A Winning HBO Series with THE WHITE LOTUS Season 3

 

Jeri Jacquin

Now on DVD from creator Mike White is the HBO Original THE WHITE LOTUS: The Complete Third Season.

Zion (Nicholas Duvernay) is attempting to try meditation with Amrita (Shalini Peiris) when gunfire breaks out leaving him wondering where mom Belinda (Natasha Rothwell) is. A week prior, a boat comes to port with Rick (Walton Goggins), girlfriend Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood), Timothy (Jason Isaacs), wife Victoria (Parker Posey) and their kids Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger), Piper (Sarah Hook) and Lochlan (Sam Nivola). Also, actress Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan) and friends Kate (Leslie Bibb) and Laurie (Carrie Coon). Already on shore is Chloe (Charlotte Le Bonn) and Greg (Jon Gries). Fabian (Christian Friedel) meets the guests along with hotel owner Sritala (Lek Patravadi).

The resort is already a buzz with Rick being upset that the person he came to see isn’t there, Kate and Jaclyn talk divorce, Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong) finally talks with health mentor Mook (Lalisa Manobal) about his feelings. Belinda and Pomchai (Dom Hetrakul) have something going, Saxon can’t stop himself from being inappropriate, and Timothy tries hard to avoid the calls that are plaguing him. Victoria is dealing with a big of worry about a tsunami which sets Piper off believing it is a foreboding. Piper finally gets to do what she came for and visits a monastery for her thesis. Belinda might know someone and does what anyone would do.

Fabian might have made a mistake by giving Gaitok a gun but Mook sees it as promotion potential. Ricks detachment from Chelsea has her wondering what is happening and gets an unexpected answer. Lochlan also gets an unexpected discussion with Piper about her monastery visit. Timothy can’t get away from his problems and finds a questionable way to deal with it and Gaitok confronts him. Chloe takes the younger crowd to a Full Moon party and supplies the ‘party favors. Jaclyn, Kate and Laurie go clubbing and meets up with guys and makes a night of it, literally.

Belinda is surprised by her son Zion catching her in an awkward situation. Greg is suspicious of the happenings around Saxon and Lochlan. Timothy’s situation has caused him to think about doing the worst things possible. Rick is not done trying to meet Jim Hollinger (Scott Glen) and involves Sritala in his scheming. It doesn’t take but a moment for Rick to make it clear why he is in Thailand and it isn’t for his mental health. Mook decides to go out on a date with Gaitok and she learns his security guard secret. Chelsea tries to help Saxon with his wileyness, but some guys you can’t help.

Piper finally tells her parents the truth of her visit to Thailand, after a girlfriend disagreement, Laurie remembers why she is friends with Jaclyn and Kate and Timothy turns everything upside down in a blender of pina coladas. Jim and Rick finally have their moment and it is after that Sritala changes everything and it seems the only one walking away from this in a positive way is Gaitok!

Goggins as Rick doesn’t have the same thrill as his girlfriend about being in Thailand. That could be because he is there with a mission in mind and it has nothing to do with a vacation. Watching him unpack with health mentor Amrita, he blurts out a past that might explain the present.  I have to say that honestly, I love everything Goggins does so when I heard he was on this season, I tuned in for it. I love when he takes on a character that is spicey or standoffish and the character of Rick gives me both. Wood as Chelsea is a young woman who can’t understand why Rick is behaving a bit mean with her. This is a rather cheerful and outgoing young lady and her man is starting to take the joy out of her.

Isaacs as Timothy is a man with a problem, and that problem is the law. Trying to stay out of it is proving to be a challenge no matter how many phone calls he takes. It is his thoughts about how to get out of it that are disturbing. Posey as wife Victoria seems disjointed on this trip but things begin to happen around her that make it impossible to not have an all-out reaction. Hook as Piper has brought her family to Thailand for one reason but it is clear she has another reason. Out of all the people at the hotel, I think she is the sanest one of all.

Schwarzenegger as Saxon is a sex starved degenerate of a son who doesn’t hesitate to see that he has a problem – but that’s what narcissism does. He is absolutely the peacock of the hotel and doesn’t mind what anyone thinks of what he says or does. Nivola as brother Lochlan admits that he is a people pleaser but finds himself going way to far. Caught between what sister Piper is doing and how brother Saxon behaves may be the thing that pushes him over the edge.

Monaghan as Jaclyn is an actress taking time away to rekindle her friendships. Getting the gossip in person feels so much better than their yearly telephone calls. Bibb as Kate doesn’t mind filling Jaclyn in on what has been happening as their first dinner. The scene between Monaghan and Bibb is girl talk but also feels like a chipping away at a friend yet I loved it. Coon as Laurie is going through problems of her own and trying to hide it from the others. I just love Coon and especially her latest role as Bertha Russell in the wildly successful hit THE GILDED AGE also on HBO.

Rothwell as Belinda is such a charming character. She is at the hotel on her own but it is clear that she feels like she is missing something in her life. Finding it in Hetrakul as Pomchai, it makes her wonder whether staying is something she really wants but at the same time so cute! Manobal as Mook gets the joy (and I laugh when I say that) to deal with the guests and their idiosyncrasies. So charming and lovely, I don’t think I’d be as gracious as Mook and well done Manobal. Thapthimthong as Gaitok is not only a little love sick, but will do anything to move up the ladder and impress Mook. He is equally as charming as Manobal and if I were a big roller I’d tip both of them beyond belief.

Shout out to Patravadi as Sritala, the colorful and outspoken hotel owner who comes in and out at will. She is also a wonderful singer. Also, Friedel as Fabian who tries to keep things running smoothly but his facial expressions say it all.

Other cast include Ke Huy Quan as Kenneth, Scott Galloway as Chuck, Rob Carlton as Rupert, Yothin Udomsanti as Pee Lek, Suthichai Yoon as Luang Poor Teera, Yuri Kolokolnikov as Vlad, Julian Kostov as Aleksei, Morgana O’Reilly as Pam, and Arnas Fedaravicius as Valentin.

HBO Home Entertainment brings critically acclaimed and groundbreaking programming throughout the world. Releases include the global hit Game of Thrones, True Detective, Girls, The Sopranos, Sex and the City, True Blood, The Wire and Entourage. The company's catalog contains hundreds of titles including Big Little Lies and Band of Brothers. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.hbo.com.

The episodes include Same Spirits New Forms, Special Treatments, The Meaning of Dreams, Hide or Seek, Full-Moon Party, Denials, Killer Instincts, and Amor Fati.

The Special Features include Invitation to Set: Welcome to Thailand, Thai Tea, Closet Tour, Unpacking Each Episode, and Get to Know the Characters.

THE WHITE LOTUS: The Complete Third Season gives so much complexity, twists and turns, and getting to learn about each guest is so intriguing. Taking on some dark topics, they are wrapped in the kind of humor that I like. Like a warmed towel, the story slowly unwraps and keeps us comfortable so that we have no issues waiting for it all to explode. Carbon based units are difficult enough, those at THE WHITE LOTUS are ripe with their insecurities and fears but have no problem having a few drinks under the sun.

Watching all these problems under the stunning setting of Thailand, it would normally make one wonder how it’s possible to have any problems at all. Of course, the monkeys probably knew these were human train wrecks before their feet could make an impression in the sand upon arrival. Goggins is sublime, Isaacs has me as nervous as a turkey at Thanksgiving, Posey had me laughing, Schwarzenegger was good at being ridiculous, the trio of Monaghan, Bibb and Coon reminded me of groups of girlfriends I know, and Manobal and Rothwell are so endearing and charming.

This series definitely deserves to be binge-watched because one at a time is just torture. I intentionally left off details because I hate when someone gives everything away. It is much more fun to have a clue about the characters but get the deep dive while watching on one’s own. Also, this is a perfect series to have friends over to share and with the DVD you can do just that. No commercials only a fun get together with strangers in Thailand!

In the end – same luxury new reservations!

She is the One and Only THELMA

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this week from writer/director Josh Margolin and Magnolia Pictures is the story of a woman on a mission with THELMA.

Thelma (June Squibb) is an elderly woman living on her home since the death of her husband. Spending a lot of time with Thelma is grandson Daniel (Fred Hechinger) who helps where he can and teaches grandma something about the computer world. One morning Thelma receives a distressing telephone call that Daniel is in trouble and needs a large sum of money sent immediately to free him.

Being a good grandmother, Thelma immediately sends the funds in the mail. A bit later, she begins to wonder what she has done and calls Daniel to discover that he is fine and she has been scammed. Running over to question her is Daniels parents Gail (Parker Posey) and Alan (Clark Gregg). Beginning to wonder whether Thelma can continue to live alone, she has other ideas.

Taking off to see Ben (Richard Roundtree) to borrow his super-scooter, Thelma decides she is going to go to the address and get her money back. Now, Daniel, Gail and Alan are on the chase to find Thelma with the help of Detective Morgan (Chase Kim). Nothing is going to stop her from getting to those who underestimate the power of senior anger!

Squibb as Thelma absolutely slays in this role! Look, you don’t have to be 93 to want to put a criminal in his place and that’s exactly what Thelma does. Squibb’s voice might sound like that of a helpless senior but when the going gets tough, the tough snags a scooter! I just adored watching this story unfold because, if it be told, I’d probably want to do the exactly same thing. Squibb gives us a peek into the possibilities and, at the same time, understand her feelings of friendship, loss and being alone at her age. Just a wonderful performance!

Hechinger as Daniel is a truly kind grandson who wants to help grandma as much as possible. Even when she bucks, he makes it clear that he wants to be of service. At the same time, he is going through his own issues of breaking the cord between his parents and finding out what he is really made of.

Posey as Gail and Gregg as Alan are indecisive and a tad senior-judgmental people who don’t really understand Thelma and understand Daniel even less. They are all over the place and although their hearts may seem genuine, its hard to understand what makes them survive day to day. That’s not a bad thing, I’m just the outsider looking at them with a huge question mark over my head and then laughing.

Shout out to Roundtree as Ben living in a senior facility (are we not allowed to say nursing home anymore I wonder) and seeming to enjoy it. He also has a secret thang for Thelma and before he has a chance to say ‘bob’s your uncle’, Thelma has him caught up in the adventure and not so sure he’s enjoying it. I enjoyed watching Roundtree and, along with Squibb, show that one senior is good – two is a force to be reckoned with.

Other cast include Shela Korsi as Gloria, Annie O’Donnell as Grace, Zoe Worth as the Theater Director, David Giuliani as Starey Gary, Ruben Rabasa as Winston, Nicole Byer as Rochelle, Quinn Beswick as Colin, Coral Pena as Allie, and Bunny Levine as Mona.

Magnolia Pictures is responsible for such releases as SLAY THE DRAGON, JOHN LEWIS: Good Trouble, the crime thriller THE WHISTLERS, documentaries such as THE PIECES I AM and films such as the directorial debut of Italian filmmaker Filippo Meneghetti. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.magpictures.com.

THELMA is so much fun to watch and it is because of Squibb and her ability to pull of comedy. I have always enjoyed her performances but this one might by my favorite. She takes the lead and holds it the entire film with her charm, sweetness (until further notice), and focus on the task at hand! To my mind, criminals need to be on notice when someone like Thelma is around.

The underlying story is also quite touching as Thelma lives alone and doesn’t realize how that has had her feeling till she visits friends. Seeing for herself that there is a sadness for people her age. Thelma has made a life for herself but forgot to let others into that life to enjoy the years that pass all too quickly.

In the midst of all of this mix is pure comedy gold. Squibb and Roundtree together had me laughing so much. The adventure could never have been what Thelma imagined but it certainly didn’t stop her from the finish line. Watching everyone else run around like mad to save Thelma from herself, its too bad they didn’t understand that she had things under control, well, in her own special way and that’s all that matters. What a wonderful story that writer/director Margolin has brought to the screen so if you are looking for heartwarming, adventurous fun, then let THELMA take you on a ride.

In the end – revenge has never been sweeter!

LOST IN SPACE: The Complete First Season Spins in on Bluray

Jeri Jacquin

This week on Bluray from 20^th Century Fox Home Entertainment comes the iconic Robinson family who are LOST IN SPACE.

The Robinson Family are about to go on a journey that they would never have thought possible. On board the Resolute ship to colonize space is Commander Maureen Robinson (Molly Parker), former Navy Seal John Robinson (Toby Stephens), doctor Judy (Taylor Russell), mechanic Penny (Mina Sundwall) and 11 year old Will Robinson (Maxwell Jenkins). Also aboard is the Don West (Ignacio Serricchio) and Dr. Smith (Parker Posey).

When their ship is attacked and the Robinson family race to board Jupiter 2 and are hurled through space landing on ice but begins to feel it sinking. Judy tries to get the power back up on the ship as Penny races to try and save their mother who is injured. Will wanders outside only to fall down a deep hole that turns up a space ship and a robot that is out of whack. Being the tinkerer he is there is a new member to the gang.

Don West and Smith also survived the Resolute attack and after landing begin looking for survivors. Back with the Robinsons, the Robot is helping the family not only with the ice surrounding their ship but creates a mental connection with young Will. In that connection they all discover what happened to the Resolute. Outside a storm is brewing and a flare brings Dr. Smith to the ship.

The story of how Dr. Smith came to be on the ship in the first place and the question is whether the Robinson family are in danger because of it. Still working to get the ship working, it is Robot who takes it upon himself to fix the issues and get it off the ice. That is when a communication comes through of other survivors as they all try to connect for rescue.

Moving the ship from the ice to a more stable place, Will and Smith have a conversation about Robot. What the young man doesn’t know is that Smith has plans for trying to get the robot away from Will. Another problem is that creatures are consuming the ships fuel which is making a getaway impossible. Vijay Dhar (Ajay Friese) comes from another survivors group and Penny is taken with him.

Maureen discovers a black hole that is close to the sun making life for them more difficult once again. Vijay’s father and Don get to their ship in the desert and discover there are no creatures taking fuel but Don finds out who Dr. Smith really is and shares that with Judy but not before chaos is created and John is injured.

When confronted about John’s injury, Dr. Smith believes that Vijay’s father Victor is to blame. John and Maureen take out the rover but a tar pit sends them to the bottom and they have time to talk about family issues. In the meantime Don and Victor are trying to salvage the fuel after an accident with the tanker. With all that is going on, Dr. Smith has a plan in motion.

Victor wants to get off the planet because of its instability but Maureen and John know the launch needs more done for it to be successful. They receive a message from the Resolute that time is crucial and Don realizes he must pilot the ship if they are all to survive. Of course Dr. Smith has other plans!

When things go wrong Will is not going to believe it is impossible to make things right, especially when he discovers that the rocks he’s found are an answer. Maureen is in the middle of realizing that Dr. Smith can’t be trusted and when she can’t be found, Judy sets out to find both of them. There is also a reason for the attack on the Resolute and the Robot’s role become clearer and far more dangerous than the Robinson’s realize.

The Resolute has been sent a message that the survivors are about to launch off the planet. What they know now about Robot and the story of it all comes to a head when Will is saved from the grips of Dr. Smith and in a flash the engine aboard Jupiter 2 pushes them away from the Resolute to somewhere only Will recognizes.

Danger Will Robinson!

Parker as Maureen Robinson wants to be part of the colony and have her family part of the journey. She has her hands full once everything goes crazy because now there are others that have also survived and in the same predicament. Stephens as John Robinson goes along with Maureen to leave their home. There are issues with them and they aren’t about to get any better under these circumstances.

Russell as Judy is smart and very aware of what is happening and how it affects them all. Trying to keep everyone medically safe is almost as much a challenge as just keeping them plainly safe.  Sundwall as Penny is definitely a Robinson and knows what she is doing. Serricchio as Don doesn’t start out with the Robinsons but all too soon

Jenkins as 11-year-old Will Robinson is amazing and brings the human emotion to the series that sometimes gets lost in the action and adventure of it all. His relationship with Robot scares everyone but Will. Posey as Dr. Smith is about as manipulative and destructive as any character can be without getting her hands dirty. Clearly this gal has issues and she’s going to make sure everyone else pays for those issues.

Other cast include Amelia Burstyn as Diane, Raza Jaffrey as Victor Dhar, Sibongile Mlambo as Angela, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa as Hiroki, Kiki Sukezane as Aiko, Yukari Komatsu as Naoko, Adam Reid as Peter Beckert, Shaun Parkes as Captain Radic, Douglas Hodge as Hastings and Brian Steele as The Robot.

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment brings award-winning global product and new entertainment to DVD, Bluray, and Digital HD. There amazing collection offers fans an opportunity to expand their own home libraries with the best films. To discover what other titles they have please visit www.fox.com.

The Bluray Special Features include “No Place to Hide” – Colorized Unaired Pilot from the Original Series, Deleted Scenes, Bill and Max: Lost and Found in Space, Bill Mumy Visits the Jupiter 2, Designing the Robot and Lost in Space Sizzle.

Episodes include: Impact, Diamonds in the Sky, Infestation, The Robinsons Were Here, Transmission, Eulogy, Pressurized, Trajectory, Resurrection, Danger Will Robinson.

LOST IN SPACE takes on the baton from the 1965 original television series. The special effects give this new re-telling a chance to bring the adventures in space a wider berth. The family story is complex and strained in moments but still the story of a family. The relationship between Will and the Robot are, as I am sure it is for many, truly something to see.

I grew up watching the original LOST IN SPACE and it was Will and the Robot that captured my attention in the beginning. Then it became like a science fiction soap opera that was a weekly addiction in our home. Although the characters have had some revision from the original, the idea and the family complexity is still there.

It is a wide universe and LOST IN SPACE: The Complete First Season makes sure we are all aware of it.

In the end – danger will find them!