candace, Buddy Campbell as Buddy, Thomas Kramer as Tommy, Jared Carter as Jared, Ruby Wolf as Jess, Megan Mullally as Beverly, Martha Plimpton as Leslie Ann and Nancy Travis as Patty Bouchart.

Briarcliff Entertainment is an independent American film production and distribution company founded by former Open Road Films CEO Tom Ortenberg. Launched in 2018, the studio debuted with Michael Moore's documentary Fahrenheit 11/9 as their first film. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.briarcliffentertainment.com.

SOVEREIGN is an intense film that deals with a subject that not many really know about. To be honest I didn’t understand it all myself until I did a little research of my own. It is a little disturbing that there are masses of people who believe in the same ideas as the character Jerry Kane. Was I surprised by what I found? In today’s world and the upside down of it all the flat answer is no. If you don’t believe me, check out TikToks and YouTube channels where more and more are posting the very thing this character said in the film. The unhappiness of those who follow the idea of being sovereign will not be swayed.

Offerman brings with his role the intensity that I’ve seen on the faces of those on social media. His portrayal is a lesson to everyone that the disgruntled people living in the United States has far reaching consequences as each day of unhappiness and turmoil goes by. He is frightening and confusing all at the same time and watching his character trying to indoctrinate Joe just brings a heart heaviness as history shows what happens when generations are fed hate. Tremblay is stellar as well watching his character of Joe try to fight what is being force fed to his young mind.

The film is based on true events but what it does even more is shine a very bright light on our country that is struggling day to day with an identity that is slowly fading and in the hands of people like Jerry Kane. Watch and see for yourself.

In the end – when two beliefs collide!

Butterfield, Burstyn and Offerman Epically Shine in the THE HOUSE OF TOMORROW

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Peter Livolsi based on the novel by Peter Bognanni and Shout! Studios is the ideals of the past, frozen in the present with eyes toward the THE HOUSE OF TOMORROW.

Living in a dome house in the woods is Sebastian Prendergast (Asa Butterfield), a young teenager living with his grandmother Josephine (Ellen Burstyn) studying the philosophies of R. Buckminster Fuller. Josephine has kept Sebastian sequestered from the rest of the world and it will soon become obvious to the young man.

Alan Whitcomb (Nick Offerman) arrives at the House of Tomorrow with a church group to hear all about the history of Buckminster along with son Jared (Alex Wolff) and Meredith (Maude Apatow). While speaking with the kids, Josephine ends up in the hospital and that's when Alan and Jared notice that Sebastian isn't an ordinary teenager.

Sebastian may be different but then again so is Jared. When Alan makes an attempt to help along a friendship, Jared isn't the warm and fuzzy type. Yet Sebastian takes the initiative to visit the Whitcomb home and learns that Jared is different in his own way. Meredith sees Sebastian's innocence as sweet and notices that her brother has truly taken an interest in life.

Learning about one another is awkward yet school is in session as their friendship turns to music and all the things Sebastian has been missing outside of his dome-cocoon. Josephine spends her time coming up with ideas to get more people into the dome for visits but also notices that something is changing about her grandson. Feeling him pulling away causes an emotional showdown.

When Alex and Sebastian decide to start a band and perform - they are up against a grandmother who refuses to budge from the past, an over protective father who is afraid of the present and a future that can only shine for the House of Tomorrow.

Butterfield as Sebastian has once again embraced a role that is deep, endearing and innocent. Smarter than the average teen and a vocabulary even an adult would shy away from, it is when he crosses to the outer-side that the two worlds mesh and he makes it his own. Butterfield not only has the ability to show every fiber of innocence but when he lets loose, he also has the ability to make us all cheer for him!

Wolff as Jared is a young man dealing with an over protective father and a mother with problems of her own. Finding an unusual friendship with Sebastian turns out to be just what the doctor ordered. Trying to find his own place in the world, Jared finds it in music, taking chances by breaking away bringing Sebastian with him. I truly enjoyed Wolff in this role and I admit he also made me laugh - a lot, and because just as Sebastian has a way of talking, so does Jared.

Offerman as Dad Alan is raising two teen kids who are clearly strong willed and, once in a while, cause him to cringe with things they say and do. I have to say that Offerman has the calmness of a saint with all the shenanigans happening in his home as well as finding he has another teen in his home. When Alex needs him the most, Alan kicks into over drive and starts to see his son differently. Apatow as Meredith is the girl who is irritated with Dad, insulting with brother and leery of Mom - in other words a typical teenager. She sees something in Sebastian that gives her a little more hope that life still can be surprising.

Burstyn as Josephine has lived her life attacked to that of R. Buckminster Fuller. Believing in the philosophies that the world can be a better place, she has raised her grandson to make a difference in the world. Of course when he becomes aware of the outside world, and a Pepsi, she becomes distraught thinking he will be lost to it all. I absolutely adore Burstyn, always have, and her role in THE HOUSE OF TOMORROW reminds me (as if I need it) of the astronomical level of her talent.

Writer Peter Bognanni teaches creative writing in Minnesota and won the Los Angeles Time Book Prize and the ALA Alex Award for the novel The House of Tomorrow. His second book is Things I'm Seeing Without You is a story of love, loss and loving again.

THE HOUSE OF TOMORROW is a beautiful film that wraps the past, present and future all around the heart. As someone who is well aware of R. Buckminster Fuller, I truly loved that his presence is mixed in the story and was surprised to learn the piece of footage with Burstyn and Fuller is actually real. Just that moment in the film brings the viewer into it all on an even deeper level.

Keeping the cast to a minimum is also something that I truly enjoyed about the story. Focusing on the relationship between Josephine, Sebastian and the Whitcomb's lets our hearts open to endearment, coming of age, change and even a bit of laughter. This story is about five very different people discovering that grandmothers can be sticklers, fathers know more than they say and that kids reach a point where breaking away sometimes means breaking the rules.

In the end - make your own future!

THE HERO is an Absolute Winner

Jeri Jacquin

In theatres from writer/director Brett Haley and The Orchard is a performance that brings us THE HERO.

Lee Hayden (Sam Elliott) is an out of work actor who is about to discover his mortality. Given medical news that requires almost immediate action, Lee isn't sure what he wants to do.

Sitting with fellow out of work actor Jeremy (Nick Offerman), Lee has an opportunity to share the news with someone. Instead he tells Jeremy that he is getting ready to make another movie. He also meets Charlotte (Laura Prepon), a younger free spirited woman who happens to be a stand up comic. They take a liking to one another but Lee is distracted dealing with life.

Visiting his ex-wife Valarie (Katharine Ross), he tries to tell her as well but ends up asking about their daughter Lucy (Krysten Ritter) who seems to be avoiding him. Lee tries to invite Lucy to be his date to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award but receives a cold response. So he takes Charlotte who introduces Lee to a night of induced fun.

Charlotte invites Lee to see her stand up comedy stylings. He is devastated by what he hears and a tail spin ensues as Lee being to feel every moment of his life on his shoulders. You can run or swim in any kind of bottle through life and Lee learns that the hard way.

To his surprise there is a great potential for forgiveness, friendship, love and a chance to make his life a good one.

It is never too late to see the love!

Elliott as Lee is everything audiences have come to love about this actor and more. His magnificent slow cowboy drawl and full on mustache has always been recognizable. From his debut in the 1969 BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID to THE SACKETTS in 1979 his cowboy persona wins. His side-eye and mischievous grin has become iconic and even more so in the 1989 film ROAD HOUSE. 

Elliott was quoted as saying, “I think I might have been a more interesting actor, had more of a career earlier on, if I had more formal preparation”. Not taking away how you feel there Sam but audiences continue to be thrilled by past performances and are going to be stunned with THE HERO.

Prepon as Charlotte is an interesting woman who sees past Lee’s age. To her there is a mystery too be unraveled about Lee but at the same time embraces her free spirit. That being said, he ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ attitude is also a bit of a façade.

Offerman as Jeremy is the relaxingly baked comic relief yet a gentle spirit for Lee. Enjoying Lee’s company since he was a young actor seems to be enough for him. Their scenes together are both funny and touching.

Ritter as Lucy has a years worth of bones to pick with her father and she gets her chance. The problem is, as in life, wanting to call someone out on their flaws doesn’t always feel as good as you think it will and Lucy learns that. Ross as Valarie is still stunning and I personally was thrilled to see her back on the screen across her husband.

Other cast include Doug Cox as the Doctor, Max Gail as Gary Babcock, Jackie Joyner as Betsy, Patrika Darbo as Diane and Frank Collison as the Man in Dreams.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give THE HERO five tubs of popcorn out of five. Elliott gives a powerful, intense, funny, charming and heartfelt performance without special effects, cgi or sappy music pulling the audience into the story. Instead, we go willingly into Lee’s life because the journey is one we all have faced.

Owning up to past mistakes, Elliott gives the character every bit of the complexities we understand and care about. We also get treated to knowing that no matter what age, we all can still do crazy stuff and be surprised by life.

The one moving piece of THE HERO is that redemption maybe painful but it is a fleeting pain in comparison to the compassion and love that can follow. THE HERO is beautifully filmed, stunningly cast and had the screening audience thrilled to have experienced every moment.

THE HERO was nominated for a Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and nominated Best American Independent Feature Film by the Cleveland International Film Festival for Brett Haley. The film won Honors for Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking for actor Sam Elliott at the Newport Beach Film Festival.

Take a moment to experience a film that will bring out every human emotion we share in this journey through life.

In the end – this is where the past and his mortality collide!

A Look at the Iconic Golden Arches with THE FOUNDER on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

Today on Bluray/DVD and Digital HD from director John Lee Hancock, the Weinstein Company and Anchor Bay Entertainment is the story behind McDonalds with THE FOUNDER.

It is 1954 and Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton) is a man who is always on the move with his supply business. Working for Prince Castle who made five-spindle shake makers, he sold them one at a time to restaurants. He was surprised to receive a telephone call from Dick McDonald (Nick Offerman) ordering several of the machines.

Living with wife Ethel (Laura Dern) in a beautiful home in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Kroc is always looking for the next big thing to keep their lifestyle. Always on the road, he becomes more and more irritated with the drive-in burger experience.

Still intrigued by the telephone call for more than one of the machines, Kroc goes to see what restaurant needs more than one! He arrives in San Bernardino, California to see something stunning. People lining up to get a McDonald’s hamburger, fries and a coke, Kroc loves the food.

He introduces himself to Dick and Mac McDonald (John Carroll Lynch) and they give him a tour of their hamburger assembly line process, quality produce and service. Kroc knows that this is a business he wants to be part of and convinces the brothers to go into partnership with Kroc franchising out to others.

Rollie Smith (Patrick Wilson) and wife Joan (Linda Cardellini) show interest in the business and he shows interest in Joan. Finding a boom in the franchising of McDonalds, Kroc is constantly being stopped by the brothers in making any changes per their contract. If that isn’t enough, Ethel is alone more than with her husband.

Kroc wants to make McDonalds iconic and without the brothers so with the help of Harry Sonneborn (B.J. Novak). His new company, Franchise Realty Corporation, begins the takeover of land that any McDonalds is on. Changing the name to The McDonald’s Corporation, he buys out the brothers which includes the name and takes a new wife.

McDonalds is now a part of the American landscape!

Keaton as Kroc is stunning in this role. He has this amazing ability to hook me into watching every character he has ever portrayed and the role of Kroc is no exception. I love the way he turns a phrase and gives this character charm – even when I really didn’t want to like Kroc.

Offerman as Nick plays a man who is clear about his business goals. Knowing that the idea of McDonalds was something special, he does try his damnedest to keep Kroc in line. It’s when things get out of control that Offerman gives us a look at a man who believed in something and someone only to be taken advantage of. Lynch as brother Mac is the brother who absolutely breaks my heart. He wants to believe that expanding would mean so much and was hit the hardest when it turned on them both. Lynch is one of my favorite actors because he can play both the villain and an endearing character and make it look easy.

Dern as Ethel is a woman who is the perfect housewife taking care of Ray when he is home. Supporting every endeavor he takes on means she also comes in second in every endeavor he takes on. Cardellini as Joan is a subtle character who is beautiful, talented, smart and believes in Kroc.

Wilson as Rollie wants to be part of the McDonalds franchise and offers suggestions. Having his own restaurant, Rollie believes he has a lot to offer Kroc. Novak as Sonneborn is the key to changing everything in the initial deal with the McDonald brothers and it is brilliant actually. Novak is the level headed character in the film while everyone else is shouting and outraged.

Other cast includes Justin Brooke as Fred Turner, Kate Kneeland as June Martino, Griff Furst as Jim Zien, Wilbur Fitzgerald as Jerry Cullen, David de Vriest as Jack Horford, Andrew Benator as Leonard Rosenblatt, and Cara Mantella as Myra Rosenblatt.

The Weinstein Company is the film studio founded by Bob and Harvey Weinstein founded in 1979. Since 2005, TWC has released such films as VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA, THE READER, INGLORIOUS BASTERDS, THE KING’S SPEECH, THE ARTIST, DJANGO UNCHAINED and THE HATEFUL EIGHT. The Weinstein’s have received 341 Oscar nominations and won 81 Academy Awards.

Anchor Bay brings amazing entertainment to those extending their media library and is also celebrating their 20^th Anniversary. From theatrical to home release, Anchor Bay brings STARZ Original series, AMC Network series, The Weinstein Company, Radius, children’s entertainment, fitness, and sports to fans. To discover more of what Anchor Bay Entertainment has to offer, please visit www.anchorbayent.com.

THE FOUNDER is such an interesting look at a place known all over the world. I remember my first McDonalds visit when I was five when the outside was red and white with the big arches on either side of the building.

The one thing that I and others never thought about was the story behind those golden arches. This film is a double edge sword in that it’s a history I want to know but one that I’m surprised to learn. The McDonald brothers are portrayed as two men who have a grand idea and it works for them in a fantastic way.

That is until Ray Kroc comes in and although I understand his excitement, I was very upset in a way about how he went about it all. Does that mean I’ll never eat a McDonald’s French fry ever again – hardly.

Keaton puts his stamp on this role and along with Offerman and Lynch, THE FOUNDER is a film I highly recommend. The cinematography, costumes and sets are amazing and brought me back to that era with ease. This is a story that is well done by writer Robert D. Siegel who is also known for the 2008 film THE WRESTLER.

The Bluray includes the Special Features of a Behind-the-Scenes Gallery Featurette and Press Conferences. The Digital HD allows viewing from your television, computer, tablet and Smartphone.

In the end – risk taker, rule breaker and game changer!